[Reeves]

Hey guys!

Bad news... My engine took a crap! I'm not sure exactly what the problem is, but its making this rattling sound thats coming from the engine and my mechanic says I need a new engine. The previous owner (my brother) took really bad care of it and actually ran it without oil for i dont know how long due to busted valve covers.

So anyways I have decided im gonna get it rebuilt.. Im only 18 and have just gotten into cars not even a year ago (see my post history) so I need to know a few things.I want to put on a metal head gasket with some ARP studs while im getting it rebuilt. So here are the questions..

1.What kind head gasket should I get?
2.What is the purpose of the different thickness of headgaskets?
3.How do I know which one I want?
4. I have heard of composite headgaskets, would that be a better choice since they don't really require a machine shop? But im gonna have to go to the machine shop with a rebuild anyways... soooo??
5. I have also read about retorquing the studs, doesnt that involve taking the engine apart again (labor $$$$)? Is this necessary? Any alternatives?
6. What should all be included in the rebuild? I dont want them charging me for expensive stuff I don't need. These guys are trustworthy (family friend who owns a tire shop next door knows them), but still..

This is going to be my daily driver for awhile and I don't plan on getting too crazy with the horses. Just plan on doing exhaust, downpipe, boost controller, IC pipes, hks ssqv bov, maybe upgrade the turbine in the future, and whatever else goes with it, like injectors and anythign else I cant think of. But of course this will not all happen at the same time, it will be done gradually.

Thanks guys and please feel free to add anything you think I should know, im like a sponge waiting to absorb supra info!

P.S. Anyone in the San Diego area?