Another Engine Debate

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by LittleHoov

As long as were talking about engines, if you want good reliability and some really good power, you might consider something with the supercharged 3.8 under the hood, and no, the fact its supercharged doesnt make it any less reliable, in fact theyre more reliable than the naturally aspirated 3800 as far as im concerned, plus the transmission attached to them is usually more reliable as well.

Good point and I agree. Nothing wrong with a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP or Buick Regal GS with the L67 SII 3800 or even an "H" body such as a Bonneville SSEI as an alternative of you plan on staying GM.

Easy to mod with significant hp and torque gains.

[FleeingPepper]

Wow, yes that is a very good idea with the Regal or such. I could get made fun of for getting a Buick by some friends, but with a 0-60 of 6.6 secs, it don't care what people say. An advantage of the Regal would be that it's not trying as hard to be sporty like Grand Prix do sometimes.

And about the permit. One of the worst thing about Oklahoma is that you have to be 15 1/2 to get a learners permit. Pretty dad gum stupid if you ask me.


-tx

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by FleeingPepper

Wow, yes that is a very good idea with the Regal or such. I could get made fun of for getting a Buick by some friends, but with a 0-60 of 6.6 secs, it don't care what people say. An advantage of the Regal would be that it's not trying as hard to be sporty like Grand Prix do sometimes.

-tx

My sons love driving my Regal GS. Good sleeper car and the cops will not notice you as much in a more sporty car looking like the Grand Prix. At your age your biggest issue will be the cost of insurance on the car.

[prsoto21]

I recommend the 3.8 engine. I bought my 1998 in 2001 when I was 18 years old. This car has been pretty good to me and fun to learn about cars. Grab yourself a Chilton repair manual and if you're relatively mechanically inclined you'll be all set. The way the 3.8 is laid out if in my opinion "mechanically friendly." This would be a good car for you to learn on, since it'll be your first, and you'll appreciate your experience. I have been the primary mechanic for the past 6 years on my car and I haven't had a problem that I started that was impossible.

With the 3.8 I have done, and am sure you could do the same. Oil changes, Transmission fluid change, coolant flush, brakes, spark plugs, alternator, Oxygen sensor, fuel pressure regulator, installing a new stereo, HVAC resistor, serpentine belt.

The 3.8 is nicely laid out, good power, smooth ride and probably a steal at the price you're going to get one for these days. A good car for mods due to the Pontiac Grand Prix also having the 3.8. I am assuming you can get a decent Intrigue w/ a 3.8 for around $2,000.

The one cool thing that I like about the Intrigue is the amber daytime running lights at dawn or dusk w/o the headlights on. The look I like is seeing this car coming at you from a distance with too small eyes looking at you with the way the whole front end is designed. The next best one that I like is the Cadillac CTS.

Private message me if you want anything else.

Have Fun!

[phewop118]

Going back to the reliability standpoint, there is one common problem with the 3.5. That is oil consumption. Most of them will consume at least one quart of oil between oil changes, possibly more depending on the type of oil and engine condition. Some people have attributed this carbon buildup around the piston rings - as with the northstar. However, if burning oil is actually smelled when the car is idleing, it's probably the valve cover gaskets needing replaced (most likely the back one).

Other than that, it is a tremendous engine, even though the power doesn't really come on until 4000 rpm. I forgot how powerful it actually is - replaced my filthy air filter last week and today I floored it from a stop to 65mph. Damn. It makes gorgeous sounds above 6000 rpm. Too bad the tranny can't spin beyond 6500 rpm, cause the motor certainly would go to 7000 rpm. But in no way can it match the low end of a 3800. That thing (I'm talking N/a , not s/c) can spin tires if you floor it at 20mph. THe s/c ones will spin them probably near 40.

Only problems with the Regal GS over an Intrigue are the low end interior (though the leather seats are more comfortable than the intrigues), the wallowy handling, and the lack of stability control as an option. I would say if you have a little bigger budget, go for an 04+ Grand Prix GTP (should be around $12K).

[LittleHoov]

Only problems with the Regal GS over an Intrigue are the low end interior (though the leather seats are more comfortable than the intrigues), the wallowy handling, and the lack of stability control as an option. I would say if you have a little bigger budget, go for an 04+ Grand Prix GTP (should be around $12K)

The Intrigue and the Regal should handle about the same, they are built on the same chassis platform, and have the same components for the most part. The GMPP handling kit I have on my car that made a noticeable difference will fit a Regal too, in fact the strut tower brace is from a Regal to begin with.

You have to consider insurance as well, if youre paying for your own especially, and heck even if your parents are, because theres no sense in them having to pay out the butt for it. All the cars mentioned so far are fairly easy on insurance, the biggest factors arent necessarily the engine or the power it makes, because they look at displacement and thats about it. The biggest factors are the age of the car, cars older than 5 yrs are much better on insurance. They also look at whether or not it is a 2-door or a 4-door. So a Grand Prix coupe is more expensive to insure than a Sedan...ridiculous yes, but its how they roll.

All of the engines mentioned so far are good choices, just a matter of deciding what you want to ride around in. There are alot of sleeper cars especially, the Regal is one, Bonneville is a good one too, cant forget the Riviera and the Park Avenue Ultra...doesnt get much more sleeper than that.

Ill also agree with the comment that the 3.8 is much easier to work on, almost everything is pretty easy to take off. The 3.5 is another story.