The engine is totally different. So it does not have the same issues. It is not the same at all.

Ok I assume you mean the 3.9 is different...that answers one question

now for the year, if ever, that GM started using the metal LIM gaskets and improoved the UIM on the 3.8....If I buy a 2005 Park Ave will I have these issues ???

Your welcome

I don't think GM ever used the newer style gaskets in the engines. They were always installed after the failure by the owner. And I don't know exact details about the UIM. I could be thinking of the Series 3 engine with the better UIM.

so I guess even the 2005'* are the plastic lim gaskets then....

Oh well !

The aluminum upper intake came with the 3800 Series III engine in 2006 for the Buick Lucerne, and in 2005 for the newly introduced LaCrosse.

The 2005 Base Park would have the Series II engine and the plastic upper intake. The failure rate decreased after GM went to a smaller diameter EGR pipe sometime in 1999, but the word is they can still fail.

I do not know if the Parks (Series II) ever got the aluminum frame lower intake gaskets, or if the Series III engine has them.

I would also be interested if (and when) the 3.8 upper and lower gaskets and intake were improved by GM. For example I have my eye on a 2002 Impala with the 3.8 and would like to know if it has the problematic gaskets and intake.

Thanks!

It still has the problematic gaskets and intake.

But you know, you can address it before it fails. If you fix that 1 problem, these engines will run forever. The fix is not that big of a deal. $200 - $300 in parts, $600 job if you pay someone.

Yea, like I said. I don't think GM ever corrected or used the better gaskets. Why should they? It'* cheaper to use the cheap ones and a recall was never initiated on the bad ones. Even the 4.3, 5.0, 5.3 and 5.7'* have the cheap gaskets. And like Randall said above, just replace it as soon as you get it. Then your worry free for the next 10 years.

Now I am worrying about the lim gasket on my 2000 BPA . . .