Bad Head-Gasket, No Compression

[Zasz]

So... the E30's been in the shop for a week now, and I finally called in to get some unfortunate news.
Apparently, my ignition system is fine, but the head-gasket might be too old for cylinders 4 and 5 to be keeping any compression... :l

Does anyone know how easy it would be for me to replace it? Do I just take off the head and pop in a new gasket?
...And should I bother starting on my Super Eta build while I'm in there?

If anyone thinks it isn't the head-gasket, any tips are very welcome. (See http://socale30.com/theforum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6104)
I might have the head taken someplace to get compression tested, so if anyone wants my business let me know.

Thanks for reading.

[jlevie]

The problem could be with the head gasket, or the valves. Once the head is off, the condition of the valves can be assessed. If the problem is with the head gasket, the head needs to be checked for warp and will probably need to be surfaced. Before pulling the head, make sure that the problem isn't broken rockers.

It would be nice to know what the wet and dry compression test numbers are and what the leakdown numbers are. The leakdown test will usually help in telling if the valves are at fault (you can hear the air escaping past the valves).

[Zasz]

Yeah, I was thinking of swapping my head out for an i head anyway, and then I'd have to buy x amount of other things.

[20gmr]

Have the shop leakdown test it for you. That should tell you exactly why you don't have compression. It could be the piston, rings, spark plug, head, headgasket, or valves.