The Holden 3.8 litre V6 engine used in VT, VX and VU Commodore models formed the backbone of the Commodore powertrain lineup during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for its durability and strong low-speed torque characteristics, the 3800 V6 engine combined a traditional overhead valve design with modern electronic fuel injection and improved internal balance. This engine provided reliable performance across sedan, wagon and utility models while maintaining efficient operation and straightforward servicing.
3.8 Litre V6 Engine Specifications
The Holden 3.8 litre engine used in VT, VX and VU vehicles featured the following core design specifications.
• Engine type — 90 degree V6, overhead valve (OHV)
• Displacement — 3791 cc
• Bore and stroke — 96.52 mm × 86.36 mm
• Compression ratio — 9.35:1
• Power output — 147 kW at 5200 rpm
• Torque output — 304 Nm at 3600 rpm
• Fuel requirement — 91 octane unleaded petrol
• Firing order — 1-6-5-4-3-2
Engine Construction and Design Features
The 3.8 litre V6 engine incorporated a number of mechanical design features intended to improve engine durability, smoothness and long-term reliability.
• Cast iron cylinder block with six cylinders arranged in a 90-degree V configuration
• Cast iron cylinder heads with individual inlet and exhaust ports
• Nodular cast iron crankshaft supported by four main bearings
• Aluminium pistons with floating piston pins and dished crowns
• Counter-rotating balance shaft to reduce engine vibration
The combination of these components allowed the engine to deliver strong torque characteristics while maintaining smooth operation across a wide range of engine speeds.
Valve Train and Induction System
The valve train uses a single camshaft located in the engine block operating hydraulic roller lifters, pushrods and rocker arms. This design eliminates the need for periodic valve clearance adjustment and contributes to quieter engine operation.
• Hydraulic roller valve lifters
• Tubular push rods
• Roller rocker arms
• Beehive shaped valve springs for improved valve control
Fuel delivery is managed through a sequential electronic fuel injection system mounted on a multi-piece aluminium intake manifold with a throttle body and plenum chamber assembly.
Lubrication and Accessory Drive Systems
Engine lubrication uses a pressure-fed system supplying oil to the crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft bearings and valve train components. Oil pressure is maintained by a gerotor-type oil pump mounted within the engine front cover and driven directly by the crankshaft.
Engine accessories including the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor are driven by a single serpentine drive belt. Belt tension is automatically maintained by a spring-loaded tensioner assembly.
Engine Identification
The engine serial number for the Holden 3.8 litre V6 is stamped on the front left-hand face of the cylinder block. The engine number is identified by the prefix VH, allowing the engine to be matched to its production specification when confirming vehicle configuration or service information.
OUR Workshop Manual – Complete Service Information
While this guide helps identify common specifications and features of the Holden 3.8 litre V6 engine used in VT, VX and VU models, the Holden workshop manuals available from Car Manuals Direct include the original specifications, adjustment settings and repair procedures used by Holden mechanics when servicing VT Holden vehicles and their standard mechanical components.