What is the life expectancy of a 3.4L engine and auto tranny on a 94 camero?

Question

I just bought a 94 camero with 154000miles on it. I'm wondering how long do y'all predict before I will have to rebuild the engine and tranny? the engine currently has a coolant leak somewhere, not sure where yet.

I bought it for a song, so don't worry about that.

Also, the lady I bought it from is no spring chicken. She never "hot rodded" it(her own words lol).

And a V8 would be nice, but I think I'll wait till I can afford a z28. That way, I'll have more to work with in terms of suspension, and subframe integrity.

Answer 1

well, it depends on a lot of things. take the valve cover off and see how much sludge there is on the head. If the previous owners kept up with maintenance, it will go to 200,000 miles easily.

Answer 2

I would say that you have right around 50 miles left. They 3.4 was a pretty good motor. The problem that you are going to run into is that have you ever seen anyone drive a V6 Camaro and not act like they had a V8? (The correct answer is "no",) I would say that you should be just fine. I would put the car under a load to start out with, meaning apply the brake while pressing gas...see if you hear anything odd. Then when you drive just make sure that it shifts thru all gears correctly and then back down thru. Really there is only so much you can do...but you need to under stand that you are looking at a 154k mile car....it's not new. Good luck!!

Answer 3

A big part of the answer to your question depends on the kind of care that was done to this vehicle. If it was serviced regularly then you could get many, many more miles out of it. If it was not it may not go 10,000 more miles.. The first thing I would do is find out if and when all the filters were changed( actually I would probably just change them now so I know they've been done.) Fuel, air oil, pcv valve, change them all. As for the tranny what kind of shape is the fluid in. If it is dark LEAVE IT ALONE. If you change the fluid out now if it is too bad you can kiss tranny goodbye. If fluid still okay then it wouldn't hurt to change fluid and filter in tranny. 3.4l GM engine is good if taken care of. Good Luck.....

Answer 4

The GM 60-degree V6 is a pretty reliable engine, but it has its limits. Sounds like you're getting pretty close to them. You might want to do a compression test to see how your piston rings are doing, and if you're really worried you could drop the oil pan to check the clearances on the main and rod bearings. Listen for rod knock and valve train clatter - these could be signs that the time is near. The good news is that this engine is extremely common in GM vehicles and any decent machine shop can rebuilt it for you. Good luck!

Answer 5

My brother-in-law has a Chevy Lumina with the same engine.

He's up to 362,000 miles, but the bearings are starting to go.

So much depends on maintaining the car, and how you drive it....my brother-in-law drives 40 miles each way to work, very few short trips, and is meticulous in taking care of the car.

Short trips, poor maintenance, and hard driving with shorten the life of any car...take care of it, and they generally take care of you.

Answer 6

Gm 3.4 L Engine

Answer 7

I'de say your allready due for a rebuild. I'de give it a 120k miles, Drive it till it smokes,, who cares?

Answer 8

Drop a V8 in it

Answer 9

well first off, I hope you didn't pay much for it. Secondly, take it to a reputable dealer and have it checked out. They should be able to tell you how long you have, but from my experience with those; not long.