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1990 Continental $300......

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Posted by: TDUB

I found a 90 Continental for 300 obo but it needs a new head gasket. How much would that run me or how much would it cost to do myself?

Posted by: MichiganTeddyBear

the parts (head gasket set, and NEW headbolts) should be under 150.00. the labor is the killer on these. figure a solid day of work to do it, if all goes well.

also figure on changing the thermostat, and any hose's that are old as well, since your gonna have that stuff off/disconnected anyway.

Also, get a FORD shop manual, or at least find the updated torque specs for the headbolts. there has been some changes over the years, to improve longevity.

Hope your heads didn't warp/crack too.

a shop will likely charge 1k+ to do that job.

Also, factor in the condition of the Air suspension.. its VERY costly to repair if it hasn't been maintained. if its all in good shape, then its not a problem to work with.

Posted by: Glorywagon

Its pretty easy to do yourself . Buy you a head gasket set and do both heads at the same time. You can take the Heads to a machine shop . The job should be about $300.00 if you do it your self. Not Hard to do.

You can rent a torque wrench. Auto zone will loan you one.Have fun .Take them off one day . Will probity take machine shop a week before they can get to them. another day to install. Nice buy for $300.00 Be a good time to rebuild the motor if your up to it.About $700.00 machine work and parts. Danny

I have rebuilt a lot of motors in 65 years and never ever replaced the head bolts. only need replaced if you over torque them.

Posted by: MichiganTeddyBear

well, the 3.8's head bolts are torque to yield type. once they are torqued, they get stretched. they aint worth a crap after that.

Posted by: Glorywagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichiganTeddyBear

well, the 3.8's head bolts are torque to yield type. once they are torqued, they get stretched. they aint worth a crap after that.

Sorry teddy Bear I didn't realize it was a 3.8. Thanking of a 5.0. All yours. Danny

Posted by: TDUB

Air ride was recently replaced. He did the head gaskets on the one side then the other side went.

Posted by: MichiganTeddyBear

well, if he kept the extra parts (1 head gasket, 1 valve cover gasket, and 1/2 the head bolts) that will save ya some $$, as then all you need really is the intake set.

the bolts and head sets have enough parts to do both sides.

Posted by: JoshMcMadMac

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glorywagon

Sorry teddy Bear I didn't realize it was a 3.8. Thanking of a 5.0. All yours. Danny

Regardless, that is horrible advice. 5.0L have torque-to-yield bolts stock as well. $30 for a set of new ARP head bolts is intelligent, cheap insurance as opposed to half-assing it with stretched bolts.

Posted by: ground_zero298

I guess it's all if you want it or not. For 300 I would buy it and work on it my self in my spare time.