Hyundai KIA 3.8L Engine (Lambda RS/MPI/GDI) Specs, Problems, Reliability. Hyundai’s 3.8 L V6 engine (G6DA, G6DJ, and G6DK) is the biggest Lambda family engine, firstly presented in 2005. This power unit is set up in Hyundai and KIA large sedans, full-size minivans, and heavy SUVs. The Lambda RS version is offered for sporty models such as Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and high-end cars – Hyundai Genesis, Kia Quoris, and Genesis G80.
Like the 3.3 L MPI, the 3.8 L version has an aluminum open-deck type cylinder block and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. There are four valves for each cylinder: 2 consumption and two exhaust valves. The engine is DOHC type. Camshafts are chain-driven (engine has 2 timing chains). The valvetrain does not have hydraulic tappets. Strong pails are used instead, which require valve clearance change using shims every 60,000 miles (100,000 km). The early 3.8 Lambda MPI engines had variable valve timing on the intake side only – CVVT.
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Hyundai KIA 3.8L Engine (Lambda RS/MPI/GDI) Problems, Reliability
In 2009, the maker presented the 2nd generation of the Lambda engine series – Lambda II. The 3.8 Lambda II MPI features a CVVT on the exhaust side too – Dual CVVT. Lambda II MPI engines also produce a little more power and torque. MPI describes a multipoint fuel injection system where fuel is injected into the intake ports through the fuel injectors in front of the intake valves. The intake manifold is aluminum. The throttle body is electronically managed.
The 3.8-liter Lambda RS (Rear-drive Sport) engine is a longitudinal version. This engine is based upon second-generation Lambda with Double CVVT. In 2012, Hyundai began production of the Lambda RS GDI, which uses a direct fuel injection system instead of a conventional MPI. GDI engines have brand-new cylinder heads, increased compression ratio (11.5:1), and Double CVVT system. The Lambda II RS GDI is considered the business’s most powerful natural aspirated V6 engine with direct fuel injection.
In 2019, the Korean maker presented their newest 3.8 V6 Lambda GDI with Atkinson cycle. It has a compression ratio of 13.0:1 and the most recent high-pressure direct-injection system. This powerful and huge engine is supposed to be set up in mid-size SUVs such as the Hyundai Palisade or Kia Telluride. The engine produces 291 hp (217 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Hyundai Kia 3.8 V6 Engine Problems and Reliability
Hyundai 3.8 L engine has common problems with the 3.3 l V6 of the very same Lambda engine family. Among them is high oil intake, vulnerable to stuck piston rings, and common carbon accumulation problems of the direct-injected engines. Detailed details you can read in our 3.3 L Lambda engine review. An approximate mileage you can make with the 3.8-liter Lambda MPI is about 180,000 miles (300,000 km). GDI variation will run a bit less.
you must see more engine detail in here: Engine – US Cars News or you can see on wiki here
Hyundai KIA 3.8L Engine (Lambda RS/MPI/GDI) Specs
| Manufacturer | Hyundai Motor Co. |
| Production years | 2005-present |
| Cylinder block material | Aluminum |
| Cylinder head material | Aluminum |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection; Direct injection |
| Configuration | V |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Valvetrain layout | DOHC |
| Bore, mm | 96.0 mm (3.78 in) |
| Stroke, mm | 87.0 mm (3.43 in) |
| Displacement, cc | 3,778 cc (230.5 cu in) |
| Type of internal combustion engine | Four-stroke, naturally aspirated |
| Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 – MPI; 11.5:1 – GDI; 13.0:1 – GDI and Atkinson cycle |
| Power, hp | 263-348 hp (196-260 kW)/6,000-6,400 |
| Torque, lb ft | 257-295 lb-ft (348-400 Nm)/ 4,500-5,300 |
| Engine weight | – |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Engine oil weight | 5W-30 – MPI engines; 5W-20 – GDI and RS engines. |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.2 (5.4 qt) – MPI version; 6.5 (7.2 qt) – RS MPI/GDI version. |
| Oil change interval, mile | 9,000 (15,000)/12months – MPI; 7,500 (12,000)/12months – GDI and RS; |
| Applications | Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Entourage, Hyundai Centennial/Equus, Hyundai Veracruz, Kia Quoris, Kia Telluride, Kia Amanti/Opirus, Kia Carnival/Sedona, Kia Sorento, Kia Borrego/Mohave, Genesis G80 |
Hyundai KIA 3.8L Engine (Lambda RS/MPI/GDI) Modifications
- G6DA – 263 hp (196 kW) at 6,000 rpm, 257 lb-ft (348 Nm) at 4,500 rpm. Compression ratio is 10.4:1. This is the Lambda MPI engine. Application: Hyundai Azera, Kia Sedona, Kia Amanti.
- G6DK – Lambda II RS engine (RS 3800). For the Genesis Coupe, it produces 299-306 hp (223-228 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 265 lb-ft (359 Nm) of torque at 4,600 rpm.
- G6DJ It is a 3.8 L Lambda RS GDI engine with compression ratio of 11.5:1. Power output for the Genesis Coupe is 348 hp (260 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque at 5,300 rpm. Aplication: Hyundai Genesis, Kia Quoris, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Genesis G80.
