I only mentioned that because you'd said the converter isn't locking up when you hit the gas, which is normal. Certainly the hesitation isn't normal, but its almost certainly got nothing to do with the converter / pump / lock up function.

Hesitation on takeoff is a very common problem with 4t65s. Probably a 90% chance its bore wear on the input clutch piston. Once the surface gets worn, the garbage OEM 'short style' piston seal won't always seal up right when you go to take off again. This causes significant leakage past the seal (resulting in no forward movement as thr input clutch is not applied as a a result) until the pump catches up and delivers enough fluid to overcome the leak to get the input clutch to fully apply (which then generally results in that harsh lurch you'd mentioned).

Best bet during the rebuild is to swap to an aftermarket 'long style' seal as they are much more tolerant of bore wear. There are a couple other potential causes too, but that's by far the most common in a transmission that is kept well maintained.

 

Thanks for the info. I just got some terrible news, that my MC is so eaten up with rust underneath it's not fixable. I had taken it to another shop previously, and they had assured me it was OK and to go ahead and fix things that were broken and needed replacing. I don't have a rack at home, but these rust issues are so obvious I cannot believe the previous shop did not speak up about how bad the rust is. Now I am soaked in this car and it is essentially a money pit. The donor car I bought, which also came from Ohio, is no better. I hope others read this and run as far as they can from any Monte Carlo from up North that shows the slightest sign of rust. Thanks for your time to explain the tranny problems.

 

My 2000 SS currently has 307k (bought with that many miles) I knew what all was needed when I got the car and got it for a steal at that in my opinion! It had a couple problems obviously being that high on miles but it was expected for sure. Has a great 3800 series II under the hood.

Transmission is the biggest issue with it but I was given a transmission with the purchase of the car to swap it out with. The trans feels like it might be going out at times, mostly once at a light it sometimes doesn't want to go into gear but was planning on a total trans cleaning with new filter to see if that solved any of those issues. Other than that just cosmetic issues and needing a new fuel pump (previous owner put on the wrong type).
Potentially look into a total undercarraige overhaul: suspension, axels, rotors, brakes etc, before hitting all the cosmetics.
Any tips and pointers for anything on this car is most welcome!

 

There is a guy on this forum that is a tech and he knows exactly why the tranny is doing that. I have had it happen on two cars, one Impala and my Monte Carlo. But you will have to take the trans out to fix it. I just ignore it. Rarely happens.

 

Wow, this thread is 11 years and still going!

2002 Monte LS (I guess) 3.4 just under 90K in over 19 years of ownership. The only butt groove in the seat is mine.
Had some fuel injector issues about 5K in, never since.
Had intake gaskets replaced about 10 years ago (or more)
Had the BCM replaced about 4 or 5 years ago
Had the security system bypassed
Had the brake lines replaced (rust)
Having rust issues underneath from the God-awful deteriorant they put on the roads here to melt snow, but apparently not as bad as the one the Gray Ghost posted.
Also has an issue with the sensor (or wiring) on a front wheel with 'Traction/ABS' messages

To recap, only rust and electronics issues. Still have rust to deal with, hoping to keep it together for a few more years, as I don't plan on getting anything else.
Unless I find an HHR Panel to put a V6 in - that would be an awesome ride/parts hauler!

 

The ABS sensor is built into the wheel bearing, so have to replace both at the same time. All you can do is kill the rust. There are plenty of good products on the market that will do that. I used Rust Reformer. It's a spray gel. Hydrochloric acid will do it too.

 

217K on my 2002 now. Love the 3.8, such a solid engine with regular maintenance. I just replaced the original belt tensioner pulley. The bearing finally gave out.

 

That used to be my favorite engine. Bought several cars in the 90s just because of that motor. Have two cars with it now, but honestly, I think the Chevy 3.5 is better overall. Had two Impalas with it and never had a problem with either. And you don't have to do the upper and lower intake gaskets like you KNOW you will have to do with the 3.8.

 

#2081 has 177,000 and is officially a beater, and #7 has 122,000.
this is officially my once a year post 😂 Glad to see the forum still kicking!

 

The big downfall to the 3.5s IMO is the aftermarket is extremely slim.

I also had an Impala with a 3.5. The car was complete garbage (2nd most problematic car I've ever owned), but I will say I had no engine problems besides one minor gasket on the oil filter adapter.

If there wouldve been an option similar to the 3800 top swap, I'd have been all over it as 200 hp is on the low side for a car that size IMO.