Expected Life

[cookie197722]

Guys,

What do you expect to get (in mileage) of your Grand Prix? Currently I have 131K and plan on driving it until it can't drive anymore. What should I expect that value to be assuming all necessary precautions are made (i.e. oil changes and maintenance as needed)?

Jeff

[Highbeamz]

Estimated mileage until a car is undrivable is not easy/possible to predict. There are a lot of variables that come into play. Driving styles, maintenance history, accidents and the likes are all factors which could affect the longevity of a car.

As a guestimate, I'd guess if you have the 3100, you'd be looking at somewhere under 250,000miles, if it's a N/A 3800, I've seen many go over 250,000 miles (my family have owned a few). If it's a supercharged 3800 I'd guess somewhere around 180,000+ miles could start costing you (wear on the supercharger mostly). Someone around these boards has 339,000+ miles on his GT.

Basically keep up with ALL maintenance, do your oil changes regularly and don't bag the hell out of it, I think you could own it for at least double your current mileage, maybe less if it's supercharged...they're usually bagged

[cookie197722]

great input, I believe it's the 3800.

[richtazz]

we have a forum member that has over 315K miles on his 97 GT 3800 and it's still going strong.

[Mr3GTP]

I've got about 149,000 on my '97 GTP. I've had to replace 2 idler/tensioner pullies and the S/C coupler, but those are just wear items. It hasn't been beat on, though I've run it hard a few times.

Mechanically, the engine and trans are like-new; seeping oil in a couple spots, but leaves no drips. Uses only 1/2 qt between changes, and still gets ~30 mpg highway at 70-75 mph. The trans shifts crisply, the drivetrain seems rock-solid. I can see this car easily hitting 200k.

It took it's first 1/4-mile pass right after I bought it, at 141,000 miles (it had never been raced), running a 14.6 with 1/2 tank of fuel and tires at street pressure. Beating a 5.0 Foxbody by a little over a carlength, with my wife at the wheel.

The 3800 is an excellent motor, though the non-supercharged version had issues with it's plastic intake leaking coolant into the oil. I guess the EGR passage would get blocked, and trapped heat melted the plastic, or something similar. Since coolant in the oil quickly destroys bearings, this could be a factor.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Mr3GTP

The 3800 is an excellent motor, though the non-supercharged version had issues with it's plastic intake leaking coolant into the oil. I guess the EGR passage would get blocked, and trapped heat melted the plastic, or something similar. Since coolant in the oil quickly destroys bearings, this could be a factor.

Just to clarify the '95-'98 GM cars with the NA Series II 3800 engine and the plastic UIM plenum............ On '99 and up I have yet to find a bad UIM plenum or any EGR stovepipe damage and I've done several of those. Normally it is just the UIM gasket on those years. The primary symptom was an unexplained loss of coolant being consumed via the intake manifold. Coolant in the oil or crankcase is typically the lower intake manifold (LIM) gaskets which covers all '97-'03 models. BTDT!

[FISH96]

DEAR C,
TO GIVE YOU SOME MORE COMFORT, I HAVE A 2000 GRAND PRIX 3.8 LITRE NATURALLY ASPIRATED GETTING VERY CLOSE TO 170,000 MI. owned since new.

OIL AND FILTER CHANGED BETWEEN 3000 AND 4000 MILES, TRANS FLUID AND FILTER 25,000 MILES(pan drop only), coolant 75,000 miles, fuel and air filter 10,000 to 12,000 miles, brake fluid flush 40,000 miles.

no major repairs, uim, front and rear bearing assemblies. fuel pump, water pump / tensioner and coolant elbows were replaced at 100,000 and 130,000 respectively before a problem developed with them.

the lim is beginning to seep oil so it is ready for a change soon

regular and steady maintenance is the key for long trouble free service.
by the way no special oils used 10w 30 either napa or pep boys same with the transmisson fluid.

regards and good luck with her,
fish96

[Mr3GTP]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

Just to clarify the '95-'98 GM cars with the NA Series II 3800 engine and the plastic UIM plenum............ On '99 and up I have yet to find a bad UIM plenum or any EGR stovepipe damage and I've done several of those. Normally it is just the UIM gasket on those years. The primary symptom was an unexplained loss of coolant being consumed via the intake manifold. Coolant in the oil or crankcase is typically the lower intake manifold (LIM) gaskets which covers all '97-'03 models. BTDT!

Thanks!