Alright...looks like I discovered what I am going to do this weekend...oh yeay...but at least I owned the car for 10 days before anything went wrong....

Any special tips/concerns when replacing the head gaskets ona '95 3.8? I and my far more mechanically inclined friend are undertaking this grand venture and would appreciate any pearls of wisdoms/"whatever you do, don't do this" 's.

Cheers.

 

get new head bolts andhave the heads checked for warpage and have them milled if needed and at least the deck surface of the heads cleaned up by a shop. the original headbolts cannot be reused. they are called torque to yield bolts and will only stretch if reused. they are good to keep around if you need a strong bolt to bolt pieces of metal together as they are great for usage in something else like bolts for brackets or or some other project requireing a strong bolt. i have used them to bolt together heavy plate steel for trailers. if you don't need them then just chuck them

the next most important thing is to use 1999+ ford MLS headgaskets. 1995 head gaskets won't solve the problem that 94-early 96 engine had with headgasket failure. the 1999+ headgaskets have revised water passages and ae much stronger than the 94-early 96 gaskets. after it is done you should never have another problem with headgasket failure. once they are installed fluch the radiator and block and install a new 180degree thermostat.

 

Hey. Thanks for the tip. Does the '99 fit just fine? I would assume so eitherwise you wouldn't of suggested it.

Cheers and wish me luck

Any other suggestions....?

 

Yes same fit I have the 99+ 3 layer head gaskets on my 95...so there

 

Cobra pretty much covered it. Check heads, get some of it cleaned up professionally, MLS gaskets, etc.

BUT....since this is your first major car project, label everything(like bolts that go on the alternator mounting bracket, etc) and take a couple of pictures of the engine assembly. This could take a while, so just be careful

Working on a car is like picking a flower. Dont be afraid to use some force, just dont rip the thing in half.

 

Make sure when tightening the head bolts after everything is finished that you start in the middle of the heads and work your way out. That prevents warpage.

 

ARP Bolts FTMFW!!!!

 

My heads will be back from the shop on tuesday, and i am going to by the gastkets on monday. I just want to confirm that i can use 1999 mustang 3.8 head gaskets in my 1995 3.8 motor? also wheres the best place for head bolts??
thanks
pm

 

 

felpro head bolts are fine on stock engines and can be bought at just about any parts store. actually any brand of headbolt will be OK for you. just get the same year headbolts.

and yes the 99+ gaskets are the best to use on your 95. they will fit with no problems