I've had some overheating problems with my '99 dx sedan and a shop diagnosed it as a blown head gasket and I plan on doing it myself. I purchased the gasket set, timing belt kit, and will be getting a new oil filter + motor oil (and extra for head bolts to soak in) and coolant. My brother bought a torque wrench and I have two toolsets with common tools, and a Haynes manual, what else would I need? I heard about checking if its warped with a straight edge but already have contacted a local shop to shave it anyways for $40 in 1 hour.

 

Well are you planning on changing the timing belt also? You're going to need some way to get the harmonic balancer off.

 

Well I actually take a beginning Automotive course at my school, but I'm not going to drive my Civic or tow it over to my shop at the school because I don't want to leave it where other students can mess with it. I just plan on doing the head-gasket swap here at my house first and then taking it in for a Timing-Belt + Water pump change and driving it out before the school day ends.

 

You would be better off doing everything at once, since you will have everything off for the head...