Has anyone left the 200ci or 229ci v6 in their car. Have you considered modifying it. I know there really isn't much out there for those engines and they cant come close to any sort of performance. I was just considering my options until I have the time and money to get my new engine built. I would really just like to get my malibu back on the road and it would be fairly easy and cheap to fix my 3.3L and at least be able to drive it.
3.3 V6
- Thread starter powerhungry oxymoron
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I knew about 3.0 (196) and 3.8 (231), but not familiar with 3.3. Why did GM put so many $#!tty 6 cyl motors in these not small cars? If it didn't come with a turbo attached to it, I think all they're good for is boat anchors.
And take the word of the guy who actually drove a 2003 extended cab full-size Chevy pick up with a 4.3L V6. It was an okay truck... For me to poop on !!!!
And take the word of the guy who actually drove a 2003 extended cab full-size Chevy pick up with a 4.3L V6. It was an okay truck... For me to poop on !!!!
The 3.3l 200ci was made in 78-79 and the 3.8l 229ci took its place till the 4.3l came out. They are all chevy v6's based on the chevy small block instead of being buick or pontiac motors like the rest. They were built to be a more fuel efficient option than the others since there was a gas scare in the late 70's. Don't knock the 4.3l its a great small truck motor and has alot of potential look at the typhoon and syclone gmc had. I'm slowly piecing together a turbo 4.3l to replace my 3.3l.
I know the 4.3 wasn't bad. I had one in my slammed truck. Wasn't bad. But in a full size extended cab NBS it was a slug. Even with 3 miles on it. It was a slug.
You mention the gas scare back then. I'd like to stop and take a minute to reflect... on the people in the 70's who thought gas was too expensive. Uh-oh.. gas went from .40 cents a gal to .90 cents!!! Good lord!!! That's more then double!!! It's a conspiracy!!!
I just paid $2.85 a gallon today.
What I wouldn't give for a time machine and a 2X4.
You mention the gas scare back then. I'd like to stop and take a minute to reflect... on the people in the 70's who thought gas was too expensive. Uh-oh.. gas went from .40 cents a gal to .90 cents!!! Good lord!!! That's more then double!!! It's a conspiracy!!!
I just paid $2.85 a gallon today.
What I wouldn't give for a time machine and a 2X4.
If I saw gas less than $2 a gallon I'd stock up. I had to get rid of my Dakota cause it took a whole weeks pay each month. I drive a sentra everyday and I love how efficient it is but the pump still hurts, since it recommends premium.
I know the 3.3l really sucks but i'm really just looking for opinions if its worth doing the little work it would take to replace the head gaskets and rear main seal just to get it running and driving again. The car only has 55k on it. The head gasket let go about 5k after I had the heads done. The rear main just started leaking from age. The engine is real clean and still runs well (for a 3.3 at least). It has been sitting in my garage for almost 4 years. Every time I walk into the garage I just stare at it wishing I could just take it around the block a few times. I really miss the car but I have a reliable daily driver. Should I put it back on the road or just wait till I can finish the turbo 4.3l and put in.
4.3L is the same as a 350, just minus 2 cylinders... ie more parts available, if you're an aftermarket part fiend, I'd mess with that before a 3.3. Just my opinion.
That really is my plan in the end. I have 3 4.3L in pieces on my garage floor and the all need machine work. The only reason I was considering fixing the 3.3L was to at least have the car back on the street until I can finish one of the other motors
I guess my malibu can sit a while longer. I just hope it doesn't take too long to get one of the 4.3ls built.
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