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99 Monte Carlo Z34.....Q about 3.8


jasonmcr
11-02-2006, 04:56 PM
I have heard from people the 3.4 is bad but yet then some so no the 3.8 is the worse engine. So I found this forum and thought I would ask here. I have the opportunity to get a 99 Monte Carlo Z34 with the 3.8 engine and around 71k miles. So anything I need to look for? Any help is appreciated as I know nothing about cars and want to make sure I get something nice.

Jason

maxwedge
11-02-2006, 07:06 PM
Upper intake failures can be common and problemetic, otherwise the 3800 is a great engine.

jasonmcr
11-02-2006, 07:10 PM
Upper intake failures can be common and problemetic, otherwise the 3800 is a great engine.

Expensive problems? With 71k I am worried about having issues.

maxwedge
11-02-2006, 07:18 PM
Upper intake is about 500-600 in a repair shop with the fluids and such, about 200 as dyer job. Loss of coolant with no visible leaks is the first sign.

jasonmcr
11-02-2006, 07:20 PM
So yay or nay for a 99 Z34 with 71K miles? Car ran great when I test drove it I am just hoping I would be lucky and not have major problems.

Rally Sport
11-02-2006, 08:14 PM
Yay, the 3.8 aside from little common maintainance, will outlast the car's body. Excellent engine.

wrightz28
11-03-2006, 09:26 AM
3.8 is essentially a 305V8 less 2 cylinders, and the 3.8 just as 305 have a strong reputation for durablilty. My 87 Buick 3.8 (series I FI) I bought at 72K had blown head gaskets and intake. That was 8 years ago. I rebuilt it pan up and have not had any issue swith either gaskets since.

However, practically any of the newer model v6 have issues with intkae leaks, there is a corrective kit available.

16th hippy
11-03-2006, 09:48 PM
if you buy that "corrective" kit, make sure the rubber on the intake gaskets is GREEN(lower gasket). funny thing about the 3.8 being a 305 with 2 cylinders missing.....the 4.3 is a 350 with 2 cylinders missing too.....see a patern here...lol. the 3.8's of old(i mean REALLY old) were the ones with most of the problems....but things have gotten better since then

gw84
11-10-2006, 07:44 PM
Yay, the 3.8 aside from little common maintainance, will outlast the car's body. Excellent engine.

I agree. I have a '99 Lumina LTZ (3.8L). This engine is great. It's quick and gets fair gas mileage.
How much is the seller wanting for this car? Also, what other options does it have (i.e. leather, sunroof, etc.)
I would say that the mileage on that car is actually pretty low for it's year. If the price is decent I'd say go for it!

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