High Mileage rebuilds

[DeeBee]

Maybe it's me but I've never had to rebuild a motor or trans even with my cars that went to nearly 200k. I changed the oil regularly, filter changes and am not a easy driver.

I see lots of engine rebuilds at less than 100k miles and just have to wonder if I'm on a lucky streak or maybe I'm missing something.

I see this on ads for Reattas all the time. Stuff like new rebuild at 75k miles, things like that. The 89 I just bought has a strong motor, no leaks, good compression and leak down tests, tranny shifts smooth but tight and locks up good. Are the 3800 engines needing rebuilds after only 100k miles with good matinenance?

[CL_Reatta]

I have 180k on mine, and it shifts and runs like 80k, with the exception of a bug and little things here and there it runs great.(I hope I jinx myself now <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />) I don't believe that it was ever pushed hard, but I don't believe that it was treated like a baby either, in my opinion you need to treat a car like _ to need a rebuild before 100k

[F14CRAZY]

Hmmm...my formula is that you will need 2-3 transmission rebuilds per engine rebuild. I'm at 164k, with neither <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Don't see why an LN3 won't go beyond 200k, since mine's doing great and uses maybe 1/2 quart between its 4500 mile Mobil 1 changes (probably more in leaks than blowby).

My tranny is going to die eventually, though I'm sure the Mobil 1 is helping a lot. But, oh well. When the time comes, I'll find me a 6 speed manual

[dwmajk]

My take on these great cars,very expensive when new translates to older buyer,160,000 miles equals really low average mileage,perfect engine for highway travel set speed @60 rpm-2000.I hope to get 250,000 at least.Today best buy on the planet,wish I could park more.

[EDBSO]

Just sold my 89 at 192,000 miles.
It was running strong, no smoke, no oil usage, normal temperatures.
I would expect another 100,000 miles easy.

[manikmekanik]

We own a few high-milers, none have, or need, a rebuild.

Bambi Killer - 1988 white/maroon coupe - 181,000 - running like a "DEERe"

Thumper - 1989 white/maroon coupe - 281,000 - runs and drives - donated fender, etc. to Bambi Killer - is now a running/drivable parts car!

I have three other coupes, all with over 150,000 miles, all run/drive, all electronics good, a couple dead cassette players due to bad belts.

The 3800 and it's related drive trains are the best GM setups for V6 cars.

It has nothing to do with luck at all, they are great cars from the start, which seem to last forever - when properly maintained, or not!

See attached photo of "Thumper" the 281,000 mile 1989 coupe.

[F14CRAZY]

Once found a convertible for sale with over 300k. Pretty rare to find a drop top with miles THAT high

[imported_55chevy]

My 88 coupe "Tater" has 268,000 miles, has been parked a year due to slipping tranny but engine ran strong, used Slick 50 a couple times, bought it at 72,000 miles in 1991.

[C.F.Massie]

My 89 Red/Tan has 252,000 on her and she is my daily driver and always has been. I drive 800 miles every weekend from Wichita, Kansas back and forth to Greenville, Texas, then locally everday. I have never had the engine torn into, the only wortk on my engine has been to replace a water pump at 185,000 and an alternator at 125,000. She still runs strong and doesn't burn any oil. I've been told the timing chain usually needs to be replaced about 60,00 - 80,000 but I haven't had to yet. The Tranny is going strong also, never had it apart for anything either. I change the oil every 5,000 and have the tranny flushed every 25,000. Knock on wood, I believe if you drive the Reattas and get them out on the highways for long runs or trips they seem to run better and last quite some time without major work. These cars were designed for the open road, cruising, not city dwelling <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[F14CRAZY]

supposedly, the timing chains wear/stretch and so the valve timing becomes slightly retarded. dunno how much of an effect it is though.

[manikmekanik]

You found the secret!!

I have long known that Reattae, Vettes, etc. do not like sitting in a garage!!

Keep 'em on the road, they treat you nice, leave 'em in a garage, and they act-up, leak, eat batteries, develop unique problems, etc, etc.

These cars are ALIVE! They need ATTENTION! If you don't DRIVE your Reattae, they will require more attention when you finally do!

Kinda' like CHILDREN!

Spend lots of time together, and they turn-out fine.

Otherwise, ?????????????????

OH! I hear "Black Beauty" calling me from the garage!

Gotta go! It's sunny today, and she wants to eat!

Okay, Beauty! we'll head out for a quick Z-3 meal.

And maybe swallow-up a Miata for dessert on the way back from supper!

[DTerry]

Maybe I'm wrong, but engine rebuilds at relatively low mileages indicate to me maltreatment, abuse, or at least neglect. I regularly take them to the moon and part way back, and I'm not a nut about maintenance. Just regular oil changes (5000 miles) and lubrication and replace things when they break. To me exotic oil and plugs and stuff are a waste of money. Whatever brand name is on sale is fine, and they go forever. At 250,000 I'll start looking for a replacement. Caravan (AWD) has 251,000 now, and everything still works. Unfortunately rust becomes a factor here in Indiana, or I may have one car forever.