My car has been overheating for a while and I haven't had time to do a coolant flush on it, so I took it to a firestone shop today and they informed me I have a blown headgasket.

The car seems to run fine, but they say it's got a blown head gasket and want me to pay $2,500 to fix it.

I'm considering getting a 2nd opinion, however, if it is blown I am considering doing the job my self. I normally do all the work to my car my self and I used to do a lot of work on my 89 and 86 camaro, though I understand this engine is a lot different and it will be more difficult, I was wanting some opinions on doing this on the 99 3.8l v6 3800 series.

I've replaced fuel injectors on it, water pumps, wires, plugs, hoses, alll the easy stuff on this engine and I'd like to give this a shot.

Also wondering if now would be a good time to do some upgrades to the engine?

 

i have fixed engines before (headgaskets) but this motor ask for both torque and a degreed torque... I dont have one of those dials.. course I cant find one either... but I think im going to pull my motor out and take it to the block, machine it, and put it all back together piece by piece.. needs replaced, Im replacing it. but again, Im keeping it stock. have you checked out http://forum.camarov6.com/index.php . its all V6 F-bodies.

Not trying to take you away from here. Hell its how I found out about it.. (from this site)... Check it out, alot more V6 related power there.
Archer

 

i have a 94 3.4L and i didnt realize that it had a blown head gasket it cost me $800 to fix so please dont pay $2500 to fix the head gasket lol . just shop around and you will find a good deal

 

Take it somewhere else, 2500 is too much for that job. I'm usually a little leary of the tire/fast oil change places.

 

same thing happened to my 99 camaro we pulled the engine we pulled it and rebuilt the engine. had bout 900 when it was all don, perfect time to put a cam in it replace internals, port and polish heads and new pistons, just a few ideas if you need more info email me i have pics of the rebuild and pulling the engine. it will take a lot of time due to engine placement

 

Or you can go the junkyard engine route too, seen them in pick and pull type places as low as $150 w/exhange and warranty, and a high as $600 no exchange they pull it for you from the donor car. If you have reasonable mechanical skills, a big jack and jackstands, and an engine puller you can do it (even alone) in a weekend.