DIY Head Gasket replacement HELP?

[Nine-Six Teg]

I just bought a 96 Integra LS Special in February 08. It's my first car. It came with an antifreeze leak & valve cover gasket leak which has since blossomed into a leaky head gasket.

I am planning to do the repair myself, but have no auto repair experience, except when I replaced a few hoses & the thermostat in this car, prior to finding out about the head gasket problem.

I plan to purchase the repair manual and a head gasket kit, while borrowing the torque wrench from a friend.

I've been reading that I should be replacing the head bolts/studs, timing belt (timing belt tensioner, & water pump included), etc.

I cannot find ARP head bolts for my 96 Integra, are bolts and studs interchangeable. I think understand the difference between the two, but am wondering if I can use stud where bolts were originally, & vice-versa.

Also, I'm planning on getting an OEM gasket kit (link: Select Product). Is there a better alternative?

Also, is the Conti timing belt and tensioner a good one, its supposedly OEM as well?

Do you have any suggestions/tips for the repair? Should I do any other maintenance while the head is off?

Do i need a factory service manual ($90) or is a cheaper one sufficient? I'm a little worried about the terms being over my head.

Sorry for the long post. I can't wait 'til I'm a pro, answering questions!

[Mr GSR]

It's not out of the realm of possible, but changing the head gasket is a little hard to start off with learning about your car. Just follow the directions carefully and take your time. OEM parts are the way to go if you can swing it. I just got a head kit for my 95 GSR and it was very complete. The only extra thing you will need is the VTEC solenoid gasket and maybe the distribitor gasket. I would get all this from the dealership so that you know it's OEM.

I also recommend getting an aftermarket cam shaft seal. I have one from STR and have been happy with it, no leaks.

The manual is the way to go! Yes it's a touch expensive, but it is the most valueable tool you can buy.

The head bolts should be easy to find. They are the same for the year 1994-2001. This is a popular car, so it wouldn't be to much hassle.

Are you planning on taking the head apart and refreshing everything in there? If not, the head kit is not for you. It comes with lots of extra thing for replacing stuff around your valves. If you are then this is the best thing you can buy for it. If not, then I would get the following:
Head gasket
Valve cover gasket
VTEC solenoid gasket
Distributor gasket
Intake manifold gasket
Exhaust manifold gasket
Anitfreeze
Oil filter and oil
Timing belt
PCV valve
Cam shaft seal
Water pump

PS- If you have a friend with a little more experience, try to get them to come help you out.

[Nine-Six Teg]

Thx GSR. I don't have a VTEC engine. Its just and LS Special Edition.

I guess i will be replacing the other seals, etc. inside, since i've got it open. Yeah I will go ahead and get the factory manual and study it for a couple weeks before i do anything. I'll let everyone know how it goes...i think i'll even try to take pics, to help out other noobs if all goes well.

[Mr GSR]

My bad on the VTEC gaskets, you did say LS.
I was just listing everything from my car since it's easier to visualize everything that we put in.