Head Set - 98 SL2 - For $85 ?!

I believe that it is suggested that the coolant resorvoir, thermostat, and some various coolant hoses/seals be replaced also since the oil that got into the cooling system contaminates them and can continue to degrade them. Not sure on all the parts involved. You may want to pick up a Haynes or Chilton manual for the car and see if they mention it. If not, a polite call to the service department at your local Saturn dealer may answer that question.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]

I would also strongly recommend having the head planed (milled) to make sure it is perfectly flat. Often, when a head gasket goes, it's because of irregularities in the head's surface. It will be money well spent.

I often wondered about this.

Is there a spec that says just how much you CAN hone off of a head?

I mean there are values that have to move into the head space that you need to maintain clearance on (between piston head and value at the maximum of the exhaust stroke) so where are they listed.

Yes, there is. You can find it in a Haynes/Chilton manual, or the factory service manual for the vehicle.

Uh, did you just make that up? You most certainly can remove material from the head, and the factory publishes a spec for it in the factory service manual. It does not adversely affect the timing.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]