94 Conti Rear Head Removal...

[69Firebird4-speed]

Guy's, I just bought a 94 conti w/blown head gasket for 400 dollars. The car has a 3.8 and is in great shape except the gasket. I removed the front head and could easily see the two problem cylinders. Water had corroded into the fire ring/no cracks on the head...it had never got hot. All other cylinders had close to 130 lbs on a compression test. My question is how much harder is it to go ahead and remove the rear head, because my thoughts are the head gasket will be in similar shape. I'm a good mechanic on GM cars, but not familiar with any Lincolns or Fords. I didn't want to buy a book so I used a book for a sable on 94 3.8 specs. Does the distributor have to be removed and how hard is it to remove the rear exhaust manifold? On a GM 60 degree V-6 I can remove the front top mtr mounts and rock the engine forward for easy access, but I don't know any "Special Tricks" on these cars. Any help appreciated, thanks.

[gbic1]

Yes do pull the other head. Usually one goes right with the other. 5 years ago I did 17 sets in one year. Check the head for warp I always machine them. Also check the timing cover for leaks at the back water port. The manifolds are tight but come off ok. Make sure you use new bolt because they strech. I just bougt on yesterday with bad brake lines and rear brakes for 100 and it only has 94k on it. Buffed it out and it looks like new.