I've really done it this time. I traded my daily driver for an old z that I fell in lust with - and on its inaugural run from Baltimore to Annapolis MD the exhaust pipe broke and she started spraying some coolant from right behind the fan.
The next morning I started it, removed the radiator cap - and sure enough, spitting coolant.
So I lined up a shop to do the head gasket - its definitely gonna hurt the wallet.
I've purchased 3 into 2 headers and a performance exhaust (and the head gasket kit) which are on their way from the Z store on the west coast.
While I'm waiting on the big parts and thinking about how much work it takes to get all the way down to that head gasket - I guess I'd be an even bigger fool than I am not to order a timing chain and tensioner?
Is there anything else you think I should shop out on the internet so I don't get stuck with the mechanics mark up? Like a piston ring set?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

does it have good compression? well i guess it's too late to check. if you have the money for it all and want the extra reliability, go for it. but you probably don't need new rings. if a head gasket job is hurting the wallet, you could consider doing that yourself. i did a head gasket when i was like 16. not hard on that car. i would recommend main bearings and a crank turn before i recommended rings though. but that's assuming your compression is good.

 

piston ring set? you relized you would have to pull the engine, pull the oil pan and remove the crank shaft and all the pistons from the bottom of the engine. cant be done in the car. and you should be good with the cam.. just unbolt it all and unbolt the sprocket on the cam. if you dont let the timing gear slip you wont have to reset it. just line up the bolt patterns and your good to go. idk about the L series but thats how it is on every engine i've ever rebuilt.

 

thanks guys - was stressing a bit as I'm a noob and actually need to drive this one daily. The compression is good as it ran great until the exhaust broke. My 82 Suzuki GS850G is fine for commuting - just not very comforting in the rain. I appreciate your input and will post some pics of this gem when she's rolling again.