I am finally going to fix this darn thing but today my wife said that the check engine light is on. Would this gasket finally going to heck trip the code? I will get the code checked, but I first wanted to ask the 'experts'! Thanks!

It'* hard to say for certain, but it would be possible, in particular if it'* a misfire code. You could be getting enough coolant into the cylinders to keep it from firing properly. If that'* the case, it becomes even more urgent to get things fixed. Get the code read, and let us know.

I still have not got the code read, but wouldn't the misfire also cause the oil to smell 'gassy'?
I know what you guys are saying...."just fix the damn thing already!!!"

alright fellas, I just got my parts in from Intense and I have the garage all cleaned up and ready to tackle this project. I had the codes read yesterday and it was a misfire from the plugs (I never had that erased), the fuel level sensor (I knew that) and the third was for the catalytic converter. I will tackle that later. So starting tomorrow, I am going to replace the valve cover gaskets, LIM gasket, Super charger gasket, throttle body gasket, coolant elbow, and O2 sensor! Wish me luck! Maybe I can actually contribute to this site and take some pics along the way. I just want my baby back!!

I still hafta do this, but i just noticed that there'* "sludge" on the front edge of the plastic cover on top of the engine. could this mean a bad head gasket, too? if it is, i might as well change it while i got everything tore down for the LIM gasket.

TTT, anybody have any ideas? should i just change the head gaskets just in case they are leaking while i have the intake off? or is it a PITA(im thinking it might be, to get to the back cylinder bank)? my valvetrain does make noise when i start it, has enuf oil. i thought it might be the intake gasket that causes that, but since theres oil residue on the front of the engine cover, it might be that, too. also, if i do change the head gaskets, what kind do i go with? would felpros be good?

I'm not exactly sure where you have your sludge build up, but head gaskets being an issue is extremely unlikely. They just aren't known to fail on these engines.

If you're losing coolant and are starting to have issues with noise in the valve train, it'* not something you want to wait to get to. Change out the intake gaskets, coolant elbows, and valve cover gaskets. If you're concerned about head gaskets, have a compression test done.

There are a few things to watch out for when doing this project. As it has been said, it is fairly easy, very involved but easy. Keep track of everything!! Take pictures along the way. Especially the vacuum lines and bolts. Watch out for the alternator connection. That gets brittle. ( I broke the wires right out of mine) The T vacuum fitting underneath the supercharger. You might be ok just buying all new lines/connections, they are pretty brittle ($24 at dealer) Also watch out for EGR tube that goes into intake. Take your time reassembling and insert that into intake before you bolt the intake down. Set the 'belt side' of the intake down and hold the right side up a little and insert tube into intake. I wasn't so careful and I had a mysterious leak that turned out to be that tube. Other than that, have at it. It is quite a feeling of accomplishment. Ask many questions if you are not sure and refer to alldatadiy. Between that and this forum, I would have never made it!

thanks for responding guys. i just joined alldata. looks like there are alot of hoses to keep track of! YAY. I found the intake manifold and fuel "rail" removal procedure, but not anything else. but between that and my n/a bonneville haynes manual, i think i can do it(but theres always somethin that suprises me ) I just bought my 180 deg. thermostat today, all I gotta do is get the LIM gasket, supercharger gasket, and coolant elbow on monday from Elco Chevy(they have all that in stock ), then ill park it at the parents house till I can use their garage(dont have my own garage )

They sort of hide the supercharger information. You'll find it under Power Train Management/Fuel Delivery and Air Induction/Supercharger.

When it comes to the fuel rail, don't disconnect the fittings. Just remove the injectors and fuel rail from the LIM and lay it aside with everything still connected.

If you're getting the supercharger gasket from the dealer, I believe you will need to get the coolant o-rings separately. Be ready for a surprise on how much they cost.

While you're doing things, you may want to consider replacing the o-rings for the injectors, also.