What engine is this?

[Wildmani]

So my son just turned 15 and I've been browsing the classifieds for a car for him, kind of a pipe dream really because he's still a couple of years away from getting his own car. I want to get him something pre 1988 (to avoid our area's emission laws lol), full frame, and something easy to fix with cheap plentiful parts. Looking at G bodies, full size GMs, etc. I'd also like something not too great on gas so he won't be able to afford to joyride as much 8) . Anyway, I stumbled across this MC and thought it looked pretty good. Doesn't mention what the engine is but the distributer is on the front of the engine, I've never seen that before that I can remember. I've had a few cars with small block chevy's and a couple of V6's but I don't ever remember seeing a front mounted distributer. Here's a link to the ad, just out of curiosity what is this engine?

http://guelph.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles ... Z327212067

 

[Peter]

buick 3.8

 

[Evan11]

buick 3.8

yep

 

[Wildmani]

Cool, thanks! Figured that would be an easy one for this site lol! Would that be normal for a MC?

 

[Peter]

yep the car appears to be a stock non AC car, something many people here like to see. my eyes may be mistaken but thought i saw some rust issues on the drivers side quarter

 

[Wildmani]

I saw that rust as well. Oh well, I'm just dreaming at this point anyway, he needs to actually GET the licence first lol! Would be a nice project car though if I had the space and the funds to do 2 at a time lol.

 

[Pbngem]

The buick engine must be unique to the canadian market. My helms (GM) repair manual lists ONLY 2 engines available for the 1985 model year monte carlo & the buick is not one of them.

 

[clean8485]

Yes indeed, Buick 3.8. 1985 was probably the last year that the Buick V6 was available in the Monte. Unless I'm mistaken, from '86-'88, the V6 engine option was the Chev 4.3 with TBI. If you check the 8th digit of the VIN on that '85 Monte, the Digit should be an A.

 

[rustyroger]

Looks just like my 3.8 '79 Century Wagon under the hood.

Not the fastest car on the road but the Buick V6 has a reputation as a tough reliable engine.
Good for gas mileage if you take it easy too.

If such a car came up at that price over here I'd buy it in a heartbeat, rust or no rust.

Roger.