the only 3.8's ive seen not last were abused by their owners. my 305 only lasted 36k miles before spinning a rod bearing, which is very common.

 

I find that statement pretty funny seeing my 1997 is on it's 2nd tranny and 3rd engine. 172k on the odometer. I drive it like a granny and change the oil religiously. A buddy of mine with a 2002 is on his 2nd.

Notice my avatar? It's almost been constantly on since 2006. Right now it's code 1440.

 

I had an 84 5.0 sport edition. it had an orange interior. That car was not under powered. They must have had nice heads or something. It was like 15 years ago and I didn't know much about cars. I was 16 or 17. I also owned a 74 with a 350 and the 84 was faster. Killed 5.0 Mustangs.

It may not have been stocked. but it looked it. Had like 80k miles and still had the factory air cleaner.

That was a bad *** car. I am still always on the look out for another one. There is no comparison between that car and a v6. It would flat kill any v6 and would take a lot of 350's.

 

Put on your big boy pants and get the Z28 with the V8.