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

[Gert]

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?

[Stretch58]

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.

[GC1999]

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).

[Gert]

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?

[Stretch58]

Originally Posted by Gert

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.

[leavenedbread]

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.

[B1G BLEU]

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

[RIP]

Originally Posted by automps

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

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

[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.

[RIP]

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.

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

[chevypanel52]

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.

[RIP]

Originally Posted by chevypanel52

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.

[Rawtorque]

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

[Scrapper]

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..

[Cntrysthbst]

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.