Welcome to the community. Glad to have you here.
My very first car was a 1984 Firebird. I agree with you on the reliability of the 3800 platform. I have given serious consideration in the past to just buying a spare engine to keep around and toy with 'cause I have no plans of getting rid of the GTP at any time.
You have come to a great place to learn about the 3800 as well. Ask all the questions you want, we'll do all we can to help you out.