1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 from North America - Comments

We have a 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34. It has the 3.4 DOHC in it. Back in July we put a newer motor in the car that had 78,000 miles.

About a month after the new engine was put in, the car didn't start. We found that the fuse marked injectors kept blowing when the key would get turned to the accessory position. After having someone look at it, we were told that the back 3 injectors needed replaced. The guy got the car to start and everything was fine.

About 2 months ago, we took the car in to get exhaust work done. Found out that where the exhaust attached to the manifold was not attached properly. It needed the flange replaced. It also had a glass pack instead of a resonator. Wanting a little more rumble, we put straights on the car (kept the converter). So we eliminated the dual exhaust and put in a new Y pipe. They put a resonator on and took off the glasspack.

Shortly after the exhaust was done, the car started acting very strange. Sucking a lot of gas and has a pulsating when mph reached about 35-40. When starting from the line, the car used to have get up and go, but now the exhaust "pops".

- Changed plugs and wires.

Still ran really hard and eating gas.

We took the car in and got it hooked up to the computer, read that the MAF sensor was not working properly.

- Put a new MAF sensor in.

Car ran 10 times worse. Put the old MAF sensor back in, car still ran like crap, but better than with the brand new MAF sensor.

- Changed throttle positioning sensor

- Changed O2 sensor

- Changed fuel filter

- 2 new computers

- Changed back 3 injectors

Took the car back in to get a diagnostic done. The guy said that the O2 sensor was bad. That the car was running lean. Put in a new Delphi O2 sensor today and car runs 10 times worse again.

Anyone have any ideas? We're at our wits end with this car.

I bought my 95 Monte in 2004 for $2800, it had just over 200,000 kms (was all highway driving between Calgary and Montana) I moved from Calgary to Ontario in that same year and drove the car across the country alone, first time driving such a long distance and I have been hooked on driving since... was the best drive I have ever had, car ran fantastic and nice and smooth.

When I arrived in Ontario I decided to do some more driving on my days off (I told you I got hooked) and drove all over southern Ontario... having a great time exploring my new home.

All was good until one day in January 2005 when I was going out for dinner and I pulled out onto the street, and I heard and felt some grinding coming from under my car... I talked to a mechanic and found out I needed a new transmission ($2200 parts and labour), then soon afterwards I would be driving to work and my engine would just shut down as I was driving along (I figured my mechanic who replaced the tranny had screwed up the wiring when he reconnected everything). Finally figured out that it was my wiring for the plugs and the plugs too that need replacing. ($600 parts and labour).

Then one day about a year later I was putzing around town and pulled into a grocery store. I heard a rubbing noise from under my hood I stopped looked and didn't see anything. Thank goodness there was a Canadian Tire in the same parking lot, so coasted over there (slowly) and found out my front driver's side spring had snapped (luckily the round part was rubbing against my tire and not the sharp edge thus preventing shredding my tire). I replaced the spring and struts (I think I did both sides) ($1500 parts and labour).

Next I was driving around town, and I turned a corner and again I heard a funny noise. I stopped in a parking lot, checked things over and didn't notice anything unusual so I took off again... This time as I was going along I could see blue smoke and smell burning rubber. I stopped immediately and saw that the rear strut casing had broken and dropped and was rubbing against my tire (200 parts and labour).

Then about a week later my alternator went and I found out that the job my friend said he could have done in about 20 minutes is a pipe dream at best. After about 6 hours over several days he finally gave up and I was forced to tow my car to a shop. I had gone to a wrecking yard to pick up an alternator and had the mechanic put that in... after he got everything in, I found out the alternator was no good and I had to go get a new one and he charged me again for the labour ($600-$700 parts and double labour).

Then the next thing to go was the belt adjuster ($200) and now... I am driving along and my engine chugs almost like it gets a shot of gas and then nothing, and will stall while idling.. I think it's the fuel pump, not so sure. I am sure that's going to be another $300-$400 parts and labour.

And BTW I have had most of the same problems that everyone of you have talked about on here... the window problem (mine is on the drivers side), the high revving as a cold start. I love my car I love to drive it (when it's not broken). I consider it the North American Jaguar - always in the shop!!!

Purchase price... $2800

Parts and labour.. $5500 approx

towing and transportation costs... $500

Love of car and driving... PRICELESS.

I own a 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo Z I have three words to describe this car; a piece of!$?@

I have had my 95 Z34 for about three years. Out of those three years I have probably been able to actually drive it for eight months. I paid $3500 for this car with 68,000 miles on it.

Within the first year the car started overheating constantly. I had to replace the water pump, thermostat (three times), radiator, spark plugs, front brakes, battery, and serpentine belt. Around $600.00.

Within the second year I had to replace the front and rear struts, battery, thermostat, front and brakes, and rotors. Around $500.00.

Finally within the third year I have had to replace the egr valve, battery, alternator (this alone cost $500.00 to replace because you have to basically remove the whole friggin engine to get to it). Now this piece of $!*t is overheating again. Around $600.00.

I also have just about every single issue with this car that everyone else is complaining about.

I want to watch this car explode!!!

So, if you are looking to buy one of these cars DON'T DO IT! DON'T JUST WALK, RUUUUUUNNNNN AWAY!!!