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1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

The 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS is a 180-hp 5.0-liter V8 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $14,734 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 180 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 3200 rpm, spinning to a 5,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Monte Carlo measures 202.0 inches long on a 108.0-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,380 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeCoupe
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$14,734 ($40,478 *)
Engine
Engine Type5.0L (305 cid) L69 H.O. OHV V8
Displacement5 L
Horsepower180 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque225 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Redline5,500 rpm
ValvetrainOHV, 2 valves/cylinder
Bore and Stroke95.0 x 88.4 mm (3.740 x 3.480 in)
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Injection Type795 cfm 4-barrel Quadrajet carburetor
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Differential TypeOpen (limited-slip optional)
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic (TH200-4R)
1st Gear2.74 (42 mph **)
2nd Gear1.57 (73 mph **)
3rd Gear1 (114 mph **)
4th Gear0.67 (170 mph **)
Reverse2.07
Final Drive3.73
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15"
Wheels Rear15"
Tires FrontP215/65R15
Tires RearP215/65R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length202 in
Width71 in
Height54 in
Wheelbase108 in
Curb Weight3,380 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front37 in
Headroom Rear38 in
Legroom Front42 in
Legroom Rear36 in
Shoulder Room Front56 in
Shoulder Room Rear55 in
Hip Room Front51 in
Hip Room Rear51 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet MONTE CARLO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Oct 24, 2007 · EQUIPMENT

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

NHTSA campaign 07E088000

May 19, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

NHTSA campaign 06E043000

3 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet MONTE CARLO

Owner Complaints

3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1988 Chevrolet MONTE CARLO. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Seats2
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Suspension1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 5, 2001 · Suspension, Engine And Engine Cooling
“ENGINE IS DEFECTIVE AND THERE IS ALOT OF SMOKE THAT COMES OUT. ENGINE WILL LOSE ALOT OF OIL. VEHICLE ALSO VIBRATES AT LOW SPEEDS, AND SHAKES AT SPEEDS OVER 50MPH. *AK”
Jul 7, 1998 · Seats
“SEAT MOUNTS BROKE, SEAT ADJUSTER AND FRAME BROKEN SEVERAL TIMES.”
Apr 28, 1998 · Seats
“DRIVER SEAT ADJUSTER/FRAME AND RECLINER BROKE.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1988 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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