I have a guy that wants to sell me a 93 acura integra with a 1.8 engine in it. He says it needs a new head gasket. Are these easy to install or should I have someone else do it and how much would it cost.

 

here is a little more info on the car. The guy said this "THE CAR DOES RUN AND DRIVE WELL, but with a blown head gasket, thick white smoke comes out."

 

it depends. it could actually be the gasket. and depending on how bad or how long it was driven that way, it could have messed up the head when it happened. or the head could be cracked and the gasket be fine. its not that hard to do if youre mechanically inclined. make sure you get new head bolts and a new torque wrench (DO NOT RENT ONE FROM AUTOZONE! ! !). and now would be a good time for a timing belt and water pump. i would change the gasket, let it warm up, if its fine, put a new t-belt and water pump on it and drive it every day.

edit: how much are you gonna pay for it anyway? 5 speed?

 

Ah okay. Is there anything else you would recommend I do well I have it apart.

 

When dealing with a blown headgasket you could have many issues, first thing I would do is a leakdown and compression test to see how much damage could be down to the motor. If this guy has been driving it that way for a long time it could have warped the head, so once you pull the head off you would need to check the deck on the block to make sure it is not warped you will also want to do this with the head. It's also best to take it to a machine shop so they can test it out, if the head is warped bad it is junk and you will need a new one or if it is off a little have them re-deck you head so it is nice and striaght. You really don't need new head bolts unless the head bolts were stretched but since the head is off I would recommend a nice set of ARP head bolts. Also get a good Honda head gasket and not an autozone one. Even the water pump and belts things like that it is best to get OEM honda parts.

Yes, also have a proffesional do this for you there are alot of torque specs you need to know when you are tightening you head bolts, cam caps etc. If you find the right person it should cost around 400 dollars plus your new parts