I had a 96 burn up about 2.5 years ago in the winter. Same scenario, kid came home and found it smoking under the hood and flames starting in the wheel wells and by the windshield.

Last night the son came home in the 97 and we found it burning under the hood.

The 96 had the plastic shroud on and the 97 did not.

I know my son liked the gas pedal but don't think he braked hard at all.

I've had 2 park ave ultras and neither has burned up. Although they do seem very much like the SSEi under the hood.

1 in 1000 burn up and I get 2?
Pontiac says no problems with the SSEi?

I liked the cars but hate the burning smell!!!

Be sure to keep a eye on the area between the fire wall and the rear exhaust manifold. Things hang down and that could catch fire.

Valve cover gaskets anyone?

Dripping oil. Need to pay attention to your engine.

From what I've been able to figure out by working on billions of these motors is...

W body got a heat shield that covers the front manifold to shield the fans (which are closer than other body styles) from heat. When the oil collects under the shield it'* a bigger fire hazard.