How much of a curse fest is it to remove the rear valve cover on the 3.8 so I can replace the gasket? It's leaving lots of oil on the ground, I did the front so it must be the rear now.

there is lots of stuff you have to remove to get it out. if you pinch its hose, you can remove the coolant overflow and maybe wiggle it out there after unbolted

_________________
poverty forces one to do unorthodox things

2000 SSEi
past rides:
1996 SSEi
1992 GTP
1987 Grand Am

that's what I was afraid of

not that bad, just a pain - be careful around the evap lines and solenoid near the wall - the lines get brittle and break easily.

and try to go in from the pass side to avoid the evap lines that run from wall to TB under wiring harness

_________________
poverty forces one to do unorthodox things

2000 SSEi
past rides:
1996 SSEi
1992 GTP
1987 Grand Am

I've done this twice over the last couple months on 3800 engines -- you've got to commit to removing the alternator and alternator bracket (buy new coolant elbows). Its not too bad of a job with these out of the way.

If the plug wires are old be prepared to get new ones if they break upon removing them; it's a great time to do plugs and wires anyways if they haven't been done recently

I had to remove the bracket/ manifold for the Alternator and broke the elbows (plastic). I found metal replacements in the "help" section at O'Rileys for around $10-12. You may want to replace the grommets as well (they are sold separately). While I had all this torn down I found it was a good (and only time!!) I've been able to see/ check the power steering fluid.