Head gaskets

TheWacoKid · 11-17-2003, 11:59 PM

Ok here we go. I know that this might seem pointless to a lot of you, but I really don't care.:lol:

There is a possibility that my car ['90 chevy lumina 3.1L mpfi 4 speed auto(4t60e)] might have a blown head gasket. When sitting at idle it has a very nasty lope, and if I rev it in park there are little bubbles in the coolant recovery tank. High end power sucks(above 4500). No leaks though, and no burnt coolant.

If it comes about that the head gaskets need replaced:
1. What should I go about replacing while the engine is disassembled
2. Would thinner head gaskets increase compression enough to make a difference in horsepower
3. I plan on doing all the work myself- apart from basic tools(I have a garage full of them), what special tools will I need?

BTW even if the gasket isn't blown...I would like to do this eventually. The car only has 38000 miles on it, and I don't like the thought of 14 year old seals/gaskets/whatever throughout the engine. If I can boost performance in any way by going aftermarket on the items that need to be replaced all the better.

Thanks!

88-406 · 11-18-2003, 01:44 PM

leave it stock! You'll be able to drive it more often and wont have the headaches :yesnod: The gasket alone wont get you squat with that engine and could even contribute to a headache or two.

KM

TheWacoKid · 11-18-2003, 07:22 PM

Quote:

leave it stock! You'll be able to drive it more often and wont have the headaches :yesnod: The gasket alone wont get you squat with that engine and could even contribute to a headache or two.

KM

How much would a thinner gasket increase compression/power? I know that the compression currently is not very high at all(I think around 9.something to 1). Another reason I may do it is that I may be able to get a high performance( :lol: ) cam for it for free and may as well do what I can with the engine open.