Rep Power: 0

I was on my way to work a few weeks ago and coolant temp gauge spiked in the red. Pulled over, popped hood, and coolant was spraying from underneath the distributor. Could not tell if it was from between the head and block or not. Taking it to a shop today that provided an estimate for parts/labor if the cyl. head gasket failed. To repair the gasket is going to cost almost as much as replacing the motor. If the head gasket does need replacement I am just going to replace the motor as it has 240,000 miles already. I have two questions about this. First question is does a long block configuration normally come with or without spark plugs already installed? Number two, is here are the things that I am going to replace with the motor install, what if anything have I forgotten that I should replace: Distributor cap/rotor, new belts, fuel filter, oil filter (obviously), plugs, and wires.

I will be re-using oil pan/valve cover, and replacing the stock clutch with an XTD stage 1 clutch kit as I assume this will be fine with a purely stock motor and the price is good to.

Going to ask mechanic to drain/fill M/T with Amsoil 5w-30 synchromesh MTF.

 
Rep Power: 0

under dizzy is the coolant temp sensor ( i believe), maybe that just needs replacing?or tightend.