'91 Lumina Z-34 3.4 V-6 Any Good?

[84GNTTYPE]

I was looking at a 1991 Lumina Z-34 with the 3.4L multi-port injection. The body was in pretty good shape, but it has 145,000 miles on it. I was just wondering if anyone knew how long these motors usually run without having major troubles and if there are any other concerns with them.

Thanks!

 

[Chris Cornett]

I have a buddy with over 200K on his Monte Carlo with that engine.

 

[tes87gn]

3.4 (VIN X) MOTOR

I work for GM and my personal opinion we have seen several problems with it. Parts are costly and the labor time to work on it is worse. Final thought NOT a good motor a one of GM 's misfits.
My $0.02.

 

[xtremexnyc]

Trouble Spots

Intake Gaskets are known to leak

Distributor o-ring is a pain

Alternator is hard to replace

Power steering hose is a pain

See if all these have been changed. This motor is very tight to work on.

Go to http://www.efi-street.com/phpbb2/index.php for more information.

 

[Little6pack]

I had an 92 Olds Ciera with the 3.3 - Got it used with 18k & was still going after I sold it at 183k. & I beat the PIZZ out of it toward the end.
Alot depends if it was maintained well with same type oil & many changes..

Is this an original owners car or used car lot deal?

 

[84GNTTYPE]

It's on a used car lot, so I'm sure it has always been "perfectly maintained"

 

[gn85]

What was/is the run for this motor?? What other cars has it been used in?? How long did GM use it for? Is GM still using it?? That would be a bit of an indicator to me. Look at the 350v8, many say it's old as dirt, but heck it still works. What about the 3800... GM tends to throw that in everything.. both front and rear drive.

 

[WakkoSS]

I stand corrected...post deleted.

 

[tes87gn]

A 2.8 and a 3.4 (x) motor are nowhere near the same. The 3.4 is a dual overhead cam V-6 it was used by GM for approx 91-93 in the Lumina and used it in the Monte carlo 95-97. Also it was used in certin Grand Prix GTP and the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The motor is on a entirely different platform than the 2.8L and 3.3L V-6 engines GM builds. The engine had many profound problems that not even GM engineers could solve. Don't get me wrong I'm sure not every single one built had bad problems but in comparison to the good old fashioned push rod V-6 engines (ex. 2.8, 3.1, 3.3, 3.8),the 3.4 had significant problem that these other engines never had. And from a technician's point of view, these engines were and still are the nightmare of there time to diag. and repair. Just my P.O.V.

 

[Brian Mc]

It's a good running motor, but tends to have timing belt and idler pulley probs. Alternator PITA.

I Always thought the Olds Cutlass convertables like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423307485&category=6405

And the Grand Prix GTP:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2423506637&category=6422

Were neater than the lumina.

 

[Devil Car]

My roommate owns a '92 Z34 with approx. 70,000 miles. The engines make decent power for their size, but I do not feel that they are very reliable. As stated before, the intake gaskets are prone to leaking, as well as other key gaskets, and working on the cars is a difficult task as there is not much room under the hood. Also, it is very expensive to have another mechanic work on the car, as even the most simple of jobs require a large amount of time.

Personally, I would steer clear of these cars, just my $.02

 

[Brad T]

I own a 96 GTP with the 3.4 engine.We have 104,000 on it and have changed the alternator twice and the plug wires three times but other than that the motor hasn't had anything done to it.

 

[84GNTTYPE]

Thanks for the insight guys. I think I'm going to steer clear of this one and keep looking for a car.

 

[tjthorson]

Good choice - I like mine, but its a very maintenance intensive motor.

Already did the intake gaskets and the alternator. Im a pro now....

Now I have to do the idler pulleys and timing belt.

 

[Black Box]

I had a brand new '96 Cutlass Supreme 2-door with the 3.4 DOHC and I loved it. Not a lot of low end, but around 3500 RPM the thing really woke up. Totally the opposite of a turbo Regal.

Unfortunately, the dealership kept screwing up the repair jobs on the rest of the car (no engine problems), and at 36K I made them buy it back.

If it didn't have so many problems I'd probably still have it today, I loved that car. My first new car and it totally soiled the new car experience for me.

Steve

 

[Little6pack]

Try looking for something that has a 3800 in it.
Better yet find a supercharged 3800 in an older Buick ULTRA or Olds LSS... CAN YOU SAY SLEEPER!