Long story short....
Im lookng at a 96 GP GTP with this motor and i hear a noise coming from somehwere in the engine.
The best way to describe it is a loud tapping noise. It was making this noise at idle at operating temp. It SEEMED to go away when you gave it gas, but hat might be because i couldt hear the noise over the engine revs. GM supposedly told hte place selling the car that this noise is normal for this engine because it is a DOHC. Any thoughts? Quick responses please.

Best to try over on Club Grand Prix they have a forum for pre 97 GP's

or you can try 60degreeV6.com and w-body.com...both of those groups have extensive experience with those engines...I've been asking lots of questions over there myself lately since I've been thinking about buying a used Cutlass Convertible which is also equipped with said engine.

I've always been told to avoid the 3.4 DOHC like the plague. I think someone said it is the DOHC bastard child of the 3100 pushrod V6, which in itself is the child of the 2.8 V6. Anyways, I heard the 3.4 was massively unreliable, and that the camshaft was driven by an unusually long belt.

At least that's what I heard... I remember looking stuff up, when I was previously interested in the Lumina Z34 way long time ago.

I just found a link that talks a little of the history of this engine. Also talks about how the 4T60-E/65-E trannies came into fruition. Also talks about why this engine is such high-maintenence.
link

Oh yeah, and a loud tapping noise is NOT normal for a DOHC engine. With the exception of my GTP, all my other cars are DOHC/SOHC V6s, that don't make any noises. The above link even says, that if you hear any noises, check it out ASAP, or you'll soon be walking...

Interesting read , no wonder pontiac went to the reliable 3.8.

WATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to Pistonslap.com
I think that might help. My Grandpas 2001 chevy silverado had that problem. It sounds the same.

Dose it go away with heat?

The inside of the ENgine will be filthy!!!

If it is piston slap DONT BUY IT!! unless gm sayys thele replace the engine it might take some arguing but ull get it from them

2fast4u, you need to work on your typing a bit.

But anyways your profile says you wrestle and since we are in Everything Else, where and what weight class?

Livonia Stevenson 171 or 160 wherever my coach wants me

Yes....it also says in your profile you like girls as well........i also enjoy the ladies haha

that was quite some read on the 3.4DOHC...it sounds like the engine has potential to be a real screamer if you have the time and inclination to be tinkering with it constantly (not to mention a fat wallet)...well that info sure helps seal it for me...if I get a Cutty convertible it'll have to have the 3.1 engine...or maybe a car with a shot 3.4 that could be converted to an L67!...oh yeah! heart of the GTP!