Hello forum members, im looking to purchase a 2000-05 model SS and was wondering if you guys could tell me what year I should go with and any potential problems I should look out for. I think I read somewhere that in 2004 the SS got a boost in HP but im not sure if thats true. I really cant wait til I find the SS im looking for! I want a low mileage black on black SS with leather interior, but will also settle for white, or bright yellow as long as its an SS. Im looking forward to chatting with you guys!! Thanks in advance!

 

There are 3 types of engines in the 00-05 Monte Carlo.

2000-2005 Monte Carlo LS = 3.4 Liter Engine (known for gasket problems)
2000-2004 Monte Carlo SS = 3.8 Liter Engine (L36) Non-Supercharged or N/A
2004-2005 Monte Carlo SS = 3.8 Liter Engine (L67) Supercharged (only 20% of SS were supercharged in 2004)
2005 Monte Carlo LT = 3.8 Liter Engine (L36) Non-Supercharged or N/A

 

Pick one and let us know what you want to know :P

 

As Mike mentioned, the 3.4L is know for gasket issues (both head gasket and intake), but you want an SS, so you will get the 3.8L anyway. Mike also listed the years you can get the Supercharged version...

Only problem that is kinda common on the 3.8L is intake gaskets, they will start leaking coolant sometimes, and need to be replaced...otherwise, find a well maintained one, and it will run for a LONG LONG time!

Let us know when you get your MC, and be sure to get pics up, we love pics around here! LOL!

 

Hey thanks guys for the responses. I think I will go with a 04-05 with the L67. I really like the idea of having a supercharger. So if im understanding you correctly, the non supercharged SS models just merely have a SS trim package but no actual upgrades to the motor? I currently have a 2000 Cadillac STS and im looking to get another toy that has more available upgrades and aftermarket parts. Seems like GM needs to do more gasket research lol. Its kinda bad that these motors can suffer from gasket issues too! I thought the headgasket issue was exclusive to the GM Northstar motor!! Regardless ive always wanted one of these generation Monte Carlos and I not gonna rest until I find one lol. Thanks

 

The non-supercharged SS models have the 3.8 engine, which was more power than the 3.4

Yes in comparison to the newer Montes the 3.8 isn't as fast, but in 2000-2003 when there wasn't boost for a Monte it was an SS because of the 3.8

The aftermarket for these engines is CRAZY also. For about $1000 you could easily have the supercharged engine pushing 300 crank HP.

The gasket problems for the 3.8 are not as bad though as a headgasket.

 

DexCool is the main cause of these gasket issues. I suggest that you change the coolant completly after you find your Monte, and after flushing ALL the DexCool out, use the Prestone All Make All Model coolant.

The 3.8L N/A SS (non-super charged) are not really just a package, the N/A 3.8L was considered the SS engine exclusive for 00-03, and the base engine was the 3.4L. So you could not get the 3.8L engine unless you got the SS model

Then as Mike (Chibi) mentioned, in 04 they made the 3.8L S/C available for the SS...In 05, the 3.8L S/C was exclusive to the SS, and the 3.8L N/A was more of a middle engine...

 

The main things with these engines is just the typical stuff.

Make sure you don't drive it like an idiot, and that all the fluids are flushed / changed at the right times.

Look at my mileage, these engines can last.

 

Yeah imma pretty decent with a wrench and take pride in my cars. I really cant wait til I find one with everything I want. I saw a few Dale Earnhardt Intimidator ediitions on Ebay. Theres a 04 Limited Edition Earnhardt Nascar Edition with only 5,961 miles on it going for 19K! Im not really looking to spend that much so I'll pass. Anybody here on the forum have a "Intimidator" edition?

 

There is a few with Intimidator editions. RocknSS04 has one!