3.4 DOHC common problems?

[AaronGTR]

Hey guys. I might have an opportunity to pick up a '95 Z34 monte carlo soon for a daily driver. Has 71,000 miles on it, one owner, and body is in really good shape. I'd be trading my '92 buick park ave with a 3800 and 86,000 miles for it, plus some change (about another $1000). Does this sound like a good deal? Also, just wondering if there are any common problems with the engine or the car in general that you guys know of that I should check for before deciding to buy? Thanks for the help.

[RednBlack]

Other than being a "High Maintenance" engine, I see no problems. I like mine. I am sure others will chime in. Problems? Keep the oil and tranny fluid changed religiously. Timing belt at 30,000. While you are at it, do the upper and lower intake gaskets. Plugs used to be a bitch, we figured that out. Ben can tell you about tuning. :P Anything else guys? Oh, the 4T60E is a POS. (That last line is just my opinion)

[bszopi]

The alternator perhaps?

[SappySE107]

The alt is just in a bad location to get at it quickly. Otherwise its not more prone to die than my 3.1 was.

I don't see the point in switching vehicles though for a daily driver. The old series 1 3800 isn't going to kill the trans so I would stick with that car.

[AaronGTR]

It's just that the buick is a big heavy old mans car. It drives way too soft for my liking and just isn't zippy enough for running around my daily errands. It's got crappy traction too. I know the 3800 would be more reliable, it's the rest of the car I don't like, so I've been looking for something newer. I thought if the monte was a good enough deal I might take it, but I'm really looking for something even newer than that, like a '98-2000. I'll have to think about it.

[Lyle's GTP]

Well, their is nothing wrong with the car. But the engine is a very complex beast. You have to be willing to except the fact that it will cost more to change an alternator and the rear spark plugs. The only other thing that is any different from any other GM V6 is the timing belt. You will have to change the belt (if it hasn't been done yet) but that is really all you have to worry about. The rest of the possible issues are not 3.4 specific.

I would say buy it. It will be a much "zippier" car than that tired Buick. But if you have the basic tools and mechanical knowledge, I would do some preventative maintence. This will cost you about $500.00 but is worth every penny. Upper and lower intake gaskets, plugs, wires, fuel filter, PCV valve, timing belt, pulleys, sprockets and tensioner. As well as a tranny flush and filter change, plus change the engine oil of course.

If you decide to buy it you are welcome to our LQ1 family.

Lyle

[AaronGTR]

Cool. I'll probably take it for a test drive then. The guy supposedly bought it from the used car lot at the dealership my dad works at. This is very possible because they have a small used car lot and don't like to hold on to things very long so if they want to get rid of something they'll mark it way down. He said the dealer did a complete inspection and regular maintenance on it before he bought it so hopefully all that stuff has been taken care of. The engine bay did look very clean. I'll ask him if he's got a receipt for it. As far as working on the engine, thats not a problem for me, as long as it isn't a regular occurence. I already have one car I'm working on that's in pieces. I need something thats going to be reliable.

[bud36light]

Ive replaced on mine:4 alternators, timing belt, 7 upper and lower intake gaskets(i think), water pump, head gaskets(because the heater core blew) infamous o ring, rebuilt the tranny, 3 starters(2 were junk from of all places Napa), several sets of plugs. The center console cover will break by just staring at it. The alternator in this particular model is a buggar to change. Takes me maybe 5 hours or so. The dealer will quote you 6 shop hours. The heater core was like any other. PIA. Drivers side window comes off track when its cold out. I like my(ok wifes) car. Not much low end but it sure likes to live in the high rpm range. Its just high maintenance when compared to other cars.

[AaronGTR]

yeah, I decided it didn't sound like something I wanted so I'm passing on it. I really wanted something newer anyway. I'm looking at a '00 grand prix GTP by me. I know, it doesn't have a 60v6 in it, lol. It'll be a more dependable engine though, and since I'm already getting a DHP powrtuner for tuning my 3400, I can get the support to program the GP too and be able to program two cars.

[Juglenaut]

I think the DOHC has just as much problems as any engine or car. Mechanics tend to charge more for work done on these cars for some reason, but also depends on who you know. I have had an alt replaced for less than 200 dollars, timing belt for 180.