Got to replace heads..need advice

[robertwilbanks]

I have an early '86 L98 auto, iron heads. Have been losing water. This morning it was 30 degrees out side when I started her up. Had vapor from the drivers side exaust. Drained out about 1/2 quart of oil to take a look, and sure enough, there signs of water. I can do it myself but want advice on what heads to put on.
Rebuilt: cheapest(wife will be irritated)
iron pro-topline (wife will be mad)
Aluminum(I sleep in the car)
I have a high performane Edelbrock intake now. Might be able to sneak a new cam in.

 

[rrubel]

Why do you think it's heads and not just head gaskets?

Recommend: if you're not doing much else, get a set of 89+ 113 aluminum heads. About $300 if you look around.
[RICHR]

 

[robertwilbanks]

I won't know till I get the head off but the car hit 300 degrees once so I am pretty sure it cracked.

 

[rrubel]

With AL heads I'd say you would be toast. With CI, not so sure...
[RICHR]

 

[Moonunit 451]

I have an early '86 L98 auto, iron heads. Have been losing water. This morning it was 30 degrees out side when I started her up. Had vapor from the drivers side exaust. Drained out about 1/2 quart of oil to take a look, and sure enough, there signs of water. I can do it myself but want advice on what heads to put on.
Rebuilt: cheapest(wife will be irritated)
iron pro-topline (wife will be mad)
Aluminum(I sleep in the car)
I have a high performane Edelbrock intake now. Might be able to sneak a new cam in.

I've got a set of iron heads proffesionally P&P, if you're interested. Pic's available. I've posted them in here before.

 

[robertwilbanks]

Update:
I got the intake manifold off and it looks like it is the manifold gasket. I am going to replace it and pray. I searched the site and found a link to good instuctions on how to install a leak free intake manifold. It looks like I did not do a good enough job the last time. If I find it still doesn't work then I will tear down to the heads.

 

[Edmond]

Good luck; I hope it's the cheaper alternative!:L

But if you replaced the heads, it would be the perfect excuse for some Edelbrock heads. I think they were going in the $1300 range at Summit.

As for the wife, "It's easier to beg for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.":L:L:L

 

[redc4corvette]

Edmond I haven't heard that line since I was fighting the county counsol for permits!

 

[robertwilbanks]

Here is an update:
I replaced the intake gasket and got to drive it 4 days before the snow hit. I had no water loss in those 4 days so it looks like it is fixed. It was a cheap fix so I got to spend the money on new carpet.

 

[SPANISHVETTS]

It was a cheap fix so I got to spend the money on new carpet.

I have never seen more sad words written.:cry What about the water in the oil? I just had the famous intake leak and there was no trace of water in the oil. Get yourself a Combustion Leak Detector from NAPA and be sure!