Buick 4.3 or 3.8, how can you tell?

If its original and its a V6 its a 3.8, easy to identify because of the front distributor. Buick did have a 4.1 version of that engine but it was gone by 85. The way to tell between a 3.8 and 4.1 in those cars was the 4.1 had a 4bbl carb, the 3.8 was 2bbl. I think only the Caprice had the 4.3 V6 option and the Chev V6's had the distributor in the rear. That late most of those types of cars tended to have V8's which would have been an 5.0 Oldsmobile in that car. There was a Pontiac 4.3 V8 but I believe 81 or 82 was the last year for it.

It did not matter which engine you got in those cars with the possible exception of the T type option, they were all pretty terrible performance wise. Reliability was about the same on any of the options. It was just a bad time for cars when it came to performance. 85 was about when things started to improve but not on the land yacht cars like this one. The T type was the turbo option that was available on most Buicks in the late 70's and early 80's. I think that late it was only available on the Regal and Riveria and the Regal was what became the Grand National. The turbo v6's were the fastest American production cars for several years in that era. Pretty sad for a car like a Corvette that in stock form could be beat by a stock Buick.

If you like the car and its in good shape, not rust or bad dents go for it. If you need more power go for a LS swap. There are kits with mounts and wiring to make swaps easier and the LS along with its electronics and transmission is the best combo of weight, power, and economy you will find. The LS engines got real common around 2000 in the trucks so they are cheap and easy to find. Tons of aftermarket goodies are available for them so as you want more performance and and can afford it you can keep adding stuff.

A 1985 LeSabre was not available with a 4.3. It is a 3.8.

Check the under the hood and look for a piece of paper. Read and see if you find a 3.8 or 4.3.

Why would you walk away from a 3.8 liter engine there like gold, I have a 3.8 series 2 in my Pontiac and it has a collapsed lifter but still runs like a champ, the 3.8 liter engines are bullet proof and run forever

Well, the 4.3L was NOT an option on the Buick... ever.

That's your first clue.

There was a 4.1 v6 from '80-'84, so it's not in the '85.

That's your second clue.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_LeSabre#Fifth_g...

There's your third... read and learn!

The 3.8 is an all aluminum engine, including the block... And it's more than likely the 3.8, but why would you walk away, they're bulletproof and get great mileage, not to mention they run forever if you take care of it... I'd be more afraid of the particular vehicle you're buying over the 3.8 litre v-6, great engine, worthless car.. But, If it's in excellent shape, I'd buy it...

Pop the hood. There should be a sticker that says.

Those cars are garbage. You couldn't pay me to own one.