The goal is to bring the engine to a reliable state capable of daily driver duties and family outings. Yes, the head gasket is one of the items that will be replaced along with resurfacing the heads and doing a valve job. Would you suggest that I replaced any other components? Other parts for replacement are listed below.

Radiator
Water pump
Thermostat (low temp variation)

 

You want reliable daily driver..... all aluminum radiator, in line thermo mod, electric fan.

 

What is the inline termo mod? Is there a different one to get? How is it modified?

 

meaning get rid of the bypass and put a traditional stat in an inline housing

 

I have managed to strip the head bolt on the passenger side closest to the firewall (the pain in the *** one to remove). I'm afraid I stripped it pretty good using a 1/4 inch 5/8 socket and a huge breaker bar, with a wobble extension. Not sure how to address this new issue, any takers? (video to come soon)

 

I'm thinking about trying one of these to remove it

 

Upon removal,Did you start with that bolt?
You should have, but if not put some others back to relieve pressure, then use whatever striped out nut tool. That ^ thing looks promising

 

as stated before you should un-torque the head, working from the outside in. But as stated install some bolts and snug them down then hammer a 6 point metric socket onto the head bolt and remove it.

 

Worked like a charm, fellow forum members who are tackling this job do yourself a favor and head over to Sears and pickup a craftsman turbo socket!!!!



This thing took the head bolt rite off!

 

I don't see the compressor...and where do the exhaust gases enter?