Back in December, I bought the 2004 Monte Carlo (Supercharged version) from a Neighbor with 224K. It was well taken car of and serviced regularly.

While PO has no known issues with the car when I purchased it, I sent a sample of the oil to BLACKSTONE LABS to determine the status of the engine. Just got the results back and they found excessive coolant in the oil. They point out (and I was also aware) that these engine (3.8) have issues with the lower intake gasket leaking after time. Looks like I will be replacing the intake gasket before long. I will also do the Valve Cover at the same time since I will already be there. Does anyone have any suggestions of other item to look at while I have the top of the engine apart?

This little test demonstrates the value of the Oil Analysis. The leak was not to the point where if was showing any outright symptoms yet, but being caught this early, I should be able to replace the gaskets with no other major damage. I am a believer in the Oil Analysis in determining the health of your engine.

(Just another example, a contact on another car site had an Analysis done on his Mustang. They found aluminum which was an indicator of wear on the timing chain guides. He was able to replace the guides (chain and associated parts) before they "jumped" causing major engine damage.)

 

IMO, I wouldn't spend a dime more than you had to to repair the issue.

225k is starting to get into the failure zone for 3800s. No doubt some last much longer, but this is definitely in the elevated failure region.

Given how cheap they are, I'd save any extra maintenance money and put it into a fund for engine replacement (assuming the rest of the car is worth it). Youd hate to dump $300 into replacement parts only to have the bottom end come apart in 25k miles.

 

I would suggest at least a new water pump and coolant elbows while you are there.

 

Water Pump is a good idea. Elbows were already on my list as well as thermostat and coolant. Will check out spark plugs and most likely replace as well as belt. Also will give a chance to change the Supercharger oil. I have no idea when it was last changed.

This car is in very good shape even with all the miles. It has been well taken care of so I think it is worth spending some money on. As with any car, don't expect to ever make money on it or even "break even", in dollars. It is just being able to drive something different that you don't see everyday and so many people say "I remember those". This is especially true since I live (and the car is garaged) in Kannapolis, NC, hometown of Earnhardt where the Monte Carlo carries special meaning. I can almost see the Earnhardt shops from my house.

So far, my only disappointment is it being front wheel drive. Don't see ever being able to truly get REAL performance due to FWD. So, will just be a fun driver as I already have several HOT RODs.