Gonna show my age on this, but -- the 283 was NOT the worst - in fact it was a very good engine (ducking now). Ah, but we were looking for the worst, weren't we! 
Worst GM engine ever made?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,148
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From: Seneca, SC
maurader, I was talking about the 2.8/3.1/3.4 block when I was mentioning the overheating failure thing. And I only thought that the different materials (cast iron block/aluminum heads) seemed like a brain fart, not that I had a phobia; and that the engine I mentioned in context was a good, reliable engine. Seems like all your other corrections were wrong too, though thanks for setting me right on the diesel history thing guys.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,248
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I would say the chevy 350 disiel engine, chevy 2.8 liter, the 350 engine valve covers alway leak in a short time, the 307 oldmobile engine, the older model big block, (70ish) 454 cid were gutless (more noise out of the muffler then the car was moving), I've seen alot of owners with chevy 350 2 bolt mains replacing their engines with not to much miles on the engine, these are the 350 that actually haul or tow stuff.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Originally Posted by amish77
maurader, I was talking about the 2.8/3.1/3.4 block when I was mentioning the overheating failure thing. And I only thought that the different materials (cast iron block/aluminum heads) seemed like a brain fart, not that I had a phobia; and that the engine I mentioned in context was a good, reliable engine. Seems like all your other corrections were wrong too, though thanks for setting me right on the diesel history thing guys.
YOU called the V6 an Iron Duke........WRONG!!
YOU called Aluminum head on Iron block a brain fart..............WRONG!!!
You compared GM's 5.7 diesel(mostly used in cars)to Ford's 6.9 diesel (ONLY used in trucks........again you were W*R*O*N*G. They were not even available during the same time period.
I do apologize about not understanding the overheating comment......I know that being Amish and all you're new to the computer and automobile thing.
Your syntex didn't flow real well........after re-reading, I see that you were commenting on 2 different motors at the same time........my bad.
Last edited by DOHCmarauder; Aug 24, 2005 at 07:10 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
The 2.3L 140 CI engine that came in the Chevy Vega. My sisters Vega was a rust bucket that burned oil around 1qt every 75 miles. It needed valve stem seals, but to get to them, special tools were needed to remove the cam shaft. What a poor design.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, OR
You guys have mentioned alot of bad engines but you left out the worst of all-the King of the Bad-the one folks paid a fortune for only to see it chew up a cam at 40K miles guaranteed-the HT 4100 in the 83-86 Cadillacs. The vast majority of engine builders wont even attempt to rebuild one. The only gas engine ever designed by GM that had wet sleeved cylinder liners that would leak coolant right into the pistons. After paying top dollar for a Cadillac some owners even had to replace the engine the very next year(after warranty of course) Typical bill was $6000 bucks.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 0
From: Seneca, SC
maurader, you seem wound a little tight. Let's review,
In the original comment I mentioned that the diesel comment soulc be corrected, as it was mentioned in that sentence. I did not intend to have the entire statement ripped apart by somebody whod evidently enjoys nothing less. I do appreciate you setting me straight on the iron duke comment, though, and your comments on the diesel stuff was wrong, along with your getting on me for the different materials in the block and valve covers, as I said and have been saying ever since, the different materials seems to be a bad idea in theory, but works fine as I and you and others have so elequently pointed out.
Sorry that I seem to have called you out, and I will try hard to not challenge you oh wise one but for real chill out.
In the original comment I mentioned that the diesel comment soulc be corrected, as it was mentioned in that sentence. I did not intend to have the entire statement ripped apart by somebody whod evidently enjoys nothing less. I do appreciate you setting me straight on the iron duke comment, though, and your comments on the diesel stuff was wrong, along with your getting on me for the different materials in the block and valve covers, as I said and have been saying ever since, the different materials seems to be a bad idea in theory, but works fine as I and you and others have so elequently pointed out.
Sorry that I seem to have called you out, and I will try hard to not challenge you oh wise one but for real chill out.
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Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I knew there was a reason you guys should of NEVER received electricity.............much less computers 
You're more than welcome on allowing me the corrections......maybe it would be better if I never "challenged" you in the future and just let you spew false info????
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 0
From: Seneca, SC
hey the cadillac 4/6/8 was a terrible system, and I think that it shouldn't be used now. I mean it's unequal wear on the cylinders, and the ones firing have to carry the others. Not to mention that gasoline is partially a lubricant and coolent tot the top end. It seems like a bad way to save gas to me.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: west jordan
I realy have a problem with the 454. I have a 93 suburban that is the most gutless wonder out there. but I also have a 95 s-10 sport with the z engine in it and that thing halls. I also had a 84 suburban with the 350, that was more ballsey than the 454. but i have heard nothing good about the duramax. and they all have transmisson problems. only had the 93 for 2 years and have already put 4 trannies in the stupid thing. needless to say I'll stick to my fords. haven't had any troble with them other than normal wear and tear.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,248
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This friend of mine had a 78 chevy blazer w/350 chevy engine and replaced the transmission 4 times and the engine twice in the last 5 years. This other friend had a 1984 chevy with a 350 engine and replaced it 3 times in a short period of time.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: west jordan
I haven't had a problem with the 350s. the 84 that I had lasted forever. we put over 200,000 miles on the original engin. sure it started to lose power arter a while but i sold it to my cousine who decided to race it and blew the engine. but with that many miles on it it was destine to go. the only real problem I had with it is when I would lend it to my aunt. Every time I would get it back I would be replacing a clutch.
