- How many `miles on your Monte Carlo + Problems ?
#92
07-08-2010 | 11:12 AM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 744
From: Indiana
I didn't know they had the 3.8 back in 1981. What is its horespower/torque output? Fuel efficiency? I'm real curious.
#93
07-08-2010 | 12:07 PM
Hi `Jeremy, below is infor on the 1981 Monte Carlo
1981
The body was restyled with the other GM mid-size formal coupes (Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Regal). It featured a smoother profile than the previous models and new vertical taillights similar to the 1970 to 1977 models. Engine offerings were carried over, including the standard 229 CID Chevrolet V6 (231 CID Buick V6
in California) an optional 267 CID V8 (not available in California), a 305 CID V8 in the base and Landau models, and a turbocharged 170 hp (127 kW) 231 CID Buick V6 in the Monte Carlo Turbo. There were a total of 3,027 Monte Carlo Turbos for 1981. This would make the Monte Carlo Turbo one of the rarest Monte Carlo's built, even rarer than the 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe. The Monte Carlo Turbo appeared slightly different than other Monte Carlos that year because in addition to the turbo motor it also was equipped with a small hood scoop on the left side of the hood. It also had Turbo 3.8 badges with Chevrolet bowtie on the sides of the hood scoop, on the trunk lid, and on the right side of the dash. An automatic transmission, power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment. While this car was considered by some to be much better looking (and appeared more aerodynamic) than its Buick Regal, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Olds Cutlass cousins, only one team tried to make a go of it in NASCAR cup racing. While the big Monte Carlo was the dominant body style in the late 1970s, winning 30 or so races, the downsized (and cleaned-up) 1981 body would only take three checked flags in the 1981 and 1982 seasons when it was run.Fourth generation
Production1981–1988AssemblyArlington, Texas
Pontiac, MichiganBody style(s)2-door coupeLayoutFR layoutPlatformA-body (1981)
G-body (1982–1988)Engine(s)3.8 L (229 CID) Chevrolet 90-degree V6
3.8 L (231 CID) Buick V6<~
4.3 L (262 CID) Chevrolet 90-degree V6
4.4 L (267 CID) Small-Block V8
5.0 L (305 CID) Small-Block V8
5.7 L (350 CID) LM1 Goodwrench V8
5.7 L (350 CID) LF9 diesel V8Transmission(s)3-speed TH-350 4-speed 200-4Rautomatic Or Saginaw Standard For Mexican Version
#94
07-08-2010 | 12:11 PM
Monte Of The Month -- January 2010
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 8,464
From: San Jose, CA
These numbers are me just taking a guess. The 3.8L has been through MANY MANY changes over its life...the 3800 series II is nothing like the 3.8L in his 81...only thing that is the same is the displacement.
#95
07-08-2010 | 03:46 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
From: Warren, PA
Its actually more like 110hp haha not sure about the torque though. And to be honest, I get around 25 mpg city if i don't drive like an a$$hole. Not sure about the highway mileage though.
I'm still researching ways to get a little more power out of it though. Looking into all the little things that will add up. I considered putting dual exhaust on it, but I plan on putting in a 350 somewhere down the road, and don't want to waste the time or money going through extreme measures on a 6 cyl.
I have the 350 waiting, but just can't justify dropping it in when i have a perfectly good engine with only 60,000 miles on it...
I'm still researching ways to get a little more power out of it though. Looking into all the little things that will add up. I considered putting dual exhaust on it, but I plan on putting in a 350 somewhere down the road, and don't want to waste the time or money going through extreme measures on a 6 cyl.
I have the 350 waiting, but just can't justify dropping it in when i have a perfectly good engine with only 60,000 miles on it...
#96
07-08-2010 | 04:10 PM
I have the 350 waiting, but just can't justify dropping it in when i have a perfectly good engine with only 60,000 miles on it...
I think U R a wiseman
4-Sure.I would make your waiting 350 a ongoing mod project
and collect the parts you will need for the change over
in your future ~>as you keep enjoying getting
the most outa your 3.8L six : )
How many miles do you put on a year ?
You may have many years B-4 U have 2 make a change
to a V8
LOL Keep us updated.......when U hit the half million mark : )
Thanks for your post/input...
#97
07-08-2010 | 04:45 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 744
From: Indiana
So the 3.8 V6 from 1981 gets better MPG than the Series II 3.8 V6 that I had in my old 2003 Monte Carlo SS? That car, if babied would get 19, maybe 20MPG city, usually 17-18 in the city though.
#98
07-08-2010 | 04:46 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 744
From: Indiana
They had a turbocharged version of that old 3.8 V6? Amazing how far engines have come in just 30 years, now we have 4 cylinder cars N/A that put out more power than V8's from that time. I hope it takes a lot longer for 4 cylinder cars to pass the power of my V8.
#99
07-08-2010 | 06:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
From: Warren, PA
When I bought the car they owner told me it got about 25. I didn't believe it, but i tested it myself and sure enough. 25 may be exaggerating a bit though, its honestly more like 22-23 but that is still awfully good.
#100
07-08-2010 | 06:15 PM
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 20
From: Warren, PA
I think U R a wiseman
4-Sure.I would make your waiting 350 a ongoing mod project
and collect the parts you will need for the change over
in your future ~>as you keep enjoying getting
the most outa your 3.8L six : )
How many miles do you put on a year ?
You may have many years B-4 U have 2 make a change
to a V8
LOL Keep us updated.......when U hit the half million mark : )
Thanks for your post/input...
It may be a while haha I'm not sure how many miles I'll put on it in a year though, 8 months out of the year I'm in college so I only drive a few days a week (going into town and such) and every so often take short trips. I foresee this engine lasting me quite a long time.
Last edited by Duke1776; 07-08-2010 at 06:17 PM.