2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 3.8 V6 from North America
Summary:
An attractive Super Sport speed machine
Faults:
So far I have only had a few problems with the vehicle, none of which however have been serious or affected the cars ability to drive.
The traction control doesn't work, but I'm told it can be fixed relatively easily.
The battery gauge needle points down instead of up.
The temperature gauge sometimes doesn't work, which is due to a bad sensor.
The last thing is not a mechanical problem, but still a nuisance, and that is the cars gas mileage isn't the best, but it may be due to a dirty fuel filter, I'm not positive.
General Comments:
The SS package makes the car look more aggressive than the basic LS models with the Silverstone Metallic ground effects, SS badges, and larger wheels and tires.
It handles amazing, especially on the freeway going around tight bends, thanks to the wide tires and heavy duty sport suspension.
The overall car is larger than most other coupes of the same year, and has a large comfortable interior with a equally large back seat area.
The engine provides plenty of power, and the transmission shifts smoothly and quickly with no "shift shock".
There is no vibration in the steering wheel when driving, due to a titanium brace in the dash.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th April, 2008
10th Apr 2008, 20:44
Hello, I own a 1998 Monte Carlo Z34, and love it! I have done a lot of work on the car and have become VERY familiar working with the 3800 V6 engine.
In referring to your engine coolant, green is not the original style coolant, but there is a good reason to keep it. GM dealerships want to use Dexcool, because that is what was originally in the car, and that is what GM makes and prescribes for their cars. This coolant has been a major problem for the GM V6 engines in the last several years, due to the fact that over time, it becomes corrosive and acidic, eating away at gaskets in the engine. You can even google "Dexcool lawsuit" and you can see that a class action lawsuit against GM for this problem has just won its case. Dexcool also has a tendency to become thick and pasty, which is also definitely not good!
The fact that you have green coolant in your engine is A GOOD thing. Regardless of what the GM mechanic says, keep green or dex-compatible orange coolant in the motor. Compatible coolant is of no harm, but the real Dexcool is. Many people that own 3800 V6's, experience upper intake manifold failure or lower intake gasket failure, in part due to Dexcool. I just had both replaced yesterday at 120k miles, and had Dex-compatible coolant put in.
So, you have nothing to worry about -- keep the green coolant! Hope this helps, and enjoy your Monte!