Replacing head gasket, what else?

[JeCliPz]

I am in the middle of replacing my head gasket, and actually just got the head off about 20 minutes ago. I am rather certain that the gasket was my problem because I overheated it pretty bad about a month ago, and then it wouldn't start and I was getting coolant in the cylinders. So, now that I have the head off, what all should I make sure to take care of before I put it back together? I plan to have the head planed and checked for cracks. Are there any minor/inexpensive performance alterations that i should make at this point? Would new valves get me much extra power? Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Auto RS T]

I am in the middle of replacing my head gasket, and actually just got the head off about 20 minutes ago. I am rather certain that the gasket was my problem because I overheated it pretty bad about a month ago, and then it wouldn't start and I was getting coolant in the cylinders. So, now that I have the head off, what all should I make sure to take care of before I put it back together? I plan to have the head planed and checked for cracks. Are there any minor/inexpensive performance alterations that i should make at this point? Would new valves get me much extra power? Thanks for the suggestions!

When you get your head back you can port it yourself. Also I would replace the timing belt and componets if you haven't allready. Also port the exhaust manifold or go ahead and get a 2g manifold and port that. I would also port the o2 housing. So I guess I should have just said port everything.

 

[brute]

I would port the head before it goes to the machine shop. That way, they can clean it all out so you don't risk any metal shavings in the oil. Minor/inexpensive? How inexpensive? And I agree with Auto RS T... Get all new timing components. There's nothing worse then putting a new head in with old timing stuff, having a belt snap, and bending some valves.

 

[JeCliPz]

On porting, I am leary of porting the head myself as I have been told that if it is done incorrectly, it will actually hurt performance rather than help because proper airflow is more important than the size of the ports, if that makes sense. So, am I really safe to port it myself? And what about the other stuff like valves? Is my block most likely fine after overheating?
Also, the pistons all say "63dT," are those stock pistons? (I think the engine was rebuilt by previous owner).

 

[perley03]

I would replace every part in the timing (belt, tenisioner pulley, idler pulley, balance shaft belt and tensioner pulley, timing belt tensioner, and also a new waterpump. That could be the reason why you overheated in the past. Its fairly cheap, and good insurance. Don't skimp out on the timing parts either, find a vendor that offers a DSM discount and go directly Mitsubishi parts on these. You don't need to port the 1g head, it flows enough as it is. No need to waste time and worry about the job, just concentrate on getting it running again and worry about the mods later down the road.

 

[AndrewD5418]

I'd do the balance shaft eiminator aswell. One less thing to #### up. Sure the car might idle rougher, but what if that fails while you drive?

 

[JeCliPz]

I am reasonable certain that it overheated because the cooling fans quit, though a water pump isn't a bad idea anyway. I'm not familiar with the balance shaft eliminator?

How about valves though? Can anybody tell me if I need to do anything there, and if it's worth replacing them? and do those piston markings sound familiar?

 

[brute]

If you're going to get upgraded engine components, unless it's cams, I find it's best to do them all at the same time. I think you should leave the stock valves, but you should have your head cleaned and refreshed at a machine shop. They'll make sure the valves are seating right, and machine the head if they aren't. They'll also clean the carbon deposits off and fully pressure check everything. I got all this done, with new valve seals and cams installed for $90.

I found (personal experience, but that's just me) that the balance shaft elimination was extremely hard with the block still in the car. You can do it, it's just that the previous owner of my Galant left me with some... shall I say... surprises. Here's how to do it: http://vfaq.com/mods/balance-shafts.html

 

[Spooling99]

Also if you take your head to a machine shop make sure its 100% flat. If the motor was over heated a couple of time you might have warped the head.