Sorry to Maxwedge, the "duh" meant I know if cam fails it'll drive the pistons into the valves making the engine toast. I'm just looking for info as to the history of these engines. I spoke to the mechanic today who says the 3.1's and 3.8 engines are "weak" and can break in the lower end, I guess the crank or rods, but I certainly don't hear that much about these engines just up and cratering like this. He said he pulled the plugs, put transmission oil in the cylinders to try and unseize the engine and no good, it's locked up, and according to him, will need a total replacement. Then he advises the owners to put a factory reconditioned long block in for $3000 incl parts and labor. In a car that cost them $2900? Duh to that for sure! I still have a hard time believing that I owned the car for nearly 5 years with no trouble at all, they've had it 8 days and it's totaled under the hood. I still think something is wrong with this picture.