97 Monte Carlo Opinion

[gunflint]

My son is considering buying a 97 Monte Carlo from a family member. The body is in very good condition but it needs new heads. We went looking at used cars yesterday and dropping $2000 into the Monte doesn't seem all that crazy. Here's the question for the experts.

Would you rebuild the engine that's got the bad heads or trade it in on a rebuilt? It's a 3.1 and I understand that there's a history with intake manifold gaskets and or heads and head gaskets on these engines. Is there a better engine option? I should mention that the cost of the car is $250 because of the head problem. we're thinking that he comes out of it with a pretty nice ride and a new engine for around 2 grand. Thoughts?

[Macgyver55]

How many miles on the car to start with? It would be a shame to spend a bunch on repairing the motor only to have the transmission go bad a short time later if there are issues with that. Redoing the motor (headgaskets and such) would depend greatly on whether or not it has had coolant in the crankcase or not also. If it has then a total rebuild inluding cam and crank bearings would be necessary.

Aside from the intakes, 3.1 motors are easily capable of high miles. I had 227,000 on my last one and it still ran strong and used no oil.

These motors are plentiful, and finding a good running used one should not be too hard. Maybe finding a crashed Monte of the same vintage that still runs would be a good find so if any other parts are needed you have everything.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Why does it need heads? Are they pitted?

[Scott Stein]

I have a 95 Grand Prix with 189,000 on the 3.1 and the only thing I have done to it is put a different tranny and altenator in it. My 2000 Grand Prix GTP has 70,0000 w/ a 3.8 and that thing is awesome! I always said that when my 3.1 goes out in the 95, I'm going to put a newer 3.8 in it. So if I were you I'd consider looking at the 3.8 if it will fit.

[Hafnutz]

Just stay away from that 3.4 they made around that time. Impossible to work on. Rates right up there with the 5.7 gas to diesel conversion as one of GM's finer moments in engineering.

[Tyler23]

a 3.8 should be easy to find if you wanted something with more power. my mom has a 3.8 is her car, that will get up and go really good. now scott stein has a supercharged 3.8 you could put wings on that thing and it would fly. either way 3.1 or 3.8 they are both good motors and are easy to find a good one for a good price.

[East Rush Rules]

I have a 97 monte with a 3.1 in it right now that has 273,000 on it! Got it as my first car 4 years ago with 232,000 and havent had a problem with it except having to put new struts and tires into it!

[crothmeier]

the 3.1 and 3.8 motors are money. The 3.4 had some issues. Now the new ones are 3.5 and 3.9. I have an impala with the 3.9. wicked nice power. I'd say you could find a used 3.1 or 3.8 for under 1,000. i'd put that in. all said if you have $1500 into it and it runs for a few years your money ahead!