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

[Scrapper]

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.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by scrapper1

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

[GreendaleChrysler]

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.

[Scrapper]

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.

[stewart1927]

Originally Posted by RIP

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

[Scrapper]

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

[Scrapper]

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

[gromittoo]

Originally Posted by automps

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

Originally Posted by RIP

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.

[HeadlessHorseman1]

Originally Posted by chevypanel52

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.

[Scrapper]

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..

[automps]

Originally Posted by RIP

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

Highway only !

[automps]

Originally Posted by RIP

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 ....

[b1lk1]

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.

[migs_auto]

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.

[moparman58]

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.