Would have a good machine shop do the work. If surfacing requires less than .010" to clean up, I would not be concerned.

Porting is another matter and for a stock N/A 3800 I would not bother, the stock cam is so dead that it really does not matter.

Since there was a leak, don't forget to check the block surface as well.

Hard carbon in center cyl only might be the result of an oil pssage to cyl leak (blown head gasket). Should see signs in the old gasket. Other possibility is bad valve guide seals (should be replaced as part of a good valve job).

Not machining the head is a serious gamble. Your head gasket may last 1000 miles, or 100,000. More than likely it'll be closer to the 1000 number. For an aluminum head, anyway. I'm just speaking under the assumption that the procedure for iron heads/blocks is similar. With aluminum, heck, to be sure, machining of the (iron) block is a good idea and, if done right, will more or less guarantee the head gasket outlasting the rest of the car.

Well guys.. as much as I trust you, I am poor.. very poor, and I cannot afford any of this.. I am lucky to be able to afford the gaskets I need. So, I am going to pass on machining. Mind you, I have some plans in the future, that don't involve this engine, so I am slightly less concerned about the engine. However, I still think all will be well. If it isn't, well, then it will be my fault, and have to face the consequences.


-justin

If you're too poor, I wonder whether you really should even be working on it. Pay to play. That explains why I still public transit to school (technically, the Bonneville *is* dad'*), i always call it mine though.

Well, at least take a straight edge to the heads and block and see if they are warped. If so, best start saving for your next gasket set.

save up your money cut grasss shove l driveway'* whatever you gotta do to get it done right trust me you will regret it just get a job and work well mcdonalds hires at 14

I already have to work my *** off just to get the $100, just for the gaskets. I was already planning to take a straight edge to it, just like the FSM says. Now, if my heads are warped, i'm not going to put them back on as-is.

I don't have a ride to any places that would hire me [I live in the middle of nowhere]. But, i'm always looking, and always applying. Eventually they will get sick of me, and just hire me .


-justin

What I am guessing here, is that heat warps the heads? That is not an issue, whatsoever. The logest trip this car has ever made, was the move from FL to MI, which was maybe 8-10 hours for two days. This car has always been a secondary car, and I don't think any other trips that were made in her, were longer than an hour.

Don't worry, I know what I am doing [or so I think]. I have quite a bit of knowledge with valvetrain components, head work, and intake work. However, I don't have any experience. So, this is kind of an experimental process.

I am sure I will be okay as far as the rest of the process goes. I am aided by my FSM, and Haynes manual, and my trusty AC/DC collection . Of course, we can't forget you guys here at BC, although I don't think the problems I will run into, will be much of a virtual help thing, but more a physical attention thing. If all else fails, I may have to start seeing my dad again .


-justin

An FSM doesn't mean you're invincible, you need more then a book and some free time, especially if you're going into an engine you've never seen the insides of before. You say you can barely scrape the $100 together, then why did you do it? You don't have the tools for it, and a dremel isn't going to help rebuild and engine.

The longest trip doesn't matter either. It'* a 16 year old car, the engine has been heat cycled A LOT. Eveyrtime you run WOT in a cold loop you could be moving metal slightly.

You're not sure of yourself, and calling engine rebuilds experimental processes.. doesn't help either.

I'd double over everything you need to do. Find some one who'* one it before, and read the manuals to the letter.

i agree with bonnemn 100% i car isnt any good if it doesnt run right??? or do it right the 1st time why go back a second when it possible on the 2nd go around you could have made more damage
i repair manual isnt everything!!!
the best learning to is experience by have a experienced person show you or do it for you