I have a chance to pick up a '92 SOHC with a blown headgasket for really cheap. How complicated is changing the headgasket on these motors? Also, where's the best place to buy a factory service manual?

 

well the service manual you should be able to find on Ebay pretty cheap, or a dealer might be able to copy u a set of instructions how to disasseble and do the headgasket.

Headgasket costs bout $110 at any dealer or aftermarket shop. Its fairly simple, but takes a while. Since your engine is arleady out of the car..correct? It shouldnt take that long to change. Me and Groharlem changed our DOHC Heagasket on our 90 Protege. He did most of the work. Might wanna PM him to see what his imput is.

 

1600cc sohc head gaskit, i changed out in 3 hrs flat, including the tbelt and seals.
I got my gaskit from advance auto, it was 38 + taxes.
the hardest part was to clean the surfaces of the old gaskit.