Should I replace the head gasket?
 

So I have the intake and the header off, should I go ahead and replace the head gasket while I have it this far?

1976 280z L28....

Absolutely. That's a yes.

Head bolts
 

I am asking on a different forum about head bolts, I do believe the stock head bolts a reusable, some types stretch and have to be replaced every time, I have been corrected in the past, recommending that they always be changed, which I was wrong on. Ill make sure that is correct and get back to you, a new set is 100$ or so

Reuse
 

Just verified it with Nismopick, reusable, along as they are not damaged. Gotta love Nissan and the quality of the parts they make. So I would concur, might as well change the head gasket, you are so close it's a no brainer

Rock, thanks for the advice. I was wanting to try and avoid taking the timing chain off the cam, but I may as well go through that learning curve also.

Cheers.

Just saw this thread...

I wouldn't necessarily replace the head gasket "just because". How many miles are on the engine? Has it ever overheated?

You don't have to pull the timing cover, use a 1" thick wood block with a wire handle and shove it in between the inside of the two sides of the timing chain. This is outlined in the FSM. Make sure the engine is set to TDC, insert wood block tight enough that the chain can't move, then remove the cam sprocket. Mark the chain links and cam sprocket so you can reinstall properly.

Not sure about the miles on the engine, the odometer reads 34k, which I think is 134k. It overheated six miles away from where I bought it two years ago and has not overheated since, with the exception of when one of the heater hoses started leaking like mad in the cabin... it got pretty hot limping home, but I would say it over heated.

Thanks for the advice on the wood block, I have seen something similar on another forum.

Given the black mess that is under the valve cover, I may give it a go in order to get that cleaned up and take a look at the valves. I'm a bit above my head. (no pun).

If you pull the head it is likely you will have to have it surfaced and you might as well do a valve job. After 40+ years of heat cycles a long aluminum head with that many variations in shape will warp. If there are no bubbles in the radiator indicating compression leaks or seepage around the head, leave it alone! jmo

I'm leaning this way now also... I've never done it before and I'm a bit over my head already as it is. Cheers.

I reused my Factory head bolts three time alraedy with no issues!!!