My sons 98 Olds developed a problem with a burned intake or exhaust valve in its 3800 V-6 engine. A compression check verified this. My question is if there is any way to repair the existing head or is a new head needed.
What would be the total costs associated with either of these options

Thanks

As long as the head isn't cracked a engine machine shop should be able to recondition the head with new valve seats and sometimes the need to replace a valve or 2. I bought a 350 off of Craigslist a couple of years ago and before I installed it into my truck I pulled the heads and had them done. I think the bill from the machine shop was about 250.00 if I remember right.

im thinking you can get a used one in the jy for cheap, there are aton of 3800'* and head issues are not common

Your right, I bought a complete series 1 motor a few years back for 300 from the salvage yard. And I think it would be less labor intensive to change the whole thing rather than doing a head job in the car. And who is to say when you open up the motor you don't find piston or cylinder damage. I would call the machine shop and get a quote as well as your local salvage yard and get a quote and weigh your options. Keep in mind that most salvage yards won't piece out a good engine, they want to sell the whole thing.

I have to admit, a motor swap will probably work in your favor at this point. You can even source a newer series 3 block, which have been coming up cheaper lately from what I hear.

Also, a lot of series 2'* lose the bottom end because of the UIM and LIM failures, so even if you find a bad engine, you can pull the heads off of it.

Labor is the killer here, either way.

If you have a u pull it yard local you can take anything you want. The ones here in FL will sell as little as a bolt or two and often won't even charge for the small stuff. If you have one in your area that'* what I would suggest.