Just Picked Up a 2003 Monte Carlo LS, 3.4l LA1

[culater365]

Hey guys, I just picked up an '03 Monte Carlo with the 3.4l LA1 motor in it with 97k on it for 5 grand, barely any rust, good condition for being ten years old. Im wondering if there's anything in specific i should watch out for, do anything preventative or anything of the sort. Also wondering what type of after market there is for these motors. I'm used to having vehicles without much of an aftermarket following, coming from a 2.0l Talon. What do people usually do to these motors to produce more power while at the same time maintaining longevity?

[Purple pit]

Lower intake manifold gaskets tend to go bad. If you are thinking about a timing chain replacement get a 1999.
There are only two companys that support this engine and WOT-Tech is one of them. Take a look around there. As for what people do with them lets just say just about everything.

[culater365]

Thanks! And I assume that I can find a lot of information on here such as tutorials and such right?

[Purple pit]

Yes on some things. You will still have to ask about others. All and all what you need is a set plan and go from there.
Use the search and if you have a hard time just ask. What you have here is low knowledge people like me and then what I call masters/top level(builders and those that push past the norm). There are very few between. There is even one member that rebuilds and mods the auto transmissions.
Your mileage is a bit high for most mods, so think about finding an engine with lower miles. If you have little to no money I'd do a timing chain and ported intakes(upper and lower)or just the chain and open up the exhaust.
Another thing that can be a problem is the camshaft is hollow and can or will snap. There are other cams out there that you can buy(aftermarket stock grinds or the Comp Cams grinds that WOT-Tech sells).

[culater365]

So you recommend getting headers, cams, and the timing chain? Or would you reccomend just a higher flowing exhaust after the manifolds (hi flow cat) and the such

[Purple pit]

Well the headers cost alot. The timing chain replacement is going to cost more than the headers unless you know someone that will do it. It is the most important though! If it goes then you have bent valves and there is no point in fixing just that when you have high mileage. Your chain could go 200k or more then go or it could go at 160k. After 100k it's a ticking time bomb set to go off when ever it feels like it. My car has 150k and I have not changed the chain. I plan to do a swap because my 3100 has too much piston slap.
You can take a chance and try to save money for another engine or another car. It's all up to you and don't feel like I'm telling you that you have to do what I say. Price everything out before you start doing anything.