Would you buy a 92 Civic CX with a blown head gasket???

[Gary Palmer]

I would have suggested going ahead and let the mechanic put a used one in, or something. Just for perspective, all 3 of the Honda's I have put head gaskets on have had 200,000-250,000 mile on the motors. On all 3 of them I haven't had any further issues with the motors, head gaskets or anything. On the first one of them I pulled the pistons and put in new rings, rod bearings and main bearings. I didn't bother on the 2nd and 3rd one's because the condition of the 1st one was such that it looked like it was hardly worn.

If your looking for a VX, I would back up and reconsider.

[garyhgaryh]

Originally Posted by Gary Palmer

I would have suggested going ahead and let the mechanic put a used one in, or something. Just for perspective, all 3 of the Honda's I have put head gaskets on have had 200,000-250,000 mile on the motors. On all 3 of them I haven't had any further issues with the motors, head gaskets or anything. On the first one of them I pulled the pistons and put in new rings, rod bearings and main bearings. I didn't bother on the 2nd and 3rd one's because the condition of the 1st one was such that it looked like it was hardly worn.

If your looking for a VX, I would back up and reconsider.

I had a blown headgasket on my supra when I bought it. I didn't know about it, but I had to deal with it. Dealers wanted $2-5k to fix it. So, I changed it myself and put new rod bearings in (had a rod knock as well) and it ran like new afterwards. That engine, with minor work outside of the engine besides the headgasket and rod bearing, put out 370-380rwhp (about 450 hp!).

So yeah, it might be worth it if you got it at a good price, but it might take you some time. It took me about 8 months to finish it with a full time job.

Gary

[smccall]

Yeah, with so much incertainty, I decided to pass on it and it sold the next day. I must admint, it was one hell of a deal because the body was in great condition. But I also had to hear my wife's voice about buying a car that was already broken. I'm still looking for one but many times, the seller has pulled the engine and put in a B18, or a prelude or accord engine and strapped a stupid bodykit on it with altezza taillights. Finding a clean one is becoming harder to find.

[Gary Palmer]

Very unwise to argue with a wife. Very, very much not worth it. Excellent choice.

[garyhgaryh]

Originally Posted by smccall

Yeah, with so much incertainty, I decided to pass on it and it sold the next day. I must admint, it was one hell of a deal because the body was in great condition. But I also had to hear my wife's voice about buying a car that was already broken. I'm still looking for one but many times, the seller has pulled the engine and put in a B18, or a prelude or accord engine and strapped a stupid bodykit on it with altezza taillights. Finding a clean one is becoming harder to find.

Hmm..being the lazy person I am, i would have just thrown in a new headgasket and drove it around. Even if the head was slightly warped, it would be better than it was before. Cost: Time + cost of headgasket set.
Probably would take you a weekend.

Worst case: car driven hard and overheated (ran out of coolant). Major
engine problems from this point on. You don't want it. Might have been
a good decision....

My friend had an 85 supra. The car ran out of coolant and overheated.. He, in his wisdom, decided to fill the tank with water from a garden hose He heard the block crack (remember, engine overheatred and was HOT HOT HOT
when he did it). He sold it to some unsuspecting buyer.

Gary

[smccall]

Good advice Mr. Palmer.

Oh man, that was dirty garyhgaryh. Cracked block, man. Well the car probably didn't sell for that much based on the year and model.