GM's 3.x v6 engines-opinions

[Wheel7]

Hi all

I keep running into things on Google about GM v6 engines having problems with head gaskets and intake manifold gaskets.

Reading all this makes me wonder if I should trade off the 1996 century with 3.1 v6 and about 80k on odometer. It runs well and I like it, (though it ticks when first started cold. I read somewhere that the ticking is typical of wrist pin clearance but I don't know if that is a problem or not.)

This one has an aluminum intake manifold, unlike many plastic ones I have seen.

Do a lot of these engines have trouble? or is it a small percentage?

Thanks in advance.

[wafrederick]

I have seen one with a blown headgasket so far.The 3.1s and 3.4 do have intake gaskets problems and do not have a lot of problems.The intake gaskets are plastic and split in the sealing areas. I have seen 2 or three with camshafts broke in half.The 3.1 is a good motor if you cath the intake gaskets leaking in time.