How long for a 4.3L TBI Caprice to last?

[JunkyardLife]

Mine has almost 200,000 miles..When do the bottom ends(bearings, rings, cam) start to give out? Do head gaskets or TBI parts start going bad at certain mileage?

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by JunkyardLife

Mine has almost 200,000 miles..When do the bottom ends(bearings, rings, cam) start to give out? Do head gaskets or TBI parts start going bad at certain mileage?

Depends on several factors including the maintenance schedule, etc. I've seen engines not last 50k miles and I've seen engines last well into the hundreds (mine has 256k on it now). If its strong (for what it is) and has good oil pressure, you're OK. Weak oil pressure would indicate bearing wear.

[JunkyardLife]

Thanks. I dont have an oil pressure gauge, but the oil light has never came on, so it should be good for a while to come! Im also running 10-40..Which has extra detergents bearings dont like, but with an engine this old it was worth the risk for solid oil pressure and less internal leaking.

Also, what about the trannys? Do they hold up as long as the motors? The fluid is nice and clean. Ive never flushed it, but I imagine the previous owner must have.

[1986Z28]

yeah as he said it all depends on maintanence, my dad had a 305 with well over 400 000km