3.6 Liter engine question

[JimD]

This old man has not been paying attention to GM's engine development and subsequent acceptance by the driving public.

I blindly tripped over a (very low mileage) 2008 STS equiped with the 3.6 VVT DI engine bolted to the 6L-50 transmission. Is this a desireable powertrain setup?

[Bruce Nunnally]

This is the same LLT 3.6L DI V6 as in the CTS. It became the base engine in the STS in 2008 when it became available, replacing the LY7 non-DI V6. Reviewers generally felt that the V6 at 302 hp had effectively replaced the RWD NS V8 at 320 hp. This was especially true keeping in mind that the V6 cost over $10K less than the V8. The STS variant has 302 hp instead of the 304 hp in the CTS probably due to differences in exhaust setup.

NEW! Engine, 3.6L Variable Valve Timing V6 DI Direct

Injection (302 hp [225.2 kW] @ 6300 rpm, 272 lb-ft of

torque [367.2 N-m] @ 5200 rpm)

The 6 speed automatic transmission is excellent.

In 2008 the V6 STS came in 3 order configurations, 1SA, 1SB, and 1SC, in progressive buildup of standard features. The V6 1C + option Y53 Driver Awareness Package (blind zone alert, HUD) is similar to the V8 1SG, except all V6s get the 'soft ride' FE1 suspension. The 1SC uniquely has T43, the rear spoiler, among other options. In fact, I would focus on the Y53 features when searching for the ideal V6 STS. The 1SB can be optioned up to include Bose/Nav; the 1SC has it standard. Use the VIN decoder at http://www.compnine.com to determine which options are on the one you stumbled over.

So, in summary, yes it is a desirable drivetrain, but will have slightly less power than the V8 STS, and tends to not be as well optioned as a V8 but that depends on the example you found.

[JimD]

Thanks Bruce.

It is advertised as a 1SA car. I will have to look at the car to decide if I can live without whatever options are not installed. Lack of a navigation system is a plus for this driver.

The FE1 suspension would be a major compromise. And that will be one of the deciding factors. My cuurent Seville has spoiled me when it comes to the response of active struts and shocks.

A major plus is the mileage (less than 7,000). If the car can be had for my price (mid $20's and certainly less than $30), I might bite the bullet.

The color is right too; White Diamond.

[Bruce Nunnally]

My local Dealer had 2009 STS's with under 30k miles at $31k. The Kelly Blue book value on a 08 STS V6 is $25.6K private party or $28.7K full retail if in excellent condition with 10K miles. The "trade-in" value is $23K, so I would shoot for finding one at close to that.