Well, after reading this thread http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=65980&mesg_id=65980&page= I've discovered the solution to my "odd noises..."

Labor would run me $700 ... parts are another story entirely..

Is this the kind of thing I could just... buy a torque wrench and a nice socket set, haynes manual ....bang it out in a weekend? People have always told me I should have just done my engine rebuild myself... would have to figure that this would be equally "tackleable"

Or should i just shell out the $700+parts, and learn nothing? :-0

If you plan on replacing the valves as well as the rest, then it involves taking off the head. Drain the coolant, etc. Time consuming and yes you need a torque wrench. As well as a valve spring compressor. If you do not have a haynes/chiltons already then go buy one for pete's sake! Read up on that and see for yourself. If you have no mechanical experience I would not suggest it.

Do it yourself!

It's not difficult, just have patience.

List of things needed (if I forget something someone else just add it):

- CHILTON'S MANUAL!!
- 1/2" torque wrench
- 1/4" torque wrench (DON'T use the low settings on the big torque wrench for your little bolts, such as the camshaft bearing caps that are torqued to 9.8 ft/lbs)
- fairly complete set of sockets, wrenches
- valve spring compressor (rent one)
- 400 grit sand paper (to remove old gasket material, sand in one direction)
- engine oil to lube your head parts as you install them
- some loctite red (needed for some seals as specified in the Chilton's head overhaul guide)
- some foam of that egg carton padding for when your under the car removing all the bolts for the intake manifold components ;)

what parts would I want, specifically to ensure that I eliminate all possible problems up there? Which is the best shop to get these parts from? Budget-minded here preferrably staying away from a machine shop...

The seals are 4,000 miles old so I probably wont' bother there...save me a trip to the dealership.. (hate them)

Do i also want some of that mopar gasket spray shit?

Order your OEM parts from Bob Kise (look in my profile) and have the parts delieved quick for cheaper.

Updated the list...

- CHILTON'S MANUAL!!
- 1/2" torque wrench
- 1/4" torque wrench (DON'T use the low settings on the big torque wrench for your little bolts, such as the camshaft bearing caps that are torqued to 9.8 ft/lbs)
- fairly complete set of sockets, wrenches
- valve spring compressor (rent one)
- 400 grit sand paper (to remove old gasket material, sand in one direction)
- engine oil to lube your head parts as you install them
- some loctite red (needed for some seals as specified in the Chilton's head overhaul guide)
- some of that foam egg carton padding for when your under the car removing all the bolts for the intake manifold components
- oem upper gasket set (part #5014134AD, includes a MLS headgasket)
- mopar (head) gasket sealant (part #4318035)

Originally posted by WickedESi
Order your OEM parts from Bob Kise (look in my profile) and have the parts delieved quick for cheaper. Updated the list... - CHILTON'S MANUAL!! - 1/2" torque wrench - 1/4" torque wrench (DON'T use the low settings on the big torque wrench for your little bolts, such as the camshaft bearing caps that are torqued to 9.8 ft/lbs) - fairly complete set of sockets, wrenches - valve spring compressor (rent one) - 400 grit sand paper (to remove old gasket material, sand in one direction) - engine oil to lube your head parts as you install them - some loctite red (needed for some seals as specified in the Chilton's head overhaul guide) - some of that foam egg carton padding for when your under the car removing all the bolts for the intake manifold components - oem upper gasket set (part #5014134AD, includes a MLS headgasket) - mopar (head) gasket sealant (part #4318035)

Hmm.. I'm hoping that poring over the Chiltons manual for a few hrs will help me make some sense of this + give me an understanding of what's involved here.. both parts/ labor wise..

8/10 if you don't have the tools or if you need machine work done.

5/10 if you have the tools and parts already

when replacing say, a bent valve....what has to be done? valve angle job? i have two bent intake valves on my old head and want to replace them and was just going to take them out and pop new ones in but i was advised not to, so im wondering what has to be done? any and all input is appreciated. also, valve guides....how the hell do you get them out?
_________
96 talon esi-t
san clemente, ca


as needles of ice
are the ill winds' talons
the coldest of shadows
they seep unto the bone

Get a valve job because a bent valve can act as sandpaper constantly going up and down against the seat. As for the valve guides, have a machine shop check them for straightness and bored then have inserts pressed in if neccessary.