Also known as the Ecotec in Australia. Unbelievably strong and can put up with any abuse you throw at it.

​@willlong4258 Struth mate the old man is snoring the ecotec is roaring

@@Quxzy "If it's raining and pouring, the Ecotecs are roaring"

@willlong4258 mb that's right I'm a falcon man so ofc I screwed it up haha

@@Quxzy and spac's go mang mang mang

Unless you got the t5. One of the best transmissions they made too imo

I like 4.3L vortec to

Not really bad thing, like a 12v Cummins plenty of rotted out dodges for the pickings

​@@knownbarkert6153 Only downside to the T5 was that they really didn't like having more than 350ftlbs of torque, but aside from that one limitation it really was the best, especially for Ford flathead retro mods

Truth, my wife had a GTP when I met her, that engine ran like a top while the rest of the car was falling apart around it.

Only because people seems to forget the GM 250 i6 which is even more reliable and mods can take up to 2500hp.

@@AMV12SActually m the 3800 was better. The 250 was tough. But it wasn’t known to last for 300,000 miles in stock form.

There wasn't a single 3800 powered vehicle destroyed in cash for clunkers because they weren't inefficient enough

@@keegenm.6154 Are you sure? My Uncle got rid of his Jeep Cherokee with a fuel injected 4.0 for a Honda CRV, under the "cash for clunkers" program, which he almost immediately regretted. I don't think those fuel injected RWD Jeeps were that much less efficient than a carbureted 3800. Example, my old '84 Buick Regal was lucky to get 20 MPG on the highway and only got 16 MPG max in town. Now those were good numbers compared to its sibling stablemates, the Olds Cutlass or Chevy Monte Carlo with their standard V8's. I think a lot would have to do with the shape and weight of the vehicle as well as what transmission the 3800 was mated to.

I have a lasabre I drive from Little Rock Arkansas to Chicago 2 round trips a month love the 3800 and the 28 mpg. 160k on her.

Kinda. Outside the sy/ty. Sad it has practically zero aftermarket.

@@ItsDaJax yea thats the unfortunate part 😕

I love the 4.3l in my astro almost 300k miles with only basic services needed exept the spider injector and fuel pump needing repaced since it sat for years with bad gas. Im positve itll out live the original 4l60e thats showing issues

@@ItsDaJax What? Zero aftermarket? There are lots and lots of performance parts available for a 4.3l v6 if that's what you mean by aftermarket.

@@TDub_ADV I've only seen one intake, sets of headers, and I think maybe a cam or two.

The rear wheels drive versions are much better than the front wheel drive since the water pump is external on the rear wheel drive models, while front wheel drive models have an internal water pump

It sounds really good

The best base model engine ever in an American Muscle car. They'll beat the 5.7 dodges with just a tune

​@@VermillionRacing yeah they dont get anywhere near the praise they deserve. The jump from the 4.0 to the 3.7 is wild. Probably honestly better then 4.6 3v even though that ruffles A LOT of feathers lol. I had a buddy with basic bolt ons on his 3.7 and he hung on my back bumper when my gen 1 5.0 was stock. Super impressive.

They don’t get as much praise because they’re not nearly as reliable as say, the coyote.

The Chrysler 3.3/3.8 was an attempt to duplicate the popular v6 the major difference being it uses 60-degree

I agree. I had multiple Caravans as work vehicles with the 3.3L, and while it's underpowered in such a big vehicle, no one buys a minivan to go fast. V6s CAN be pretty powerful, but their main use case is "I need more torque than a NA four-cylinder with better fuel economy than a V8".

The cyclone also doesn't suffer the water pump issues in RWD applications. The Water pump on those engines (Mustang/F150) is outside the front cover.

As he was talking about the cyclone, I knew he wasn't going to give it the tier it deserves. Not quite s-tier in my opinion (although I wouldn't argue with someone that think it is), but definitely at least a-tier. My parents owned a 2011 f150 with the 3.7, and it had over 250k miles before they sold it. The 6r80 transmission was starting to get noisy during down shifts, but the buyer said they would deal with it as-is, and paid 5k for it in like 2017.

I agree, C tier was definitely too low

Thanks for the insight, sounds like you had an overall positive experience

If I didn't have kids I would be looking for one.

The water pump weep hole has a path to drip externally and dual gaskets. The water pump issue killing the whole engine is way overblown. It's only if you don't repair a leaking water pump that eventually kills the engine. As in, people that don't care for their vehicles. Cyclone is an A tier engine if not an S tier.

​@@rmkilcWhen did they add the weep holes? I believe later versions of the 3.5, like our 2017 explorer, have those added. But I don't believe it was added until later in the engines design.

@@themidnighttavern6784 No idea. My 2015 Explorer Sport with the 3.5 Ecoboost has it.

The 3.0 Ford, whether the Vulcan or the Duratec, is not even in the same ballpark as the Buick 3800. The 3800 is damn near in a league of its own when it comes to reliable V6 engines, no matter the manufacturer or country of origin.

Both good choices, glad you enjoyed owning one

Between my parents and myself, we've owned two Ford 3.0 Vulcan V6's and two 3.0 DOHC Duratec V6's. Each vehicle made it over 250k miles before trading up to a newer vehicle (one Vulcan V6 made it to 376k miles). I'm in no way saying that the Buick 3800 is bad, especially the supercharged versions, but to say the Ford 3.0's aren't in the same ballpark, that's a little harsh.

​@@timothyforce1949They're definitely in the same ballpark in terms of reliability, but the 3.0 doesn't even sniff the 3800 in performance

no disagreements here. ive had Duratec 3.0's live beyond 200k miles with even poor maintenance. absolutely superb engine, i love working on them and theyve never let me down.

Yep I always hear the hype, but don’t remember everyone trading in there Toyota and Hondas for the 3800 that’s for sure.

@@Kenzo-bp1zs the transmission we awful in the cars with GM 3.8L. The engine is about as reliable as 90s V6 toyota. Being a pushrod engine it was simplistic in its design, over the Japanese OHC Design.

Gm had to recall them and replace the valve cover gaskets and remove the engine cover because they were catching fire for while

@@alexgrindnshine2522 intake gasket issues, cheap plastic intake elbows, constant ABS/TC problems and to top it off they were attached to the glass Methuselah of transmissions. leaps and bounds better cars than anything from ford or Chrysler at the time tho

yeah, they had issues, but they will run like hot shit longer than most engines will run in general.

Are you talking about the Duratec 3.0 that went on the Mondeo ST220? Those are also cool

@@isaac4273 nope, Ford did contract cosworth to put 24 valve heads on the Cologne v6

@@cirian75 oh Cosworth worked on the Cologne v6 too? Huh, I didn't know that

@@isaac4273 Only on the very short lived Ford Scorpio

These are some very valid points, and in the case of the SOHC V6 if you’ve owned one then you’ll know better than I do just having looked at forums. I could see how it would be assumed off the LH similarity’s and find that to be an interesting point. I appreciate the extra info on the other engines as well, getting a different perspective clarifies where there we gaps in information. Thanks for watching!

You're welcome And thank you for being open to my corrections. I actually have had 3. 1 first generation and 2 second generation (I should have said that the second generation version was the one that was a benchmarker in the market, the first generation was an effort to catch up on the SHO engine with a larger displacement). The reason why the 2.7 is problematic is that it has the timing chain driven water pump which permits internal coolant leaking. In addition when they created the 2.7, they lowered the engine deck and did so in a flawed manner which hampered ventilation. This was done to enable it to fit in shorter engine bays with the cloud cars in mind. This is why you can replace a blown 2.7 in a LH or LX car and still use the standard hood but you cannot in a cloud car. The one example that we have of someone who did swap a 3.5 in a cloud car head to make a custom hood. It's an important lesson to remember that while there are some relation between the two engines they are very different considering that the 3.5 is timing belt driven and timing belt driven water pumps don't have the same problem. The main thing you have to remember is to change the water pump and timing belt on time on the second generation version otherwise it will fail (The first generation version had a non-interference engine design which will not result in self-destruction in the event of the timing belt snapping). But that was common during that time and is true of many will respected Japanese engines. Some engine problems can be very specific to an application. A prime example is the cyclone V6 where if it's a front wheel drive version Ford for whatever reason put in the timing chain driven water pump. On the rear wheel drive version they keep it on the outside where it belongs. Whether you have a good one or bad one depends on your luck. My father had a fifth generation Taurus that he gave to a relative and it has 250,000 miles on it, another relative had a sixth generation Taurus we're the water pump failed at 172,000 mi. I know of examples of higher miles and I know examples of lower miles. It's the luck of the draw. You can have a good example of a very flawed engine or you can have a lemon of a nearly bulletproof engine. We've had bad luck with our 3800s even though everybody else that I know has had great luck with them and our Ford cyclones have been pretty good overall.

​@@running2redline you just forgot one car has the V6

I was going to say, the GM high feature V6 is known to be quite the dud. I was surprised to see it rank so well.

Agreed the 3.2 & 3.5 Chrysler were very reliable motors. But due to some the same platforms using the 2.7 & 4.0, they often get rolled into the bad category. The 3.5 is very well known to exceed the 200,000 mi mark. This is why you see 300M's Interpeds & 1st new gen Chargers driving around today

I completely missed that my bad, looking into it it seems some solid improvements were surely made. Thanks for putting this up

Yes this engine deserves to be in the top end of your list, extremely reliable and simple to maintain.

@@alexgrindnshine2522 that's what I'm saying

@@running2redline it's like the mopar 3800

@@bigbuffalophill yeah both the 3.9L magnum and the 3.3 3.8L Chrysler are more reliable then the GM 3.8L from working in shops we did a lot more repair work on the GM 3.8L lot of coolant issue that could lead to expensive engine failures. The 3.9L like the 4.3 vortec where just 2 cylinders short of being V8. Share the same design as the 5.2magnum and the 350 vortec. 4.3L had lot more issues with fuel injection and oil leaks when compared to the 3.9L magnum.

I’d research the skystang turbo, and watch the long explanation of what’s done to that car, I think they can handle a lot more boost than people think it’s just hard to get enough fuel and air into them, and some modifications to the block is needed

Personally though I think that 500ish horsepower mark with boost and handling and being choiceful in where you keep and remove weight from the cars they were in is where they really shine though, it gets a lot more costly to go up from there but they can handle more power if for some reason you’d want to

Much appreciated, glad you enjoyed it. Japanese V6 is likely next

Thank you, means a lot to hear that. That is pretty funny, no reason to be mad with such a good engine. Interesting how many different companies have used Ford’s engines over the years, I’m super happy with the Ford MZR in my NC

I came here looking for the LF4 because i got an ATS-V and its a total hauss

I drove one for work that had 450,000 miles on it and something else broke

They're interference engines unlike the slightly more powerful GM high feature

American inline 6 is definitely due, I’ve already done German and Japanese for those

@@running2redline Can't wait for the video 👍

​@@running2redlineWell if you do american 4 cylinders; ya can't leave out the Lima 140cu 2.3 liter. Based off the european 1.8 and 2.0. Carbed made 88hp, but the early draw through carb turboed version made 139hp to the 302s 140 with the 79-81 Cobra. It has decent enough aftermarket to the point that it's the choice to use along with the 22R and 22RE for midget, ministock, and mini stadium trucks. The efi turbo 2.3 made about 175-180hp depending on the car it was in, and the most n/a power it made was about 110 in the twin spark DIS version. It's not the same as the Duratec 2.3.

The transmission weren't the best but they weren't that bad, no one maintains the damn things. My 03 impala had 250,000 miles no tranny problems. And my 08 buick I have now has 200,000 miles and the trans shifts perfectly

Thats nice. I had six 4T65Es that didn't even last long enough to reach a service interval. After I finally gave that car away with another brand new transmission, I switched to RWD V8 vehicles exclusively and haven't had a single drivetrain issue in years since. So your experience won't change my opinion at all. Besides that, all FWD platforms are bottom of the barrel scrap.

@RobFRC Jesus christ what are you doing to these things lol. I used to neutral drop and reverse to drive burnouts in mine and still couldn't kill it.

All I was doing was driving to work. Its FWD with like 200hp, not like you can abuse that if you wanted to. I definitely didn't do neutral drops or reverse donuts ever because doing one blown transmission a year was enough already. I stopped doing any tire squealing period after the 3rd transmission and even then they still only lasted 15-20k miles each. It ran and drove great til one day i'll get a gear change that takes a little longer than usual, finally hits the shift harder than normal. Within a few days of that I start losing gears or having the torque converter lock up at idle and stall the engine. Never broke a hard part in the transmission, it was always clutch pack failures. So even a $10,000 fully built TEP transmission wont solve this problem because the upgraded ZPak clutch packs for 4T65Es were discontinued by Raybestos like 20 years ago and nobody else ever came out with another option, besides 4T80 swap.

@RobFRC that's crazy man. I'm a mechanic I see these with high mileage all the time. That being said I know damn well the 4t65e is not a great transmission. But never have I heard of one failing after 20k miles. Let alone six.. not saying i don't believe you, just surprised.

I’m glad you liked it, and good luck with the purchase if you’re buying one!

I appreciate the feedback and will keep them as is!

I appreciate hearing that and hope you enjoy it!

Can’t lie that sounds like it’s gonna be sick, good luck and hope it turns out well!

My GF has a 14 avenger and I'd say kind of like a Ram. The most redeeming feature of that car is engine. It has potential to be a fantastic sports car, but Chrysler really didn't have very good quality control in the 2010s

Years go by and high mileage,abuse etc cause issues..Toyota's have major issues too..I am a former Toyota Tech.

@@mypronouniswtf5559 Except these problems exist with/without keeping up on them.

That engine was formed from an all aluminum V8 that was eventually sold to Rover who changed it and then used it in everything for over 30+ years… So that single V8 spawned two different engines that were each produced for 30+ years. If you want to know more check out Jason Cammisa’s video on the Rover SD1 (or his podcast episode on the Rover V8)

@@griffins750 It also spawned an F1 world championship-winning engine called the Repco-Brabham. It was an sohc conversion of the basic 215 Oldsmobile block.

@@andyharman3022 Yep the “Fireball V8” or “Rockett V8”, it was also the basis for the first production turbocharged engine

It’s not the housing thats the problem. It’s the seals under the oil cooler itself.

Cam wear is due to the notorious rocker arm failure with them engine's.

Apparently the water pump thing isn't much of an issue on the duratecs.

@@themidnighttavern6784 its not really a thing on the cyclone either, the waterpump thing is very overblown

That seems to be a common comment so I’ll admit I was likely wrong there. I think I was biased because I owned 2 LFXs for a total 110k miles with zero issue, I must’ve gotten lucky

Yeah you definitely were lucky. That high feature engine is total garbage. Chains were an issue until they replaced it with the newer two chain engine, but it’s completely different. I’ve seen multiple 3.6 Acadia/Traverses throw connecting rods too.

I’ve got a 3.6 LY7 in my Pontiac G8, it’s sitting at 220k miles and hasn’t had any major failures.

I've got a '96 B3000 and I thank you for the info. I'm at somewhere above 232k on the engine (odometer was broken when I got it) and it's still running strong!

Can’t argue with that, impressive stuff!

That’s completely fair, really good engine

Also 220+ hp from a na v6 in late 80s was beastly

Not saying he doesn’t have the power but I’m having trouble understanding how he gets the traction to do that.

That’s a good point, even in the newer ones the LFX mated to the 6L50 is a nice duo

Thanks for the insight, I could’ve been off there. 300k is certainly impressive especially if neglected. Thanks for watching!

@@running2redline heck yeah! I learn something new when I watch your channel. You have alot of knowledge with Ford and Chevy. Ford was putting out some high performance V6 for awhile. Those Dure Tech motors hauled ass.

That’s nuts, one can dream of that on a modern car

More than that probably. The 3v made 305 and the v6 made about 312 in the 11-14.

No the 3.7 was rated 305 hp 11-14 and 300 15-17 280 tq while the 3v 05-09 was 300/320 and in 2010 it was 315/325.

@@midnight347 Exactly! Good to see accurate, factual numbers. Rare thing on here these days...

It sounds like you are right, you’ve certainly had a great experience and that’s worth more than what I know about it. Glad it’s running smooth and that you enjoyed the video!

I’ll make it happen!

Yes!

Impressive stuff, I’m sure it’s been fun!

Some of them had a balance shaft and some didn't. You could have two identical year Mustangs that came off the assembly line one right after the other. One would vibrate and the other would be smooth. That's ford for yah.

@@g3neration216 Apparently the balance shaft was absent from Mustangs from 1989 - 1998, meaning I don't have a balance shaft.

@@joshjlmgproductions3313 that's what the wiki will tell you. Did intake and timing cover on a 94 mustang. I know for a fact it was the original engine because I know the guy who bought it new. It ran hot from a bad water pump, but amazingly didn't pop a head gasket. instead it warped the timing cover... I recommended doing intake as well and having it checked just in case. A bad intake can make a wonderful milkshake. Anyway it had a balance shaft...don't care what people think I saw it myself. Unfortunately this was before everyone had a camera in their back pocket.

@@joshjlmgproductions3313 On another note they had some balancing problems as well.

Welcome to the channel and I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

Working on it right now!

The 2.7l and 3.2/3.5/4.0l are different the 2.7l has four cams as its dohc and the 3.2/3.5/4.0 has 2 its a sohc. The 3.2/3.5/4.0 were good i had one and put over 300k miles on mine. The 2.7 were notorious for oil sludge timing chain and waterpump problems very few of these engines survive over 100k miles unless they are meticulously maintained with frequent oil changes, but sometimes even that was no guarantee of long life

Always willing to admit an oversight, it appears it may be more user error than pure design flaw. Thanks for sharing your experience with it

@@running2redline After a little research you were right, the 2.7 and the 3.5L were not the same class i had always thought the 3.5 was an upgrade in the engine platform

That turbo is gonna make it a blast, good luck with it!

I love the Fiero styling, that sounds like a sick build right there, good luck!