replacing head gasket?
 

i might be picking up a 96 civic for $500 with just a blow head gasket. how hard would it be to do myself? i have air tools, tq wrench, engine lift, timing light, etc.

Nothing I'd call difficult...just tedious and a pain in the ass

A GREAT how-to:
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1062140
Even though the how-to is for dohc, the procedure is basically the same. I can pop open the helms and get exact torque specs for you too (they're probably the same...but play it safe right?)

You can definately fix it w/ the tools you have. I would suggest that you replace the studs too though.

alright sounds good. im thinking i can resell it for $3000 at least once i fix it :cool:

Not hard. I've taken my Y8 head off 3 times (twice this week). I suggest not to unbolt the IM. Keep it in there and pull out the whole thing. make sure you follow the specs on bolting the head studs back on. It requires 3 torque specs and a certain cross pattern. Drain the coolant well.....

here

im gonna check the car out this week and if its in as good of shape as im told i should have it asap