First Post
#1
09-18-2013, 10:28 PM
First Post
Hey everyone,
Great forum! My buick is getting tired and I'm itching to get my Monte Carlo fix again! I bought my first Monte in 1985. It was a burgundy 1977 with a 305, which was very mild. I sold it and then bought a dark blue 1975 in 1989 with a 400 that ran like a beast and didnt burn a drop of oil! This was my baby until I got T-boned in downtown Chicago a year later.
Anyway, I've been sniffing around the net looking for a newer SS. I'm not picky about the year, or a v6 or v8. I like the gauge cluster on the '00-'04, but I like the cosmetic updates on the '05-'07's. Is there a big difference between these models? Is there known mechanical issues that need to be addressed? (I dont mind wrenching). I'm guessing the intake/manifold gaskets are an issue like all GM 3800's.
I didnt have a chance to read many post here today, but tomorrow I will spend some time going through all the post I can. As far as newer cars go, the Monte is the only one that appeals to me (I might be a little biased!) My son is 13 and wants me to get rid the Buick Lesabre. It's a "granny" car!
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for your time, I can tell I'll be spending alot of time here!
Kindest Regards from Michigan
Great forum! My buick is getting tired and I'm itching to get my Monte Carlo fix again! I bought my first Monte in 1985. It was a burgundy 1977 with a 305, which was very mild. I sold it and then bought a dark blue 1975 in 1989 with a 400 that ran like a beast and didnt burn a drop of oil! This was my baby until I got T-boned in downtown Chicago a year later.
Anyway, I've been sniffing around the net looking for a newer SS. I'm not picky about the year, or a v6 or v8. I like the gauge cluster on the '00-'04, but I like the cosmetic updates on the '05-'07's. Is there a big difference between these models? Is there known mechanical issues that need to be addressed? (I dont mind wrenching). I'm guessing the intake/manifold gaskets are an issue like all GM 3800's.
I didnt have a chance to read many post here today, but tomorrow I will spend some time going through all the post I can. As far as newer cars go, the Monte is the only one that appeals to me (I might be a little biased!) My son is 13 and wants me to get rid the Buick Lesabre. It's a "granny" car!
Sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance for your time, I can tell I'll be spending alot of time here!
Kindest Regards from Michigan
#2
09-18-2013, 10:42 PM
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Brockville Ontario
Posts: 3,052
Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of information within the posts on the forum here. Also there are a lot of knowledgeable guys and gals that can answer just about any question you may have.
#3
09-18-2013, 10:49 PM
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mentor, Ohio
Posts: 12,156
Welcome to the forum!
The '00-'07 is technically all a 6th generation Monte. We here on MCF consider the '06-'07 to be a 7th gen because GM did more then a simple "restyle" to the 6th gen (such as changes to the body and interior), but they also opened up an entirely NEW drive train, offering the SS with a 5.3L v8.
I personally like the '00-'05 styling better (especially the front nose). But you will find on MCF a LOT of different ideas for the various gens of Monte.
The '00-'07 is technically all a 6th generation Monte. We here on MCF consider the '06-'07 to be a 7th gen because GM did more then a simple "restyle" to the 6th gen (such as changes to the body and interior), but they also opened up an entirely NEW drive train, offering the SS with a 5.3L v8.
I personally like the '00-'05 styling better (especially the front nose). But you will find on MCF a LOT of different ideas for the various gens of Monte.
#5
09-19-2013, 06:48 AM
Monte Of The Month -- November 2012
Monte Of The Month -- June 2014
Monte Of The Month -- July 2016
#6
09-19-2013, 07:22 AM
Welcome to the forum. I haven't heard a lot of complaints about gasket problems on the 3800 series II engines. The 3400 engine does though. The 3800 engines are pretty reliable engines. It's the transmissions that are the weak point in the 2000+ Montes.
If you get one of the 2004 or 2005 supercharged Montes, it has the beefier HD tranny.
If you're used to the sound of a V8 engine, the 3800 may not sound so good to your ear. In that case, you can go with an 06/07 SS with the 303hp V8. It does take people by surprise when they hear a V8 under the hood of a 2000's era Chevy.
If you get one of the 2004 or 2005 supercharged Montes, it has the beefier HD tranny.
If you're used to the sound of a V8 engine, the 3800 may not sound so good to your ear. In that case, you can go with an 06/07 SS with the 303hp V8. It does take people by surprise when they hear a V8 under the hood of a 2000's era Chevy.
#7
09-19-2013, 08:34 AM
Welcome to the forum!
There is lots of great info as well as people here!
I noticed your from SW Michigan as are quite a few members, Comeing up this Saturday were holding our annual Meet and Greet in Charlotte Michigan.
Maybe you would consider joining us. Its this Saturday!
What city are you from? There will be a lot of us at this meet.
Heres the Link:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/me...21-13-a-40789/
Looking forward to some pics!
Thanks for Joining the MCF Family!
There is lots of great info as well as people here!
I noticed your from SW Michigan as are quite a few members, Comeing up this Saturday were holding our annual Meet and Greet in Charlotte Michigan.
Maybe you would consider joining us. Its this Saturday!
What city are you from? There will be a lot of us at this meet.Heres the Link:
https://montecarloforum.com/forum/me...21-13-a-40789/
Looking forward to some pics!
Thanks for Joining the MCF Family!
#8
09-19-2013, 12:18 PM
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posts: 4,779
Welcome to the Forum. There's quite a few on here in Michigan; I'm in the Ann Arbor area. Like Dave (STUMPMI) mentioned, we do have a Meet coming up in Charlotte, MI in two days. I know it's kind of last minute now but if you're interested and able to join us you're more than welcome to! Dave posted a link to the thread with all the Meet information.
