replacing head gasket, any suggestions?

[saydarlingsay]

ok so it's head gasket time for my 89 22RE, never done anything this involved on a car but since i was quoted a minimum of $1500 from several shops i figured i'd do it myself. any tips or suggestions from those who have done it before? apparently these are known for warped heads, will this be obvious or is there something i should do to check for this? also is there anything else i should replace or check while i have the engine torn apart? i was thinking i should at least change the water pump and maybe the timing chain. or should i think twice about doing it myself? thanks...

 

[obex26]

it has cost me 2400 to install and machine my engine along with new radiator clutch and accessories Oh and I just spent another 100 bucks on a flex pipe for my header to eliminate the exhaust leak.

 

[fourwd1]

Unless they are fairly new, definetly replace the TC and H2O pump while it's all apart.

And make sure the distributor goes in exactly as it came out.