Originally Posted by JivenJim

OK Doctor, here’s the patient I’m an old school, original owner of a 89’ Teg DOCH w/ D16A3 230K miles It’s been such a great car! Regular Maintained has been done. Engine Rebuilt 700 miles ago Complete with new injectors, Radiator, Hoses, Starter… Stock stuff. Was Running really good. (nice sounds) Still needed Throttle Body replaced, EACV + a Temp sensor (evident from the ruff idle and bad warm idle (runs low RPM and bounces)
Now showing all the signs of a Blown Head Gasket. i.e. Oil in Radiator, Bubble in reserve, dropping water levels and a little clean white smoke. It got in the Red for about 5 minutes. Compression test Shows 165-175 on all four.

Question: Should I have the head Gasket replaced (maybe with multi-layer metal) and have head grinded if necessary or do I Swap for a B16A or B16B. This is an OBD-0 Stock Teg. This is my daily driver but I can do the down time on my GSXR Bike. I have the about $4500, but need the wisdom of you Vets. And I would probably need to have it done. I don’t have a bud to help me in San Diego through it. I admire you guys who have made that plunge before. No, I can’t take back cause shop changed ownerships and basically screwed me without a kiss. Pretty sure it has blown head gasket. Bubble in the radiator and oil in water. Not sure why a brand new head gasket would blow from Commute driving with 700 miles. Suggestions?? Would love some HP but Reliable and Easy would probably come first. Maybe a Turbo later :+)

Thanks (forever newbie)

Jim