How to remove head, and replacing the crank

[snowboarda10hal]

Am I over my head when I say I want to reaplce the crank on my car? How hard is it? And can I do it with a set of normal hand tools? Im new to working on cars which is the main reason why i bought this project. The engine had over 2k on it and ran decent, but due to the tranny porblem he took ou tthe turbo tranny and sum other things. Im now about to rebuild the engine.....
I had a few questions
-Am I over my head when I say I want to reaplce the crank on my car? How hard is it? And can I do it with a set of normal hand tools? and is it worth it?
-I read that i may need to get my engine balanced, how much does it coast can i get it done at a local garage? and will i need to do it?
How to Eliminate the balance shafts and what will this free up?
And one last thing if i was to replace the camms is it tuff to do or do they just unbolt? will i have to take the whole timing belt off? And pressure washing my engine good or bad idea? Of course ill need to cover up some areas.
Your input would be very helpfull thank you-

 

[Cs4g63]

First off. What work have you done on a car? If you have been able to basic stuff with a fair amount of ease without getting frustrated then you will have a fair shot at doing engine work. If you struggle with something simple like brakes than I wouldnt recommend tearing into the engine.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

I would highly recommend reading www.vfaq.com and some of our Tech Articles here. Just by the way you talked you are way over your head. Why would you wanna replace the crank? What's wrong with it? To do this you will have to take the transmission off and the timing belt off. So replacing the cams won't be too hard since the belt will he off already. You don't have to take the head off to take the crank out either but you do need to take the clutch/flywheel/rear main seal off. Your best tool is to read this and other sites. Eliminating the balance shafts can free up a little power by lessening rotating mass but you wanna know what you are doing when you do it.

 

[snowboarda10hal]

I just got it the other day and i took the engine out, took the exuast off and stripped the engine down. Its not gonn abe easy bit it's something i want to learn how to do..

 

[snowboarda10hal]

i was gonna replace the crank just because it had over 2 k on it not a good idea? if not then i wont... the tranny is already off...

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

No need to replace it if nothing is wrong. I assume you mean 200k. If anything just get it turned .010" under and get OS bearings and it will be as good as new.

 

[snowboarda10hal]

alright, where does the head connect to the block? Where are the bolts that connect them together?

 

[Defiant]

Okay. Time to get a manual. Come back when you're stumped.