Hey ya so new to the forum, and camaros. I've always liked em. I've done a bit of research on them but my knowledge is still limited. Currently Im looking at getting a 96 or new modem camaro, auto. And I'm just curious as to the reliability of this engine.

The ones Im looking at in my area *sw fl ft myers cape coral area* generaly have about 80-110k miles from 96-98 and are selling for 3-4.5k Primary reason I'm looking for 96 or later is thats when the 3.8 became standard. I know the 95s had it as an "option" not sure about 94s tho. But I'd like to go as new as possible


What should I look or listen for when I go to make my buy? Are there any "hot spots" to look out for trouble with? Also will this be an engine that will last another 80k miles with general maint or require more?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

i had a 3.8 camaro, and i must say, it was very reliable. i bought it with 60k, and it lasted until i couldnt pay for it anymore at about 80k miles.i personally had no bad experience with this motor

 

Anyone else? hehe 80k is about half the mileage I'm expecting to put on this sucker

 

Hey i'm Sarah and I own a 1997 v6 3.8 also. The 97's would be the 30th anniversary obviously so it's a little nicer than the older ones. Most of them sell with the Z28 wheels which is pretty cool thats what mine has. The 97's don't look much different than the older ones like a 96 etc..but the body is a little bit differnt i guess i could say it has better ground effects. Now my engine deal is a totally different story..i've had alot of problems with my engine in this car..but we got it all taken care of now.. alot of the camaros(v6's) have problems with the headgaskets gettin shot.. thats exactly what happened to me..usually with a shot head gasket you'd origiannly replace the engine..that is what i did..because typically you'll have more problems thats gonna go wrong with your car.. so that cost me ALOT of money.. But all in all i have a great car.. i love it.. and i know that you will like one too. And the gas mileage on it is pretty decent. So besides that there pretty reliable, and pretty too!! But if your looking to buy a camaro because there known to be pretty fast..... i wouldnt recomment buying a 6.. i'd deffinetly buy an 8 unless your thinkin of really beefin up a 6... So goodluck and i hope i helped you a little bit...but im a girl what the heck do i know? hehe... oh and by the way if you do go with one....make sure to keep an eye out on your coolant once in a while and if you see that you are losing an excess amount of coolant get it checked out right away cuz thats a sign of head gasket goin bad..thanks!

 

i wish that i still had my camaro...my mustang is such a piece of ****


*EASY ON THE PROFANITY MUSTANG GUY***

 

guess you want a good banning again

 

The 3.8 is a pretty good engine, as long as it does not get overheated and starts warping things. However, as Sarah mentioned, why not go for the V8, Camaros are supposed to be fast and the stock 3.8 is not going to come close to a stock V8. You really don't want ricers to blow your doors off.

 

Me too, I am on my 3rd Motor in my '02 GT. I had a '97 3.8 Camaro also, and I had no problems with the engine itself. Just the accessories (e.g. water pump, power steering, A/C, alternator). It's a quick little motor. I wouldn't mind having one again.