blown head gasket

[shaleemp]

i'm replacing my head gasket for a 1996 pontiac grand am se 3.1. and there are 2 different gasket sets. one for ball and pivot rockers and one for roller rockers. is there anyway of knowing whats in it without popping the hood? they said gm switched over between 95 and 96

[Forced_Firebird]

Are you sure it's a head gasket? The lower manifold gaskets are notorious for going on these cars.

Don't use the GM gaskets set, only the head gaskets. Use the Fel-PRo problem savers, they are a much better rubber/metal design rather then plastic/silicone.

[shaleemp]

mechanic told me head gasket so before i buy this set i hope thats right. i'm going with fel pro from autozone only one they offered. just need to know if i got rocker or pivot arms thats my main concern. maybe i should replace both just incase.

[Forced_Firebird]

FelPro part # MS 98003 T or MS 90004 T

I would have to say that once you get the intake manifold off, you will see if it was the manifold gasket. If it's the manifold gasket, replace them and you'll be fine. If the mani gaskets are not blown, move on to the head gaskets.

Intake manifold gaskets can mimick a blown head gasket with it's symptoms.