V6 3.4 Yay Or Nay?

[jordan]

A buddy of mine is looking for an Alero. 99-2000 model since it is in his price range. Now my Alero has the 2.4 litre and I've never had any motor problems yet at 92,000 kms ...

so is the V6 something to stay away from cause we are checking out some Aleros with the 3100 V6 motor (about 120,000kms on it)??

[jackal2000]

i wouldnt say stay away from it but do check to see if the lower intake manifold gasket is showing signs of a leak.

[b-spot]

Stay away.. tell your friend to save enough to get an '02 ECOTEC (still had 4 wheel disc brakes for this year). That engine will last forever. Way more 2.4 and 3.4 failures than 2.2.

[jamcllw]

I've personnally seen many 60 degree V6s go way past 250000 miles. The only major problem with them is the LIM gasket and it's an easy enough fix.

[doubleN0alero]

it depends on what he wants it for...if he plans on modding the engine, then go with the 2.2 and mod away, but just for some get up and go around town, then the 3.4 is the way to go. There's some minor problems, but there will always be problems and they dont happen to everybody..

[-Alero-]

how the hell did you look at an alero with a 3100 motor!?

[Crolero]

Originally posted by double0alero@Apr 19 2005, 05:27 PM
it depends on what he wants it for...if he plans on modding the engine, then go with the 2.2 and mod away, but just for some get up and go around town, then the 3.4 is the way to go. There's some minor problems, but there will always be problems and they dont happen to everybody..
Quoted post



ditto

[Vtolds]

Originally posted by -Alero-@Apr 19 2005, 01:47 PM
how the hell did you look at an alero with a 3100 motor!?
Quoted post


that is a good question, maby he means a Cutlass or the Malibu they both came with 3100's till 99 when they started the 3400.

[misslindseysue]

I like my V6. The LIM gasket was a pain in my ass to get fixed. Also the hubs go out more often because of the heavier engine. And the city gas mileage sucks. Other than that it has nuts and hasn't given me many problems. I wouldn't be so dead set on getting a V6 next time around though.
If you get the 4, listen to b-spot.

[wy3134]

if you can find a coupe 2.2L 5 speed then thats your best bet for performance, and will run cheaper on insurance because its 4liter instead of 6, just a little thought there.....amazing all the factors ive learned about pricing for insurance through my dads friend who just opened his business locally.

[misslindseysue]

^Yeah, and get a 4 door. Stoopid coupe insurance.

[Vtolds]

Sedan looks cooler also.

[kwhauck]

Originally posted by double0alero@Apr 19 2005, 11:27 AM
it depends on what he wants it for...if he plans on modding the engine, then go with the 2.2 and mod away, but just for some get up and go around town, then the 3.4 is the way to go. There's some minor problems, but there will always be problems and they dont happen to everybody..
Quoted post


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”

[misslindseysue]

Originally posted by VTOLDS@Apr 19 2005, 01:13 PM
Sedan looks cooler also.
Quoted post


Not a chance. Coupe looks better every day of the week. The sedan is just more practical and easier/cheaper to insure. But, say whatever you want, I know you're ashamed of your grocery getter. ;)

[jabartram]

Originally posted by VTOLDS@Apr 19 2005, 12:13 PM
Sedan looks cooler also.
Quoted post


i think the sedans look cleaner also, and yeah it's a grocery getter when i go get groceries, even a vette is a grocery getter at the grocery store!

[jamcllw]

Coupes own all.

[eag182]

I concur.

[misslindseysue]

Cleaner? There's an extra door to muck things up.
My groceries go in the trunk. It's a grocery getter if you put them in the backseat. ;)
My next car will probly be a sedan, I just love the look of a coupe.

[wy3134]

regardless of coupe or sedan, doors arent that heavy and the alero is still a heavy car.....plus if you shave the handles IMO it gives it a lot better look than the coupe, but to me its all about saving money anywhere i can

[-Alero-]

ok enough with the door arguing. we all know the 3.4 is a very expensive engine to modify, and has a large potential. the main problem with every alero is, with more power, comes more stress on the tranny untill you get to the point where you need a built tranny.

if you want something cheap and for the most part more for your money go with the 2.2 eco 5 speed. the 3.4 can be strong it just takes more money.

[brsexton]

Originally posted by misslindseysue@Apr 19 2005, 01:07 PM
Also the hubs go out more often because of the heavier engine. Quoted post



I thought the same until my hub went at 34k with the Ecotec...

[Cliff8928]

I'm sure the weight difference isn't really all that much between all the engines in the Alero. The Ecotec has by far the most aftermarket support going for it, so if you want easy modifications you can use out of the box, get the Ecotec. I prefer driving a 3400 because i LOVE the low-end torque (especially noticeable having both with 5-speeds. The 3400 has the potential, just not the huge amount of support, but it's possible and people have done it.


Forum Sites for the Alero Engines

Twin-Cam 2.4L - http://www.quad4forums.com/

3400 60°V6 - http://www.60degreev6.com

Ecotec 2.2 - http://www.ecotecpower.com

[mike2002]

engine has nothing to do with the hubs, its the sensors in the hubs that go bad

and neither car is heavy to whoever said that, they range from 2800-3200lbs approx (4 cyl 5 speed no options vs 6 cyl auto loaded)

and just to throw my 2 cents in, stock the 4 doors look better i think, but drop and get rims or a kit on both and 2 doors are better looking.

[brsexton]

Originally posted by mike2002@Apr 19 2005, 08:52 PM
engine has nothing to do with the hubs, its the sensors in the hubs that go bad

and neither car is heavy to whoever said that, they range from 2800-3200lbs approx (4 cyl 5 speed no options vs 6 cyl auto loaded)

and just to throw my 2 cents in, stock the 4 doors look better i think, but drop and get rims or a kit on both and 2 doors are better looking.
Quoted post



My car don't use the sensors that are in the hubs because it has no ABS system. Mine just started grinding at 34k. But your right, weight is not the issues. Its a design flaw or junky parts that is the issue.

[misslindseysue]

Ok. Pat's dad owns a repair shop. He's replaced hubs in tons of V6's but no 4's. And my sensor didn't go bad, it was the actual hub that was all loose. Both of them.

[b-spot]

Originally posted by turbo-alero@Apr 19 2005, 12:29 PM


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post


Yes there is, technology.

I'll list 100 4cyl cars that are faster than the fastest V-6 alero.

[jamcllw]

Originally posted by b-spot+Apr 20 2005, 10:38 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(b-spot @ Apr 20 2005, 10:38 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-turbo-alero@Apr 19 2005, 12:29 PM


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post


Yes there is, technology.

I'll list 100 4cyl cars that are faster than the fastest V-6 alero.
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

And most of those cars probably weigh less, have different gear ratio's, has 50:50 weight distribution and has some form of forced induction.

[kwhauck]

Originally posted by b-spot+Apr 20 2005, 09:38 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(b-spot @ Apr 20 2005, 09:38 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-turbo-alero@Apr 19 2005, 12:29 PM


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post


Yes there is, technology.

I'll list 100 4cyl cars that are faster than the fastest V-6 alero.
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

also, what is one of first things that a lot of those really fast 4-cyl guys do when they build up their car........"bore out the engine" = “No replacement for displacement”

[b-spot]

Originally posted by jamcllw+Apr 20 2005, 09:54 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamcllw @ Apr 20 2005, 09:54 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>
And most of those cars probably weigh less, have different gear ratio's, has 50:50 weight distribution and has some form of forced induction.
Quoted post
[/b]

Well thanks for making my point and naming several things that are replacements for displacement. Except the 50:50 weight distribution.. that doesn't make your car faster :blink:


<!--QuoteBegin-turbo-alero@Apr 20 2005, 10:42 AM

also, what is one of first things that a lot of those really fast 4-cyl guys do when they build up their car........"bore out the engine" = “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post
[/quote]

One of the first things?? I dunno about that... and sure some people turn a 2.0 into a 2.3, its still isn't a large engine.

Like i've said before, all you need to do is look at a formula one car. No forced induction there either...

[jamcllw]

Originally posted by b-spot+Apr 20 2005, 12:46 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(b-spot @ Apr 20 2005, 12:46 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-jamcllw@Apr 20 2005, 09:54 AM

And most of those cars probably weigh less, have different gear ratio's, has 50:50 weight distribution and has some form of forced induction.
Quoted post


Well thanks for making my point and naming several things that are replacements for displacement. Except the 50:50 weight distribution.. that doesn't make your car faster :blink:


Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

You missed my point. Your comparing apples and oranges. There's always something better. You can't compare a 4 cylinder 150 hp. DOHC engine in a 2000 lb car to a 170 hp push rod engine in a 3200 pound car. Yeah the 4 cylinder is going to be faster the HP to weight ratio is completely different. Now you take the same 4 cylinder engine put it into the Alero it's not going to be nearly as fast. Everyone in this thread was talking about Alero's and then you started to compare them to other cars. It's apples to oranges.

And to your previous coment on page 1 about the Ecotec not having as many problems as the 2.4 or 3.4. How do you know? The Ecotecs have only been out for like 2-3 years. That's not enough time to figure out if they have any major problems. I'm sure the 2.3L Quad 4 didn't have any problems with there head gaskets 2 years after they came out. And with the 3.4L it takes 2-3 years for the LIM gasket to start showing signs that it has gone out. I'm not saying that the Ecotec is going to have problems because it is one hell of an engine but only time can tell if they are going to have any major problems.

[Fast Eddie]

nope just tons of cylinders (10 max), which are mainly stroke, for torque, that rev over 12K for HP. but put that on the 1/4 mile or 0-60 against a top fuel drag car with a blown BB and guess who wins hands down. (Both get completely tore down and rebuilt after each use BTW) The engine must be one component of the overall use of the car. The 3.4 is the oldest technology, the 2.4 has DOHC but very little aftermarket support, the eco has quite an aftermarket. If he is looking to get a car for tuning though I don't reccomend the 'ho, with any engine. Otherwise the 3.4 is just as good as any of the others.

To the person who said they ahd seen tons of 3.4 and 2.4s with problems...how many are in service and how many eco are out there now take that and compare to the age of the engines and figure how statistically good each engine is. In other words there are more older 2.4s and 3.4 out there and all the ecos are relativly new what do you expect to see more problems in??

[b-spot]

Sorry, my info wasn't really relating to aleros anymore.

Basically my point is that if you can get over 1000hp out of a small 4 cyl, its not really a good argument to say there is no replacement for displacement. Different engine sizes have their applications in various vehicles and situations.

Relating to the alero, if you want a 5spd, your choice is mostly made for you. Otherwise, yes the 3.4 does have a very nice feel with its low end power. If you are not going to do anything aftermarket, this will make you go the fastest.

The 2.2L is designed to be a low maintenance engine and has less regular maintenance than either of the other 2, and gets better fuel economy.

If you are going to work on the engine, the 2.2 has way more aftermarket.

Also, the 2.2L ECOTEC has been in use for over 5 years (since 2000) and still has experience no widespread problems.

[jamcllw]

What car were they in in 2000?

Nevermind I found out it was in the Saturn L-series.

[b-spot]

Originally posted by jamcllw@Apr 20 2005, 01:38 PM
What car were they in in 2000?

Nevermind I found out it was in the Saturn L-series.
Quoted post


And the Opel Astra.

[-Alero-]

what engine did the 99 and below cavy's have? ithought they had ecotechs..

[smokinAMD]

Originally posted by -Alero-@Apr 20 2005, 09:58 PM
what engine did the 99 and below cavy's have? ithought they had ecotechs..
Quoted post


2.2 or 2.4. And I think there was a V6 option up untill 93.

[Fast Eddie]

I found something earlier, that made me want to correct my previous post. (I have not looked at F1 in a few years) they now spin those motor closer to 20K.

[Fast Eddie]

Originally posted by b-spot+Apr 20 2005, 07:58 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(b-spot @ Apr 20 2005, 07:58 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-jamcllw@Apr 20 2005, 01:38 PM
What car were they in in 2000?

Nevermind I found out it was in the Saturn L-series.
Quoted post


And the Opel Astra.
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

from 96+ they could get the 2.4 (Z24) and the 2200 SOHC came available in like the early-mid 90s.

[Cliff8928]

3rd generation cavaliers came with-

2.2 OHV 1995-1997
2200 OHV 1998-2002
2.3 Quad4 1995
2.4 Twin-Cam 1996-2002
2.2 Ecotec 2002-2005

Certian years were available with CNG and Flex Fuel versions of the OHV 2.2 / 2200

[-Alero-]

but the 2.2 is the 2200 isnt it? why would they give it 2 different names? instead of calling them both 2.2's or 2200's

[|Rev|]

Originally posted by turbo-alero+Apr 19 2005, 11:29 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(turbo-alero @ Apr 19 2005, 11:29 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-double0alero@Apr 19 2005, 11:27 AM
it depends on what he wants it for...if he plans on modding the engine, then go with the 2.2 and mod away, but just for some get up and go around town, then the 3.4 is the way to go. There's some minor problems, but there will always be problems and they dont happen to everybody..
Quoted post


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]
REDNEK! :grin: :lol:

[Cliff8928]

Originally posted by -Alero-@Apr 22 2005, 10:15 PM
but the 2.2 is the 2200 isnt it? why would they give it 2 different names? instead of calling them both 2.2's or 2200's
Quoted post


Well, to someone who didn't know the difference they would think that, but it's like a generation change from the 2.2 to the 2200 (a fair amount of differences)

[AlbinoMonkeyRat]

Originally posted by turbo-alero+Apr 19 2005, 02:29 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(turbo-alero @ Apr 19 2005, 02:29 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-double0alero@Apr 19 2005, 11:27 AM
it depends on what he wants it for...if he plans on modding the engine, then go with the 2.2 and mod away, but just for some get up and go around town, then the 3.4 is the way to go. There's some minor problems, but there will always be problems and they dont happen to everybody..
Quoted post


i would have to disagree my friend, “No replacement for displacement”
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]
If you were right, then the extra liter of displacement that the 3400 has would make it a monster. It's not. It only has 20 horses more than the 2.4 and 30 over the 2.2 Ecotec. Anyway, the Ecotec aftermarket is growing and is much bigger than the 3400 aftermarket ever will dream to be.