hi guys thanks for all your replies! ive been out of town since my last post(death in family) and havent been able to check into car. i am back now and have done the p.s.vac lines to intake manifold and things didnt change. smoke does smell funny and will check into the actual scent of the smoke today after work. i dont want to believe its a head gasket, (seriously happened overnight) but will pull plugs and check fluids for water in oil and visa versa. theres been no hyrdolock and starts like theres no issue. i love my 400 and if i have to do heads, i will. just hoping theres a simpler solution. will keep you all posted. by the way, i dont know how you middle america/ easterners can handle so much bitter cold! kudos to you! i admit im spoiled here in san diego but it aint cheap livin here!! thanks again for all your help! tim