Hey guys! Looks like a blown head gasket for me here. I'm currently looking to either have my stock 302 rebuilt or find somewhere that sells complete turnkey motors for a good price. I might consider a long block assembly too, but that will be more difficult since I don't have a good way to pull/install a motor at my house. Do you guys have any suggestions? I dont need a hot rod since i drive the car 70 miles a day. I also have a new kid coming in about a month and so my budget is only about $1000 - 1500. Not much i know. I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Thanks!!!!! P.S. Just got a quote from AA Transmission and Auto Repair in Lewisville for $1500 w/ 2 year, unlimited miles warranty along with the removal and reinstallation work. Seems very cheap, should I be cautious with a low price like that?
i would replace the head gasket that blew. if you can work on your car at home, the only special tool required for this is a torque wrench. this is the cheapest way to get your car back on the road. now there are lots of things you can add to this to make improvements. like doing both head gaskets at the same time. having the heads rebuilt and even some minor porting done to them. its a good time to install a 4bbl carb and intake if you dont have one already. this is one of those situations that can quickly spiral out of control. if you do just have a blown head gasket and can pull the head off on your own, you can do it easily for under $200.00 as for what shops will charge you, that is a whole different ball of wax. i have know idea of what there labor rates are and what exactly they quoted you. a head gasket job is a high labor cost job but low parts cost job.
I worry that just replacing the head gasket for a car with over 100k miles and never rebuilt, that I'm basically just using a band-aid. That is why I'm exploring rebuilding what I have and new/rebuilt long blocks and turn key engines. I am pretty sure I won't be able to remove the exhaust manifolds without removing the motor due to the tight fit, corroded bolts and lack of proper tools. I also worry about rebuilding myself because I would be doing the work in an open carport with a gravel driveway....too much opportunity to get crap in the motor. So if you guys know of any good places for what I need, please let me know!!!!
IMO 100k isnt a big deal to a motor unless its been beat on and didnt get regular oil and filter changes. My wifes last 350 had over 350k on it and i cant remember the compression numbers, only problem was timing chain stretch. My 300 I6 4x4 was beat on for 17 years, was well maintained, and had over 350k on it before I sold it. Point being, these engines are tougher that you think. When I was a kid we used to use a come along in a tree to pull motors rain or shine. Never had any real problems. Im sure you can replace those head gaskets and with the money you save have a nice set of headers to repace those manifolds.
The miles wouldn't be as big of a deal if the original owner hadn't let the car sit for years and the kid who I bought it from didn't maintain the car well from what I could tell. I'm wondering if he didn't use some stop leak for the head gasket because he did mention having the heater core replaced. I'm a little worried what I'll find if I begun taking it out and tearing it down.....
