olds alero??
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From: Waterloo, NY
I was mistaken, My wife'* Alero has the Ecotec. For a small econobox, I was sorta impressed with what it did have in terms of performance and predictability in the snow.
The maintainence nightmare that she is having with this one is enough to keep us from ever considering one.
The maintainence nightmare that she is having with this one is enough to keep us from ever considering one.
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From: Michigan
Originally Posted by Logan
Originally Posted by repinS
Seems to be pretty divided between owners... ie, SSEiMatt having horrid luck with his, or PJ having good luck (far as I know?) with her Grand Am.
No problems as of yet. I think she just recently had to get her rotors turned and pads replaced. But I think that is it...oh yeah....other then the tires leaking. But that might have had something to do with the nail in one of them.
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
What year is this Alero, and what engine is in it?
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
its not a quad 4.
i dont know why everyone thinks it is, but its a 2.4L twin cam, and is not the same quad 4 used in early 90'* cars. the 2.4L, although not bulletproof, is more reliable than the quad 4
the 2.2 ecotech is a very reliable motor, and faster than the 2.4L, the 5 speed ecotech is the fastest combination (over the v6 which is only auto) the 2.2L is also proven to take quiet a bit of boost, showing how well its built
the 4t45e is fine with the 3400, i know why gm put it on the 3400.... because it works fine with it. transmission problems are pretty uncommon on stock cars, only the cars running forced induction have problems. you have to remember this is a 2900-3200lb car, depending on options (3100-3200 for auto v6'*). and thats why, with only 170hp, its actually a pretty quick car, ive run right with a 98-99 monte z34 (series II 3800) he got me a little off the line, by 45ish he had me by 1/2 to 3/4 car and very very slowly gaining on him
the 3400 does suffer from lower intake manifold gasket leakage, but thats very easily spotted. the blower motor resistors do go bad, but you dont need to buy a whole new block to fix it, you can fix it yourself for cheap. the rotors are bad, when they do warp (mine haven't in the year ive owned mine, and i drive hard) replace them with a aftermarket slotted rottor and you'll never have a problem again. they're pretty cheap if you look at the right place.
let me know if you have any question, i have a 01 GLS with the 3400
check out aleromod.com too
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Purgatory
Originally Posted by swartlkk
The maintainence nightmare that she is having with this one is enough to keep us from ever considering one.
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From: Waterloo, NY
Originally Posted by vital49
What is the maintenance nightmare? You're the first person I've come across that'* had maintenance issues with the Ecotec.
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Originally Posted by mikey
Originally Posted by jr's3800
What year is this Alero, and what engine is in it?
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
its not a quad 4.
i dont know why everyone thinks it is, but its a 2.4L twin cam, and is not the same quad 4 used in early 90'* cars. the 2.4L, although not bulletproof, is more reliable than the quad 4
the 2.2 ecotech is a very reliable motor, and faster than the 2.4L, the 5 speed ecotech is the fastest combination (over the v6 which is only auto) the 2.2L is also proven to take quiet a bit of boost, showing how well its built
the 4t45e is fine with the 3400, i know why gm put it on the 3400.... because it works fine with it. transmission problems are pretty uncommon on stock cars, only the cars running forced induction have problems. you have to remember this is a 2900-3200lb car, depending on options (3100-3200 for auto v6'*). and thats why, with only 170hp, its actually a pretty quick car, ive run right with a 98-99 monte z34 (series II 3800) he got me a little off the line, by 45ish he had me by 1/2 to 3/4 car and very very slowly gaining on him
the 3400 does suffer from lower intake manifold gasket leakage, but thats very easily spotted. the blower motor resistors do go bad, but you dont need to buy a whole new block to fix it, you can fix it yourself for cheap. the rotors are bad, when they do warp (mine haven't in the year ive owned mine, and i drive hard) replace them with a aftermarket slotted rottor and you'll never have a problem again. they're pretty cheap if you look at the right place.
let me know if you have any question, i have a 01 GLS with the 3400
check out aleromod.com too
Maybe I should have said that there was a SOHC Quad 4, and or DOHC Quad 4 ( 2.3 & 2.4 L ) Used in the N bodies over the years... And every cover you look at on the 2.3 and 2.4 Twin cam engine says " Quad 4 "...
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
Originally Posted by mikey
Originally Posted by jr's3800
What year is this Alero, and what engine is in it?
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
It may be a Quad 4( 2.4 L ) or a 3400 V6...
I respect and like the Quad 4, but at time it can be a nightmare in the making... And can become very expensive to repair...
The 3400 is a good motor, but it will have lower intake manifold gasket problem down the road... Usually at 80,000-140,000 miles or so...
I have driven a couple of Aleros with the 3400 V6 and was not impressed with them... I would not have one... And I have never understood why GM attached a pretty good size V6 to the 4T45-E trans... Made no sense...
Overall if she gets a 3400 Alero, it should be ok... The best thing to do is have someone with a very good eye for automotive problems.... Maybe a family friend that just may be a mechanic go along for the test drives...
A coworker bought a grand am, 2004 with the 3400 in april... Talked to her the other day and she said she had not had a single issue with the car... She had me go with her because she was afraid she would buy a lemon... The one she had her eye on was a lemon... Worst piece of junk ( 2005 with 15,000 miles ) I ever drove for being a 2005... I told the dealer it was a POS before I drove it... Went down the road and cursed something or other, and parked the car, told the coworker not to buy it... The 2004 was awsome... Everything worked exactly as it should have... Ihope that car will give her many trouble free years....
Ok whats my point here....
Have her take someone very knowledgeable about cars with her to both look at and drive the car... Some Aleros will be good, other will be junk...
its not a quad 4.
i dont know why everyone thinks it is, but its a 2.4L twin cam, and is not the same quad 4 used in early 90'* cars. the 2.4L, although not bulletproof, is more reliable than the quad 4
the 2.2 ecotech is a very reliable motor, and faster than the 2.4L, the 5 speed ecotech is the fastest combination (over the v6 which is only auto) the 2.2L is also proven to take quiet a bit of boost, showing how well its built
the 4t45e is fine with the 3400, i know why gm put it on the 3400.... because it works fine with it. transmission problems are pretty uncommon on stock cars, only the cars running forced induction have problems. you have to remember this is a 2900-3200lb car, depending on options (3100-3200 for auto v6'*). and thats why, with only 170hp, its actually a pretty quick car, ive run right with a 98-99 monte z34 (series II 3800) he got me a little off the line, by 45ish he had me by 1/2 to 3/4 car and very very slowly gaining on him
the 3400 does suffer from lower intake manifold gasket leakage, but thats very easily spotted. the blower motor resistors do go bad, but you dont need to buy a whole new block to fix it, you can fix it yourself for cheap. the rotors are bad, when they do warp (mine haven't in the year ive owned mine, and i drive hard) replace them with a aftermarket slotted rottor and you'll never have a problem again. they're pretty cheap if you look at the right place.
let me know if you have any question, i have a 01 GLS with the 3400
check out aleromod.com too
Maybe I should have said that there was a SOHC Quad 4, and or DOHC Quad 4 ( 2.3 & 2.4 L ) Used in the N bodies over the years... And every cover you look at on the 2.3 and 2.4 Twin cam engine says " Quad 4 "...
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You are somewhat correct... It says Twin Cam 2.3 or 2.4....
But regaurdless its still a Quad 4... The Quad 4 started out as a DOHC 2.3, later they developed a SOHC version... I believe that 93 may have been the last year for the SOHC Quad 4... There have been too many changes to count between blocks, rods and the like... But they are still Oldsmobile Quad 4 Engines
And so far from what I have seen the 2.2 echotec is very reliable...
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But regaurdless its still a Quad 4... The Quad 4 started out as a DOHC 2.3, later they developed a SOHC version... I believe that 93 may have been the last year for the SOHC Quad 4... There have been too many changes to count between blocks, rods and the like... But they are still Oldsmobile Quad 4 Engines
And so far from what I have seen the 2.2 echotec is very reliable...
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I had a 2000 Alero with the 2.4 Twin Cam w/ a 5 speed. Engine and trans very were very strong, got rid of it when it had 95K on it and was still mechanically strong. Bone stock ran 16.2 which is pretty damn close to that anemic 3400v6. My only complaints with the car were the interior parts were cheap and were falling apart and that car couldnt keep a brake rotor unwarpped for nothing. I was told the N-body cars had serious problems with warping rotors. In regard to the ecotec powered alero'* being faster then the twin cam'* I dont believe that. I have a friend who has an 03 with the ecotec w/ 5-speed and she couldnt hang with me. The eco'* in the smaller j-body cars where pretty quick but in the heavier alero its a dog, not to mention the 2.2 doesnt sound nearly as throaty as the 2.4 did. They are very decent for the money you will spend on them, just stay away from the crank windows, my assemblies kept breaking. :?
The 2.4 was still a oldsmobile "quad 4" engine. They just changed its name to "twin cam", with all the problems the 2.3 had the quad 4 name was tarnished pretty bad. The too engines where pretty close to be identical, the 2.4 just got stronger gaskets, a slightly larger bore and instead of a aluminum intake manifold the 2.4 recieved a composite intake manifold.
The 2.4 was still a oldsmobile "quad 4" engine. They just changed its name to "twin cam", with all the problems the 2.3 had the quad 4 name was tarnished pretty bad. The too engines where pretty close to be identical, the 2.4 just got stronger gaskets, a slightly larger bore and instead of a aluminum intake manifold the 2.4 recieved a composite intake manifold.