i just got my 2002 monte carlo ss with 110k miles on it which i would say it nice for the year, i don’t know a lot about these cars and especially about these engines, i had a couple concerns i needed help with

there is a wheezing noise that goes up with revs, i thought it might be power steering but when i let off the gas and turn the noise is not there, the previous owner installed a cold air intake and said that is the noise but i’ve had intakes before and they have never ever been this loud

also it runs cold and i did a bit of digging on here and found that it’s normal, but when i get into traffic it goes to the middle, i haven’t driven it a lot but i’ve had a horrible past with cars overheating so i have sort of a phobia of it at this point, just want to make sure i’m not gonna hurt it!

the only time i saw the temps really rise was when i was demoing my 15inch subs, it could have just been it sitting so it rose, didn’t know if that was connected or not.

all this is most likely paranoia from previous cars but just wanted to see what input i can get!

p.s don’t ever buy a lexus sc00

 

Do you by chance have a video of the sound you can post? These 3800s can have a pretty loud hissing/gasping sound with a CAI because of the idle air control valve but it usually goes away after the car is warmed up. Its not supercharged, correct?

About half way on the dial is normal operating temp, 200ish. It shouldnt be fluctuating much tho. A blue tooth ODB2 plug and the torque app will give you exact numbers if youre concerned.

The 3800s have a reputation for rotting intake gaskets that will eventually lead to overheating, leaking coolant into the oil, oil into the coolant. They say the dexcool is the culprit and you can buy aftermarket metal gaskets to prevent it from happening again. Look for yellow/tan gooey crap in the oil or coolant. The repair is pretty easy and straight forward.

Not saying you have an issue, just things to know and look out for.


Now... Which SC are you saying stay away from? The sc300/400 are one of my favorite cars. The 300s are just a fancy looking supra.

 

it is the non supercharged version. i think i got it figured out, it’s a mix of the intake and the power steering pump, i’m going to add fluid in the morning (even though it’s gonna be a pain) and see if maybe it just low,

the temp thing you helped a lot! it got to the middle in the middle of traffic today but it was a 60 degree day, i think over the winter i’ll try to add extra fans and a switch just for days it gets super hot. i’m in west texas so our summers are 110-114 days. would that be overkill?

also with the sc300, i love the style and everything, i had one a while back that was definitely my worst car yet, overheating after part after part, leaked oil like crazy, ac and heater both broke, wiring issues from hell. now of course not all cars are the same but the other guys i’ve talked to said they were a nightmare for them. although i’ve heard people who swear by the 400s. all personal opinions but the sc300 body is insane!

 

Most of these Cars when the AC is on the fans are working. They run cool but the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets are an issue on the 3800 motors and will cause the overheating.
the thing that is a killer with most of these cars and will cause issues is when someone decides to install an aftermarket Stereo system in it.
Save the old original stuff and don't cut any wires if a speaker doesn't work rewire from the new stereo.
Sensors will some times go out for the traction control system it's in the wheel to replace it.
Now would be a good time to do a Radiator flush get new anti-freeze in it for the winter.
Also check the Trans fluid in those 110K you spoke of it has probably not been changed then change it every 50K. I used to be a traveling Rep and had to supply my own ride, I did the maintenance regularly