Hey all, new to the forums here.
Im lookin on general information on the 2002 Year Impala LS 3.8L V6.
How stable are the engines?
Do they tend to crack heads, blow seals/gaskets (if so which ones)
Since its a MPFI V6, how easy is it to rip apart to replace upper head parts

Is this car a good car to rip around in:
Is it good on gas?
How fast does it really go for 200 HP at wheels?
Can you peel off in this car without having to repalce diff pins?
How sensitive is the transmission in this vehicle?

Based on my previous car, i have done lots of work on cars in general, but starting into V6's is a first for me. Im a DIY mechanic/learner but still know quite a bit about cars in general.

My future plans for this car will be:
Audio setup swap
17inch mags
Supercharger
Racing cams
Performance Valves and springs
Lowering kit (one inch max)
K&N or APC Air intake system
Full Dual exhaust with Chevy Tips on the back

let me know what ya think!
Thanks guys

 

Welcome to the forum. Overall they're good engines. gas is ok on highway, so-so around town. Any engine will crack / warp heads / bkow gaskets if overheated.

 

Hey, thanks for the reply.
Im mainly lookin for the things that could occur frequently... I currently own a Saturn (1992 SL1 SOHC TBI) and i finally bent a valve, and have 0 compression on one cylinder.
Things like this is what im curious about. Im basically lookin for a really nice car, that i can do a couple **reputable** things to... like the supercharger and the exhaust.... no NOS... no tuner tip... no tuner/ricer symbols or anything like that. The most i will do is decal the exhaust and intake on a window somewhere, or just keep it clean.
Im not in the mood to swing around on a car every day after i get off work, ive been doing that for the past 4 years of my life, because my dad tells me what to buy.
So thats the last time i take his advice on cars (he thinks cheap is best... when you have to put 1700 in it to saftey it, its not worth it.)
Would an 02 Impala LS 3.8L be a good investment. i would like to hear more opinions about this car in general, even if it is bad, i want to know what i might be getting myself into.

Thanks again.
Dan

 

/bump
Any recomendations or comments?