Help, I'm a newb here. I have a 2000 SSEi with 143k that I really like and runs great, but I just found an '05 GXP in tricoat white pearl that I'm frothing over. Anybody have any input on the Northstar engine? I've read alot of articles about blown head gaskets and head studs pulling out. I know my 3800 will just about run for ever.I need advice!

The headbolt/head gasket/head warpage were serious problems in N*'* pre-2000. (They got much better as we went through the 2000'*) Several things were done over the last ten years that changed all that, but the story'* still remain. That said, you will never see 200k+ miles trouble free miles either. (Except the occasional factory freak.) The other thing to consider is once something breaks or wears out, it'* done. The engines are built of materials, close tolerances, and engineering to dont make the N* a reliable candidate for rebuilding. Some do but expensive and your dam lucky to find one that will last. SSEi is a lick quicker from the line, but rolling the GXP comes alive. I realize the engine'* downside for longevity. But the smoothness, and look of it,.... I'm very happy with my choice.