My problem with burnt valves WILL happen to you too! The EGRless 3800 engine was/is notorious for burning out valves since the exhaust is hotter then a 3800 with an EGR valve! That is why GM returned in 94 by putting on EGR valves again! :? At first GM emission tested these 3800'* w/o EGR valves & they passed emissions so no need to put EGR'* on! Later when GM noticed an increase in burnt valves on these EGRless engines they (GM) rethought that decision! I've been told that is NORMAL for these engines at around 150,000 KM mark! :( The good news is that you can just replace the valves & install the head w/o doing the bottom end. :? Just some FYI for yah!

BTW: I've been told that some 93'* had EGR'* too. :?

ok so why am i up here at 260000 km with no engine problems?

Don't complain! I'm just stating the GM average. I wish it hadn't to me too. Looks like you got the real winner of a bullet proff 3800.

yeah .. seems so. i have some valve noise but god knows that'* more than i could ever ask for at this mileage. changed the oil about 2000 km ago and it'* still at the top too mobil 1 synthetic 10w-30.

I use Mobil 1 10W30 oil too. If you got valve noise, check your compression!

it only happens when hot and it kinda comes and goes...

ps. where did you find out the information you posted at the top?

You obviuosly haven't looked at my signature! I work as a GM Partsman for a Pontiac Dealership in the Parts Dept. I work in the Back Parts Area with ALL the Technicians in the service shop. I've got access to ALL part'* info on CDN built GM cars, trucks & Medium Duty trucks too. I've even got a hard copy of a Parts Manual for 87-93 Pontiac Bonnevilles.
PS: I don't mean to be "snotty" so don't take this the wrong way!

do you have access to TSB'*?

Yes I do & you can too!
Check out this site!
http://www.alldata.com/recall/make/P...onneville.html
It gives all the TSB'* you could ever read.
PS: I forgot to mention I'm 38 yrs old & have been doing this for ten years now in Parts & 15 years before that pulling wrenches.