1997 Chevy Camaro Blown Head

1997 CHEVROLET CAMARO
130,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DEPUTY8515
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I just purchased a reasonably cheap 97 Camaro V6 3.8 from a guy because he said it overheated and the head/heads blown. A mechanic looked at it and told him that but nothing further was done and nothing taken apart to look at how bad. Im thinking about doing this task myself. Im fairly mechanically inclined but this will be a first with dealing with heads. So I guess my questions are these:
1. Is this fairly feasible with the assistance of a manual?
2. Should I order a Head Gasket Set including all items like manifold, valve cover gaskets, etc..? or just head gasket?
3. know to bring the heads in to be checked...Any other major expenses I could be looking at besides the problems with the heads? Or things I should go ahead and do to the engine while im this far into it?
4. Will the engine in this model have to be removed or will this basically be working from the top down?
May 15, 2008 at 3:39 PM
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JOSEPI387
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1. Is this fairly feasible with the assistance of a manual?

Absolutely, if you are so inclined I'd say go for it. It's not
a particularly complicated job, just pay attention to your
disassembly. The manual should be a great help going back.

2. Should I order a Head Gasket Set including all items like manifold,
valve cover gaskets, etc..? or just head gasket?

Order a head gasket kit, everything you need will be included.

3. know to bring the heads in to be checked...Any other major expenses
I could be looking at besides the problems with the heads? Or things I
should go ahead and do to the engine while im this far into it?

Assuming the problem stems from an overheat due to a bad head gasket
the worst case would likely be a damaged head but... there are many possibilities
such as block damage, piston damage etc. there is no way of knowing
without actually knowing what happened initially. Since you have already made
the purchase of the car, I'd suggest doing the heads and see how she runs out.
If there is further work necessary you haven't lost anything.

4. Will the engine in this model have to be removed or will this basically
be working from the top down?

You should be able to do this completely from the top with the exception
of removing the exhaust.
May 15, 2008 at 6:33 PM