I have a 2002 Monte 3.4 v6. My head gaskets went out, I want to keep my car. So I called around for Head gasket replacement if warped or cracked it's going to be around $1200.00 at the cheapest shop. I wanted to replace the engine entirely but everyone tells me that's stupid since it's a 2002. I called the local Chevy dealer he told me for $4500.00 I can have a Brand new engine with a 3 year 36,000 warranty on all engine parts. The $4500.00 covers a brand new engine & labor. I know since it was the ex driving it my heads are more than likely cracked. Since I'm keeping it and my mother had a Gm with the same motor,she replaced the gaskets twice under 125,000 miles on hers. I'm thinking at 200,016 miles it's time for a new engine. If it happens again under warranty it's covered. I love my car and I don't want to buy someone else's headache aka buying a used car. What would you do? And am I crazy to want to replace my engine?

 

Well I say screw 4500. You can get a 3.8 zzp block with some extra goodies installed cheaper then that

 

The 3100 and 3400 GM engines are tough and durable motors (both about the same basic motor). Also COMMON! I had a '94 Grand Am with a 3100, sold it, still running great with 215K on it. My wife drives a 3400 powered '05 Impala with over 170K.

My opinion is it depends on your wants for the car and your ability to fix things. You put a brand new engine in the car, the body, interior, trans mission, suspension, ANYTHING that is still original is still a problem point. $4,500 can buy a nice used car with reasonable mileage.

If this is your baby and you want to restore it to it's original glory, figure out if this is worth it.

Next option, buy a salvage 3400 with 100K or less miles. While it's out of the car, put new head and LIM gaskets, get it put in the car, save some cash, call it a day.

But only you can make these choices. You know how much you can spend. But be realistic, what are your plans for the car. If this is a daily driver and will always be a daily driver, I would probably NOT go for a brand new engine.

 

3100,3400,3800 don't they all share the same block but diff heads?

 

3100 and 3400 are 60 degree v6 and share the same block.
The 3800 is a different animal. It's a 90 degree engine and completely different block.

The three engines share nothing in common that I am aware of (other then maybe spark plugs).

 

Thanks everyone! I did some soul searching and decided to upgrade. I
would void the 36,000 mile warranty in 8 months. So I bought a 05 Monte LT with the 3.8 engine. I was just going to sell the other one as is but decided to put new gaskets in it, pass it down to my Son who can drive next year.