Which engine do you recommend? 3.3L or 3.8L?

I just had a '98 Grand Caravan with a 3.0L and I wasn't happy with it. It leaked oil bad and not much power. Also, had clicking noise until it warmed up. I'm thinking of buying a newer Caravan, but not sure which years or engines are better. Any suggestions?

If I had it to do over again I would get the 3.3 instead of the 3.8. If only because the 3.3 is a flex fuel engine and can run E85 if it needs to. The 3.8 is not. It can only use I think E10. They are basically the same engine except for displacement, they have a timing chain, roller lifters, good engine. Of course the 3.3 is set up for E85. I have both, 3.3 is enough in my GC. 3.8 is great in my T&C. Slightly less mileage with the 3.8.

Would go with the 3.8l engine since it is a big car. Did not notice any decrease in gas mileage compared to the 3.3l engine but then again I really didn't check (3.3l FWD, 3.8l AWD).

Thanks for the replies. I went and test drove a 3.8L 2000 Grand Caravan Sport and it was a nice van, but it looked like it leaks oil and the engine had a hissing sound. Sounded fishy to me. The engine had good power and suspension was tight, but I'm worried about the engine leaks. My old '98 GC 3.0L leaked a lot and had a knocking sound. Any comments? I haven't found a Dodge minivan that doesn't like oil yet. Are there any?

Thanks for the replies. I went and test drove a 3.8L 2000 Grand Caravan Sport and it was a nice van, but it looked like it leaks oil and the engine had a hissing sound. Sounded fishy to me. The engine had good power and suspension was tight, but I'm worried about the engine leaks. My old '98 GC 3.0L leaked a lot and had a knocking sound. Any comments? I haven't found a Dodge minivan that doesn't like oil yet. Are there any?
They are out there. Keep looking, don't buy a leaker, some of the repairs are costly. Best bet is a lease return at a dealer.

I may be all wrong here, but let me tell you my experience.

I have a '94 caravan with the 3.8L I have replaced the transmission twice. The first time my local mechanic slapped in a used one. It lasted about 20K. The second time I went to an independent local transmission guy. His first question was, "Is it a 3.8L" I said, "Yes, why do you ask?" He said believe it or not I see more failed trannys in the 3.8 than the 3.3's. He thought that the tranny was not mated well to the more powerful engine. In fact, I thought he said that they both had the same transmission. Again this is 2nd generation Caravan. They might have changed things in the 3rd generation which is what you are looking at. Anyway, I replaced it with a Jasper tranny. It has a 3 year/36K warranty.

Sooooo... I like the power of the 3.8. I have five children. But if you don't have to have it... maybe the 3.3 would be better.

I'd be interested to know if anyone would concur with this notion.

Load up a Grand Caravan with 7/8 people and the A/C on, you better have a 3.8L to get out of harms way

Dude My 99 3.3 Grand Kicks Ass With 7 ! Tune That Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan 21 MPG

Wasn't aware any minivan could do that, regardless the engine.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.

Both the 3.3 and 3.8 use a timing chain. The 3.0 uses a timing belt

I guess it depends on the year, I had a 3.3 that had a timing belt, which was rather expensive to repair, so when I replace that one I opted for the 3.8.

I guess it depends on the year, I had a 3.3 that had a timing belt, which was rather expensive to repair, so when I replace that one I opted for the 3.8.

Do you recall the model year? It's always been my understanding since it's inseption in 1989, the 3.3 uses a timing chain. I can't find a listing for a timing belt for a 3.3 anywhere. Just want to make sure I haven't been out to lunch for all these years.

While E85 is cheaper, you will find you use more of it.:disappoin

i had a it was good moter it had 200.000 mls when i sold it and it's still going but the 3.8 or 3800 in my pa it hads 275.000 on it when i sold it to my brother inlaw and still didn't use oil. so both are good..

drive 35 everywhere including the interstate, take off very slow, no load, no 55 daily missions with 5 kids, no massive grocery hauls, never tow, then maybe the 3.3 is what your looking for....

a 3.8 will give you a wider range of flexibility, will not stain like a 3.3 will under certain curcumstances, and in the long run will last longer, and if I'm not mistaken save more gas under loads and stuff.

i'm all for the 3.8. they are great engines.

yes like he said 38.00 only takes maybe 5 miles to a gallon so get in the big dude. buy the way park avenues is a nice ride.

yes like he said 38.00 only takes maybe 5 miles to a gallon so get in the big dude. buy the way park avenues is a nice ride. that never came out right. you will only use mabe 5 more miles to a gallon

I have had both. Had a 99 GC w/ the 3.3. Bought with 43K. Threw a piston rod through the block at 136K. Replaced with a 99 TC w/ the 3.8 a month ago. I am happy with the 3.8. Runs at lower rpm's at hwy speeds. Plenty of power when under load. Mileage: Trip Comp says that the 3.3 usually got about 18.5 mpg, 25 on trips. The 3.8 says 17.6 mpg. No real trip yet, so no good comp. there.

No mech could tell me why I threw the rod. Plenty of oil-just changed 2 wks prior. Left much more than a quart on the road. Still some in block after towing. Others have had great luck w/3.3 My buddy put over 200K on his '94 with the 3.3. But I do like the 3.8.

yes like i said the 3.8 or 3800 is same thing they are good moters they will go 300.000 miles or more if you service it when it's time.100.000 miles on them are just broke in. i've seen other people get 400.000 like i say keeping them serviced when it's time. only thing i heard about them you have to change timming chain around 100.000 miles just to be safe.i havent had any trouble out of my 3.3 or 3300 and they are the same.only thing i had to do is brakes and tires i have 180.000 on it.now take care of that. good luck.

Do you recall the model year? It's always been my understanding since it's inseption in 1989, the 3.3 uses a timing chain. I can't find a listing for a timing belt for a 3.3 anywhere. Just want to make sure I haven't been out to lunch for all these years.

3.3L NEVER had a timing belt. Wonder where he gets his smokes:lol:

i dono but he could share couldn't he..lol....

no 3.3 has timming chain as well as the 3.8 hope helped you out some...

Dude My 99 3.3 Grand Kicks Ass With 7 ! Tune That Thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:iceslolan 21 MPG
Wasn't aware any minivan could do that, regardless the engine.

I dunno about 7 people, but I have a short wheelbase 01 voyager with a 3,3 (note 01 van is bigger than the 96-00 vans). I went on vacation recently in some mountains and I got close to 21 on the highway. I only had 3 people, but the van was loaded down with stuff for a week away from home.

I am pleased with the adequate power of the 3.3, but I don't tow anything. No oil leaks at 83K. I replaced all the bench seats via ebay. Captains chairs and split 50-50 3rd row make a big differance over bench seats, especailly with kids.

Besides the extra power a 3.8 has, the real cost saver in the long run is the steel timing gears/chain verses the timing belt in the 3.3 that needs replacement.I have 259,450 miles on my 3.8L GC/LE and counting... been through 1 alternator, 1 radiator, 1 water pump, a few hoses under the hood and 1 muffler. Oh, and 2 torque converters. All in all, my 3.8L Mopar motor is better than anything I ever bought from Japan, including 2 new Corollas, a van, a Celica, a Sentra and a 280Z. I was stuck 1 time in 12 years when the alternator crapped out... 3 hours later, I was back on the road.

i dono now about the 38.00 they have week trannys and there bad on rispins my niece when to work and it was running good well when she got off work she started it and i thought cracked fly wheel but it wasn't it was a rispen. i'm putting a used 38.00 back in it car sounds good it came out of with 100.000 mls on it and then it's going up 4 sale.but i will tell you the park avenue are real good motors. i just kept maintance up the only thing they are kinda bad on harmotic balacers she had it for about 8 years in those years i had to put 2 new ones on it.then other thing was just water pump she gave it to another niece of mine well her mom got it so hot it even melted the radiator.well most women get in start and go.i'm not really saying all women don't get me wrong..

Wasn't aware any minivan could do that, regardless the engine. Highway only !

Do you recall the model year? It's always been my understanding since it's inseption in 1989, the 3.3 uses a timing chain. I can't find a listing for a timing belt for a 3.3 anywhere. Just want to make sure I haven't been out to lunch for all these years.

Theres no 3.3 v6 with a timing belt ever ! 3.0 Mits engine only ....

OK, I'll bite and post in a necro-thread.

My 2002 Grand Caravan with the 3.3L engine, my wife and 2 kids loaded for camping AND towing 1800lbs got 16mpg while maintaining a respectable amount of acceleration with the A/C on. I love my van other than the fact it keeps craping out heater resistors. When I use it for normal use I easily maintain 20mpg average and get close to 30mpg if I am on the highway. Mine was/is low mileage for the year, it just hit about 85K miles and I had to do some makeup maintenance that the previous owner neglected, but all is good.

PS: Never a 3.3L with a belt.

Had 3.3 on my first dodge mini van, it was a 1994 I think. Engine ran OK, popped out of overdrive with A/C on way too often though. Not enough power. Trans replaced at 135k, engine was still fine. My 2001 GC EX has the 3.8. I do like the extra power. At 175k with only Syntec oil and had 1 overheat (110k) due to a faulty rear heater pipe. I taps a little on a cold day for a minute or two. Due for a tune up but runs good. I get only about 20 mpg on mostly highway driving though. All paid off and the body is still in great shape, so I keep it. I gotta go with the 3.8.

I made sure my '97 had the 3.8 when I bought it, looking at it as a people/stuff hauler and future tow vehicle. Had 51K then, now just under 75K. Best mpg was 24 running empty with just one rear captain's chair and no back bench. Just under 18 around town, usually around 21-22 on trips.

I was in the market for a 3.0L caravan (with overdrive-harder to find) because there IS a difference in gas mileage... I was going to buy one NEEDING work,either engine or tranny problems... I know how to fix them and ALL of their annoying leaks and ticks, so I was prepared, hoping gas mileage would pay for it all... The 3.0L has the timing belt...

BUT the 3.8 and 3.3 engines, hardly need ANYTHING done to them...

THIS IS TECHNICAL, maybe TOO technical for some, sorry!

YES, the transmissions will go bad in either, probably the other gentlemen is right that the 3.8 go more often... I rebuild those transmissions and KNOW their tricks and they are UNBELIEVABLY EASY TO rebuild!!!

The 3.8 trannies HAVE STEEPER differential gears with DEAD"ER" TRANSFER GEAR ratios... Doing the math, the final drive ratio in overdrive is 2.37

The 3.3 have DEAD"ER" differential gears and STEEPER TRANSFER GEAR ratios... Doing the math, the final drive ratio in overdrive is 2.42

There is NOT much difference between highway gearing, the gearing differential is to help the weaker 3.3L get "off the ground" and the more powerful 3.8L does not need the "extra gearing" because of the extra torque it has... Having both transmissions with the SAME ratios would either make the 3.8L have TOO MUCH "off the line" power and waste unnecessary gas mileage, and the 3.3L may kinda "run out of power" too early if it had the 3.8L ratio...

Eventhough the 3.3L spins higher on the highway, it gets about the same mileage as the 3.8L (on the highway) because the 3.8L has a more "DEAD" final drive ratio...

I HAVE seen and repaired MOSTLY 3.8L engines; to me ALL the tranny's go, and I rather buy one with a blown transmission and fix it myself (not for everyone, lol)...

The 3.3L is practically bulletproof...

This is why when they made the 3.5L Turbo (or supercharger, I forget) for the Dodge Intrepid bodies, they BASED the 3.5L ON the 3.3L, because the 3.8L BLEW UP almost immediately after applying turbo force to it...

The 3.8L is a lot of engine in a small space and is more prone to piston slapping that will eventually gets worse... If you change the oil and don't rev it to 4000 everyday, it can last JUST as long as the 3.3L

But if you're likely to miss oil changes or abuse your minivan, the 3.3L can TAKE IT!!!

Hope that helps...

Mike

I'm no mechanical genius, but we have a 03 Grand Caravan with 150,000 miles on it's 3.3. Have had no problems at all with it. I do change the oil every 3000 miles.