I have a 3.8l 2001 camaro 5 speed, and has just reached 100,000 miles. And besides a small scratch on the back bumper it runs great, all of the maintance has been up to date. And my driving style is smooth. And I really like this car, it has everything that the sprit of what a camaro is. And I would like to keep it up and running for as long as possible. so what should I be looking for that most camaros from this year have problems with after 100,000 miles.
Now for the next question, I was thinking about putting a cpu/chip set, one that had a unit that could be mounted in the car that would allow for setting to be changed at anytime., and although I would enjoy the added hours power, it for the most part would be for increased mpgs. But I am consirned that doing this might harm the engine more than it would do good.

 

any car will have problems at any time regardless of brand, year, or driver. Just keep it in good shape with good maintenance. You cannot chip this car. Check the v6 area faq sticky. It is there for a reason.

 

Has the intake gaket been replaced? Its a common issue and it can wipe out the motor when it goes. Don't mess with the computer unless you have done the research. Your car will need a "tune" not a chip.

 

Dont forget the elbow peice aove the water pump

 

There's no way of knowing how much longer your engine will go problem free. It could be another 100k miles, it could be 100 miles. It all depends on how well the car was maintained by the previous owners, info you probably don't have. A common cause of failed head/intake gaskets is corrosion from lack of proper maintenance to the cooling system (out of sight, out of mind). Completely flush the system at least every 2-3 years (or 30k miles), and yes even if you have the "extended life" coolant. Google the pitfalls of leaving that stuff in too long. Changing antifreeze more often costs a lot less than a head gasket job later.

 

In the 3800, it doesn't matter if you flush every day, that baby is going bye bye lol.

 

u guys are probably scaring the sh!it out of this guy, he's probably on his way to AZ. geez lol. maintenance is the key to the life of your engine regardless.
Though its not the same engine a good example of abuse and luck my sister bought a 03 cavalier(brand new) with an ecotec and maybe had the oil changed 10 times and the car is sitting at 163k still runs like new, just doesn't look new.
My 93 S10 Blazer/Tahoe 4.3 vortec lasted 250k before the intake gasket went, i fixed it and it still driving to this day with 285k still running strong.

 

My dads ram ran to 360k before she finally croaked... and really it still ran, there was just so much other stuff wrong with it that was junked it,,,, and his current sierra has 240k miles.... and these are work trucks... they arent babied so it all depends

 

yeah if your hot rodding the car at every stop light/stop sign, forget about maintenance. The engine will go sooner or later. 3800's is a very reliable engine from GM. you should at least get 200k+ on it if treated right.

 

One of our suppliers has an old 4.3 Astro van, and they maintain it well. They're pushing almost 400k miles on the original engine, however they're on like their third 700R4 transmission. Being religious about your maintenance is key, no matter what kind of car you have.