Is it true that if you change the gaskets on a high mileage car and resurface the heads that the bottom end will blow? I don't have a lot of money to do the whole engine. The car runs fine and feels even stronger then I first bought it 6 years ago, so I know its not tired just yet. The car came stock everything so I know no NOS or forced induction was added.

I just want to drive it another 2-3 years before I can save up for a 383 with LE package

The car has 158,000 miles

 

Yep, as soon as you start it up, the bottom end will destroy itself...

No, not really. There are tons of stories where guys have done a heads and cam swap and ended up spinning the bearings. But there are probably lots more that do this and have no issues at all. You never hear stories when things go as they're supposed to...

You'll be fine pulling the heads, having them refinished and reinstalling them. Follow installation instructions and keep everything scrupulously clean. I'd recommend priming the engine oil before the first start just to give an extra measure of safety...

 

I bought my 95 z28 with last known milage at 288K miles. I don't know whats been done work wise to the engine wise IE gaskets, seals ,ect replaced. But when I blew my headgasket and head and got a used set of heads and new felpro gaskets and put them on everything ran fine. Engine seems strong!

Your car only having 158k miles, it's not going to hurt it.

 

"MOST" of these lower end failures are caused due to improper cleaning of surfaces. Do an oil and filter change soon after the work is completed. I worked at a machine shop and have seen more than one engine with a plugged oilfilter due to gasket material. Jeff

 

Replacing the head gaskets and having them resurfaced is the norm for any engine that blows a head gasket. If the head gaskets are blown due to overheating you could already have other damage which may cause additional problems down the road.