Hi, I am looking at a firebird with a LT1 in it. He says it overheats and needs a head gasket. I know this is a camaro forum, but its close enough it looks like it hasnt been ragged out and seems to have good paint so I am curious as to how big of a job this is and am I going to be needing to look into a engine rebuild @156k. I know thats alot of miles but what are things that you all would be cautious for engine wise? thanks-Corey

 

if its got a blown head gasket then i assume coolant has gotten into the oil and its been setting. i would then assume the motor will need rebuilt while negotiating to buy. there is a big difference between having a shop do the work or doing it yourself,,, well so long as you do it right. lol. what yr bird and how much?

 

1995 and $975
http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/1914106915.html
I emailed the guy but haven't got a response, I'll give him a call tomorrow. I am hoping to setup a time to see it in person. Sometimes pictures like to hide things..lol and I'd like to do the work myself so a shop doesn't rob me..

 

craby- If you have dynoed, what did your car put to the ground?

 

I just finished doing a head gasket job on a LT1. It wasn't all that bad. The drivers side manifold is a PITA to get off and get back in. Not sure if the bird has the crossover pipe on the back of the heads but those bolts I could not get out with heads in the car. I actually unbolted both heads and my son and I lifted them out as a pair. Other than that, it was not bad. The gasket kit cost $217, headbolts was another $35, then add plugs, wires, serpentine belt, etc if that needs replaced. Machine shop charged me $65 to surface and pressure test heads, $27 to replace the exhaust flange bolts on the manifolds (because the others were to rusted up to put back in without fear of breaking).

 

I'd say all the above needs replaced at well, but won't know until the guy decides to email me back or I call him. NFL starts today guys and gals GO COLTS!