ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE... 02 gp WITH 3100

[94CuttySL]

I am considering getting an 02 Grand Prix SE with the 3100. I test drove it, it seems pretty decent. Now I am familiar with the 3100, but not the newer 3100s. Can someone please tell me what to look out for? I'm sure the intake gaskets are still a problem, especially since I believe this uses dexcool, and I've heard bad things about it.

The guy made a deal with me and will sell it for $7800. That seems very good...oh yeah, it has 86,000 miles though...for a 2002. That is what bothers me. If I get this car now, would I be looking at changing the intake gaskets soon with those kind of miles? Any other common problems on these newer 3100s?

All help is appreciated. I have a limited time in looking for another car, so I have to decide soon. Thanks!!

[vsop4me3.1]

RE: ADVICE NEEDED PLEASE... 02 gp WITH 3100

I have an 02 with 65,000 miles, I've been driving it 200-300 miles a day for the past 10 months with no problems. I like it, but I wish it was turbocharged.

[94CuttySL]

I'm assuming (and hoping) that the person who had this particluar GP drove mostly highway miles. With 86,000 miles in under 3 years I should think that they are mostly highway miles, which would be nicer than city for sure. The engine is very clean, and I can't spot any leaking around the lower intake. So maybe I won't have to worry...

Are there any common problems with the newer 3100s, or are they basically the same as the older ones?

I noticed the upper intake plenum looks bigger than the one on my 94 Cutlass. It almost looks like the 3400 plenum. What's the hp and tq ratings on the '02 3100 vs the 94? Thanks.

[3100 MPFI]

The intake looks bigger because it IS bigger. That is the 3100 VIN J that you hear people mention. Your 1994 3100 SFI is a VIN M L82 3100. In late 1999, they redesigned to the LG8 VIN J 3100.

1994 Cutlass Supreme 3100 SFI:

HP - 160 @ 5200 RPM
TQ - 185 @ 4000 RPM

2002 Grand Prix 3100 SFI:

HP - 175 @ 5200 RPM
TQ - 195 @ 4000 RPM