I have a 3.8 and before I rebuilt her, she was getting over 300 miles per full tank of gas. The most I had was 350, so that converts into something around 20 mpg average. And that was with a LOT of problems and playing around with her all the time on the highways. I get less now, but I've done a lot of work and haven't gotten a tune for her yet. It really all depends on where/how you drive. A tune up first thing would definitely be a good idea to get the most out of the fuel efficiency.

 

well, in my case, i just bought my 3.4 liter for $800 about three months ago and I got exactly wat i paid for....crap. thats why i said it depends what condition the engine is in. Before i decided to rebuild (currently working on a top end swap) my 3.4 liter there was a o2 sensor missing a connection, exhaust bolts missing, a whole in the exhaust, two injectors so clogged i could spit more fuel out of my mouth and caked up crap in the the heads. So yea in my case, 16.5 lol. Now i have no complaints with my 3.8. not sure what the average mpg, but it doesnt break the bank, but i dnt run it hard either.

 

I would agree if he was talking about an LS1 Z28. I'm not so sure I would if it was for an LT1 and risking the repetition of opti headaches. I know that some never show problems with the opti-spark, but I know of many more that go through them fairly regularly. If that were the case, the simplicity of the V6 would be nicer for a DD than trying to fix an opti problem.

 

i have a 98' v6... the 3.8 is a fun car to drive it has enough power to get you there. just be sure and get a LS rearend of you ain't gonna go anywhere in a hurry... and if you go with an automatic, full race tranny and torqe converter is a must, (PAID $750 at a local junkyard off a wrecked 3.8 dragster) if not after 2nd gear it falls flat on its face

 

I got a 97 Cherry red 3.8 rs, Beautiful car... slow. 4 speed auto, and with me trying to race drive it allllllllllllllll the time i think im getting like 15, 100000 miles and a full tune up. so yeah if you try to have a race car, drift car or Mustang destroyer(<lol mine is) your gas will be decimated

 

Hey guys, well I took all of what you said into consideration and I was just about to go down and look at some 3.4s when a wonderful opportunity came along. Picked up a real nice looking 3800 5speed manual with 135k on it for 2 grand from a chick near the twin cities. It needs a coil pack, the 6th cylinder has a bit of weak spark, but otherwise it was pretty damn clean motor wise, and beautiful on the exterior. Interior shows use but nothing major is wrecked. It does for some reason have seats from a 30th anniversary? Im pretty sure you only got those in the z28 cars right? They are cloth seats with the 30th logo on them, probably swapped in or did all 97s come with these? Ill get pics up when I get to see her again, had to take s10 back to school for the week :-(. Got some outside pics.

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Very nice! I suggest that you swap out those boring hubcaps for some good looking shoes ASAP.

 

I agree lol, it will wait for summer tho, no sense wasting money on rims just to wreck em in the salt :-S.

 

I wouldn't know about that. I live in Arizona. When you do get new rims, Z-rated tires are a must my friend.

 

Congrats on the new car Have fun with it