Page 55 of this document (http://www.futureoftheunion.com/docs...er149pages.pdf) shows that 2009 will be the last year that the Rochester Plant produces fuel rails for the 3.8L V6, the 4.3L V6, and the 8.1L BBC.

While each have a long history, it is about time that they move on to newer and better engines.

 

Rip 3800

 

What will replace the 8.1L BB, I am sure this will leave a hole in the In Duallys and Medium Trucks (Kodiak). Is a V10 under development still alive or did it get scraped? Or are they going to all Duramax in bigger trucks.

 

I agree a great engine

 

Agreed, fantastic engine.

Dan

 

they wont cancel the 3.8, they have been threatening to do so since the early 90's, and it never happens

 

For some reason I doubt many tears will be shed for the 4.3.

 

The 4.3L in my dad's '91 GMC has been a great engine...almost 250,000 miles and still runs like a champ

And I love the 3.8L in the bonneville

 

The 4.3L V6 is truly the end of the old school SBC.

I'm guessing that the 4.5L turbo diesel V8 will replace the 8.1L since it makes more power and more torque in a much more compact package. Or maybe one of the supercharged gas V8s on the way for those that must have gasoline.

The 3800 has definitely been a great engine serving in many, many vehicles over the years.

 

Any other plants produce the 8.1, there's considerable marine applications that utilize this engine.

 

The GMT900s don't use the 8.1L.

Also, just because they stop making the fuel rails at a particular plant, doesn't mean that they can't source them from somewhere else.

 

No more 90° V6's

Once the Grand Prix goes that only leaves the Lacrosse which the 2010 will be on EP2 and Lucerne (which needs to switch over to the 3.6L ASAP).

The 3800 really was/is a great engine.

 

Word!

I never had problems with the one in my '96 Blazer.

 

Exactly. My guess is that a simple part such as this is just screaming to be produced at an off-shore location.

A much better indication of what motors will live and die will be to look at the plants that build the engine itself, and not the plants that build relatively minor parts. That being said, I think that time is up for the 3800 (GM has two newer architectures available). The 8.1L will likely soldier on for a while as a heavy-truck and marine engine (it's hard to beat a low-horsepower iron big-block for durability), and the 4.3L probably won't be replaced any time soon as the base truck engine (the 4.2L Atlas is probably much too expensive for this app). I think the 4.3L also sees use in marine and off-highway applications as well.

 

The 3.8 and 4.3 were great engines and i hate to see them go I wonder if it would be possible to make an LSx version of the 4.3?