Which Intrigue to buy???

I had a '99 Intrigue (3800 V6) that I enjoyed owning until it was totaled. I'm in the hunt for another Intrigue and am partial to Intrigues with the 3800 V6 because of my past experience, but I would like to hear which Intrigue you all prefer.

My question is: Which model year with which engine would you buy if price was not a consideration and most important is why would you make that choice.?

Agreed on the 3800. I own a 99 as you did and have had great luck with it. Also have a 96 Buick PA with the 3800. The engine is bullet-proof! You might want to make sure that the car has had the UIM work done on it already before you buy it. That's the only knock on the 3800. :iceslolan

Not sure what the UIM is. Are you talking about the intake manifold warping? I heard that was a problem on some GM cars.
I owned a '99 Intrigue with the 3800 and never had a problem up to when it was totaled at 118K.

I agree with making sure the upper and lower manifold gaskets have been replaced, either that or plan on replacing them yourself at some point. Its usually a matter of when, not if, they fail.

That said, I think Id probably take a 3800. I prefer the powerband of the 3800 for daily driving. The 3800 has a tremendously flatter torque curve and makes nearly the same amount of torque from idle all the way to its peak.

The same cannot be said of the 3.5, somewhere around here theres a dynograph of both engines side by side. Its not that the 3.5 doesnt make good power, just seems to me like you have to drive it a bit more aggressively to get it.

Economy-wise theyre about the same. Reliability wise Id honestly have to say that the 3.5 is more reliable simply because it doesnt have the intake issues the 3.5 does.

I cant say for sure which Id buy, right now Id probably by neither, my next vehicle will most likely be a Jeep, much better suited to me.

I have the 98 with the 3800 seriesII.I was going to go ahead and replace the valve cover gaskets when I returned from a trip.From the sound of it I should go ahead and replace the upper intake manifold gasket also?

If im a highway driver I'd want the 3.5 I need the passing power and quicker response, I would also prefer the 3.8 if I were mostly a city driver but then I would get the IM gaskets replaced with some better ones. I read on some W-body performance websites that if you buy their UIM Gaskets for the 3.8 it will give you more flow more power. When I brought my intrigue I thought that since this car was built on its 3rd year they worked all the bugs out or most of them. The first 2 years may have had some problems with electrical, chassis, 99 3.5 heads that fail rockers? and some more things. For me again I'd say if you have the money make your own Intrigue get a nice body put in the 3.8SC with HD Trans, do atleast 18inch wheels and tires, full suspension, Brakes Front and rear GXP, get a GLS. Also some power mods. Now this would make a awesome Intrigue but is it worth it?

1500 Good chassis, low mileage bad engine or trans or neither
1700 Engine trans
1200 Full suspension- Springs Eibach, Camber kit, Strutbars, Rear trailing arms, Front Progress swaybars/GMPP handling kit, Shocks KYB AGX
450 Brakes est
1500 Wheels tires- 18x8 245/45/18
400 Other parts work needed
6750 Total DIY already have tools, I think thats what people pay for a regal GS or GTP but this will be a intrigue, The impala SS 3.8SC is like 9000 on the low average.

Now for around 6-7000 I could get a BMW 740i or 5 series

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Also take note that the 98-99 Intrigue 3.8s were rated at 195hp and 220tq and in the 99 owners manual they rated the 3.5 215hp at 5500rpm and 234tq.