As mentioned premature HG failure isn't that common anymore, except for the installs that were done wrong. i.e., re-used headbolts, block and heads weren't flat, didn't torque correctly, etc. I have gone 8yrs, 6yrs, 2yrs and counting on oem HG's w/o failure, the first set was replaced due to hydro-locking the engine after a failed river xing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />, and the last two have been for burnt valves. If you are planning on doing the work yourself, you can rebuild the heads, gaskets, misc. parts, along w/headers/exhaust for about $2k.

Since I have done the HG myself, if they were to go, I would replace them again, the way I have my 3.0 set-up it really wouldn't be worth spending $4500 for a 3.4. Now of course if 3.4's ever drop down to about $500, and the ORS complete install kit drops below $1k, I would have to reconsider. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />