Most reliable GM V6 motor

**91Z28** · 06-07-2006, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by DaveHo

I haven't seen anyone mention it, but there are two different 3.4l v6 engines. The pushrod one in the fbodys & a DOHC 3.4 in other GM stuff. The DOHC 3.4 is a piece of crap. Those of you talking about coolant leaks & other issues are probably thinking of this engine. The 3.4l pushrod engine is built like a tank. Very little issues.

There are two 3.1s as well. The 3.1 in the 80s Fbodies and the "3100" in the later compact cars are very different as well, with the 3100 being the much better of the two.

**Bandit02** · 06-07-2006, 10:31 AM

I've got 365000 miles on my 4.3 in my truck (never touched anything inside) damn good motor. And the 3800 is pullet proof as long as change the oil and don't run 14lbs of boost at it

without touching the bottom end. Also supercharged 3800's don't have the coolant issue like the non sc versions do. Also 2.2l another bullet proof motor.

**DJ Red Barron** · 06-07-2006, 11:54 AM

Another vote for the 3.8.

**Smittro** · 06-26-2009, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by DaveHo

I haven't seen anyone mention it, but there are two different 3.4l v6 engines. The pushrod one in the fbodys & a DOHC 3.4 in other GM stuff. The DOHC 3.4 is a piece of crap. Those of you talking about coolant leaks & other issues are probably thinking of this engine. The 3.4l pushrod engine is built like a tank. Very little issues.

hummmm..........17 years on mine before my current build.

**GTP231** · 06-26-2009, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by MadSeason

i vote no on the 3.8L have had 3 friends replace headgaskets on those motors that started leaking fronting them a 1k+ bill

Really?!

**Smittro** · 06-26-2009, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by GTP231

Really?!

+2 on the 3800 II. Not really my cup of tea but I've never had a single issue with mine except the cat died. Just deleted it and all is well.

**GTP231** · 06-26-2009, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by DaveHo

I haven't seen anyone mention it, but there are two different 3.4l v6 engines. The pushrod one in the fbodys & a DOHC 3.4 in other GM stuff. The DOHC 3.4 is a piece of crap. Those of you talking about coolant leaks & other issues are probably thinking of this engine. The 3.4l pushrod engine is built like a tank. Very little issues.

No its a problem in all 60* V6 engines 2.8 3.1 3100 3400 and the DOHC

**Smittro** · 06-26-2009, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by GTP231

No its a problem in all 60* V6 engines 2.8 3.1 3100 3400 and the DOHC

I've heard this alot too. However I never had the issue on my DTC. But I did use the updated primary intake gaskets on my original tune. They seemed to be better made than the old ones. But still the old ones never leaked before that though.

Everthing else gasket wise was original stuff from 92.

**Tobynine9** · 06-26-2009, 12:04 PM

I had a 4.3L in my '90 S10 that would probably still be running if I hadn't crashed it at 190k miles. All we ever did was change the oil and regular tune-ups at 30k intervals.

**blackSS01** · 06-26-2009, 12:15 PM

3.1/3.8/4.3 are all about equal. Have all 3 around me and couldn't pick a winner

**D!ck** · 06-26-2009, 12:17 PM

3.8 is the most dependable motor gm has ever made. Ask any of the mechanics at the #1 pontiac dealer in oklahoma for the past 15yrs.

**Smittro** · 06-26-2009, 12:45 PM

The 3.8 has been around for so long. I never understood why GM did'nt use it in base f-bodies in the late 80"s and early 90's.

Hell of a lot stronger than the 2.8,3.1,and the 3.4 push rod.

**02transamce** · 06-26-2009, 05:03 PM

wife had a 98 firebird with 3800...slung a rod i had a 95 firebird with 3800....cracked a head...i currently have a 2005 monte carlo supercharged ss with 3800 but it is a l67 that is built better than a n/a 3800 so i'm hoping for the best.

**StuntmanMike** · 06-26-2009, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by toneloc60

The 3800 has problems with coolant leaking into the intake as well. In their infinite wisdom, GM engineers decided to route the EGR tube into the plastic intake without making damn sure that it wont burn through the intake. So, it does. If you catch it in time you wont do any damage to the engine. GM has updated all the replacement intakes to handle the problem.

I had a 3.8 die on me because of this. But my parents and brother both had 3.8L cars that lasted well over 100k with no problems.

I think my car was just cursed. It went through two transmissions and a motor before it was given to me. Once I found out it needed ANOTHER motor I decided to get rid of it. That's when I got my 'Bird.

The intake problem is easily fixed if you catch it in time, and other than that, the 3.8 is a great engine. Plenty of power, and amazing fuel economy. My car was a '98 Olds 88, and I consistantly got 28mpg with it, and 31 once on a highway trip.

My roommate has a '01 Buick Regal w/the 3.8, and that car got 33mpg on a trip to PA last fall. Great car actually, it's extrememly comfortable and rides like a dream. It's more of a midsize too, so it's not a boat like my Olds was.

**Justin23454** · 06-27-2009, 07:35 AM

I dunno but I just got me a 98 blazer 2d (DD) hope it lasts me a long time!

**GTP231** · 06-27-2009, 07:43 AM

Originally Posted by Smittro

I've heard this alot too. However I never had the issue on my DTC. But I did use the updated primary intake gaskets on my original tune. They seemed to be better made than the old ones. But still the old ones never leaked before that though.

Everthing else gasket wise was original stuff from 92.

Had mine replaced once under warranty when i got rid of it it was showing signs of being blown again. That was before the metal gaskets appeared though

**Spikito** · 06-27-2009, 11:00 AM

Ive had both a 4.3 and a 3.8...my 4.3 drank gas though, maybe the way i drove it, i dunno....but it was a strong V6 and i never had any trouble out of it. But as far as i know it only comes in the small trucks. mine was in a 93 1/2 ton single cab step side.

Ive owned 2 3.8's, in 3 years ive had to replace 3 A/C compressors, that sucked. My grandad also has a 3.8 and weve both replaced intake gaskets, his straight up blew and hydrolocked it, but the motor survived it, drained the fluids and the cylinders, rebuilt it. Mine just leaked pretty heavy, i could drain 2 gallons of coolant in 60 miles and it still ran just fine. Thats the only problems ive had outside the norm. Ive also had to do EGR, coils, oil sending unit, all easy to do.

oh and oil changes are a breeze on the 3.8

**Smittro** · 06-27-2009, 05:54 PM

I revived this three year old thread cuz I mainly disagreed with one of the comments made about the TDC 3.4L. Never would've thought it would get the responses it has. For me I like the high reving nature of the TDC 3.4L and it's complexity. I totally agree it's not for everyone. Especially if on a limited budget. Lots of people hate them. Some folks such as myself like them. One of the biggest issues if considering mods on them is the limited after market. The engine compartment is tight, and for some a pita to work on. Most folks dont wanna hear that to replace an ALT they will be needing to remove the passenger side axle. But with some patience and time they can be made to perform very well (it has been done). Not doing too bad when starting with 200-215hp stock really IMHO. Also the sound of chipped one @ 7000+ rpm with a good exhaust is (IMO) awsome. Cant count how many times I've been asked if it was a v8 lol. I really have'nt had most of the problems with mine as some folks have. I say build what you like. I'm currently working (when I get time) on a TT TDC project. I have everything I need so far (cant find a getrag 284 though) just have'nt had much time to get the project rolling so I can post the build. As it stands now the car and engine are in a thousand and one pieces. I'm gonna get on it (hopefully) more this week so I can start posting(crossfingers).