The head gasket went on our 93 grand am. It’s a 2.3L SOHC with 120k miles on it. The rest of the car is in good condition. I did some check on parts cost and it looks like it will be about $800. I already removed the head and the block looks ok. I got the car 2 years ago for $2400. Should I fix it or try to sell it for about $500?

Steve

What??? 800 dollars for a stinkin head gasket?!? more like 80! I don't know exactly, but head gaskets sure as hell don't cost 800$. Deffinately fix it

Sounds like you have done most of the work by pulling the head. The gasket will cost you next to nothing. Doing a head gasket is really just the cost of the labour, but if you can do it yourself you are ahead of the game. If the head is cracked, get one from the wrecker and if it is warped, get it planed.

I think the head is warped. It got really hot and to of the valves are cracked. And I had a hard time getting the one plug out. The $800 included a rebuilt head, engine gasket set and new bolts. I'm going to see if I can get the head checked and planed.
Steve

I got a rebuilt head for $180 including shipping. I put it on yesterday and after about 11 hours of work I started it up. The engine runs good, but it makes a rapping sound. It sort of sounds like a diesel engine. When I turn the steering wheel it stops. I was thinking something with the timing chain. What do you think it could be?

The problem was the timing chain. I replaced it and everything is ok. The total cost for parts was about $500 including the rebuilt head. The job took about 34 hours to complete.

Well done. Glad to hear you got her all sorted out. So you did it yourself I take it?