Living on the edge, that's what we're all about! :p

Seriously though, I think it is hard for allot of people to understand the great satisfaction in finishing a project like this.

Jason, You understand the concept of trading in one car for another... explain that the next smart remark and she can be traded...

The tricks on head gasket jobs...

1. Cleanlyness
2. Check for warping
3. Un bolt and re bolt in correct specified order
4. YOU MUST USE A TAP AND CLEAN THE THREADS IN THE HOLES COMPLETELY... Lack of perfect threads GREATLY changes the reading on the torque wrench and are multiplied into wrong pulldown of the head against the gasket...

This will probably mean several 'runs' into the hole.. and the use of a brush , chemtool spray, etc...

5. TORQUE WRENCH READINGS ARE DESIGNED TO BE TAKEN ON BOLTS AND THREADS WHICH ARE " LIGHTLY OILED" ..
6. It is best to make two STUDS which fit into two of the head bolt holes on either end of the block.. to use to align the head as you are putting it into place.. if working with new style gaskets with the blue sealant on them you can just put them on first...if using copper coat then it is very important that the head not have to be ' skidded' around to get the holes lined up.... Once you get the head on you take out the studs and put in the bolts... so make them long enough to get hold of to take them out.
6. When going around the bolts in the specified order go in small increments .... I use 10 pounds ... until you get to the specified amount... then wait ten minutes and check to see that all is proper...this does not apply to head bolts on MB's which ask for 90 degree turn after reaching specified torque reading....