Don't know where to post this.. Thinking of picking up a 3.8 catfish..
01-23-2010, 01:34 PM
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Don't know where to post this.. Thinking of picking up a 3.8 catfish.. There's this 1998 Camaro in my area (has about 100k miles on it) and it's super clean inside and out (nice leather, t-tops, nice black paint, etc). I was thinking of getting it as a daily. Only problem is it has a blown headgasket (the guy's mechanic already removed one head and confirmed that was the issue). He is asking like $900 for the car. I don't know much about the 3.8's, but is it a feasible project? I can do the work myself, I just don't know what I would need. I was thinking just a gasket kit (head gaskets, intake, etc) and then just having the heads checked out/milled if necessary. Are the factory 3.8 head bolts also torque to yield? Any input would be great. I'm planning on getting it next weekend if it's worth it
01-23-2010, 01:54 PM
#2
I have a 3.8 camaro and I have to say, it you can get this for 900 bucks, I would jump on it, I paid 8k and some change for mine, and although some people on Tech think I overpaid, I got what I paid for and I couldn't be happier with it..... They make awsome daily's and with a good turbo setup, you can put down similar numbers to LS1's...."stock/bolt ons ls1's "
I'd say go for it!
I'd say go for it!
01-23-2010, 03:04 PM
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I loved my MMM '00 Camaro V6. Was super reliable and got pretty good gas mileage. While I wouldn't DD one ever again (winters in WI suck) I would think about it if I lived down south farther.
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01-23-2010, 07:24 PM
#8
I own a 3.8 but never worked on it so I can't comment on that. From the looks of it I would think someone who can work on an LT1 could easily do anything with a 3.8 no problem. I just want to add that I would get the car because those 3.8's are excellent motors and make for great dd's.
01-23-2010, 07:45 PM
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If it helps man I still have my 97 v6 bird and it has over 200k on it now. I bought it when it was at 114k. I love that thing. I had to replace a couple coils they got moisture in them and a water pump once at about 150k. It leaks a bit of oil, but still doesn't burn any. Starts easy runs great! I can get about 34 35ish on the highway on a regular basis still. 5spd. Oh one more thing I replaced the clutch at 185ish only because the slave blew. Of all the cars I have had it has been by far the most reliable.
01-23-2010, 09:01 PM
#13
My old man has a 3.8 series II Bonneville, bought brand new in 96. That thing has 230,000 miles on it and all it ever needed was literally a tuneup at 175,000. No way to complain about that.
