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Making my car last well over 200K.....

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Old 02-01-2008, 01:47 AM
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Default Making my car last well over 200K.....

My car has 179,000 miles on it, and I am starting to get worried. I need this car to last a few more years, probably another 2, and hopefully get well over 200K out of it.

So far, it runs pretty good, burns no oil, shifts suprisingly smooth, sometimes it feels like brand new. The only main issue is a rattling cat and a bad oil leak from the rear main seal.

The intake gasket/manifold has been replaced as well.

Are these cars/transmissions about to get a good 200K+ out of them?
Old 02-01-2008, 04:06 AM
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of course , ymmv, but......some don't , some do. Your rear main seal leak is probably the rear cover plate is either loose or the gasket has cracks or both. Can only be fixed by removing the tranny. Alot of people , including me, got over 200K on original motors and trannies.
Old 02-01-2008, 04:11 AM
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My 94 SSEi was used by the previous owner to tow a huge yacht way past the car'* manufacturer recommended towing capacity. It had 2 transmission rebuilds. Otherwise, the cars last a long, long time. Some here have broken 300K on original parts. Have fun, and take really, really good care of your car with regular fluid changes, tuneups, and the like.
Old 02-01-2008, 08:16 AM
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My 90 SSE got over 300,000 miles on the original motor and tranny, and I'd say it could have went another 100,000 more. I never changed the tranny fluid nor did the timing chain. I don't see why yours can't go past 300,000.

Good luck.
Old 02-01-2008, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Maymybonnieliveforevr
My 90 SSE got over 300,000 miles on the original motor and tranny, and I'd say it could have went another 100,000 more. I never changed the tranny fluid nor did the timing belt. I don't see why yours should go past 300,000.

Good luck.
That doesn't suprise me, I believe the transmission in the 87-91 (4TH..somethin) is better then the 4T60 or whatever is standard in the 92-95. I see more LN3 powered cars (Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles and Buicks) on the road chuggin along then I do any combination of the L27/4T60'*
Old 02-01-2008, 09:22 AM
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While scheduled and preventative maintenance is key for any car to last a long time, there are *some* modifications that can be done to increase reliability. A transmission cooler will help keep trans temps lower, which will stretch a little more life out of it. A combustion chamber cleaner, like Sea-Foam, will dissolve carbon out of the chambers, helping efficiency (that'* not a modification, but it still helps).

You replaced your intake and LIM gaskets. Why? Preventative maintenance or failure? If failure was the reason, keep an extra vigilant ear or two on the motor. DinoDex (that'* my own word) to bearings is like what Raid is to roaches, but slower in the end result.

Jim, that trans is just the standard 4T60, or if you want to use the old designation, 440-T4.
Old 02-01-2008, 10:59 AM
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just an fyi i was told my 90 sse has a timing chain not belt.
does that make i last longer ??
Old 02-01-2008, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by thunderhand
just an fyi i was told my 90 sse has a timing chain not belt.
does that make i last longer ??
Yes, they are a chain, not sure about it lasting longer, but I would think so. I replaced it in my '89 SE only as a preventative measure and was glad I did. I sold my '89 last year with over 250,000 miles on it and the guy still drives it all the time.

My '93 SSEi currently has 194,000 miles on it, and I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere.. and I mean that
Old 02-01-2008, 03:21 PM
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Vin C timing chains typically last 75-125k miles... much past the 125 and you risk it breaking.

I've seen several H/C body cars in junkyards with well over 300k miles on them and I have heard of one car with 350k miles on the original tranny and engine.

Just baby it, and the car will treat ya right and last for a long time.


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