purchased a non-running 98...need help!!!!

[todd98zx2]

Hi guys, I'm new to the Escort scene. I do work for Ford motor company at the Nashville glass plant. I use to make the back windows for these cars at our plant.
Anyway.... I got this car from a lady I work with. It was her sons car. It died on him, and it turned out to be a blown head gasket. It has slight compression on 1 and 4, but non on 2 and 3. When I did a leak down on 1, it blows into 2. I assume the head gasket is completely shot. The car has 220K miles on it.
First question, I assume, from what I have read, these cars are not interference engines?
Second, and special tools to pull the head??? I normally work on 944's. I have a side business doing service and maintance on 944's, so I'm pretty good at turning wrenches.
The timing belt is intac, but like I said before, no compression. Engine cranks, but will not fire due to the non-compression. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm in Nashville, so if anyone is local, please let me know.
Todd

[TSmiley98]

T-55 head bolts, you will need the cam allignment tool set ($30) , better off to buy a used engine wil lower miles, and yes it is non interference in stock form

[powder]

May as well pay a few bucks for a head gasket and see if you can't get it goin though.

[voxxt209]

just buy that kit ...very cheap and acceptable

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/98-99-2-0-Ford-Escort-Cougar-Zetec-Head-Gasket-Set_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1713Q2em153Q2el1262 QQcategoryZ33665QQihZ020QQitemZ300215279075QQrdZ1

and those head bolts

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-04-FORD-ESCORT-ZX2-ESCAPE-2-0L-DOHC-HEAD-BOLTS-ZETEC_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33617QQihZ007QQit emZ170210119931QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

for 150$ you have a good head gasket and bolts kit

[chasingsafety]

stock cams = non interfearance

[capitalcrew]

Non interference.

I'd get the headbolts from zxtuner.com as well as their thinner head gasket to raise compression a bit. Did mine that way when it blew.. ran me about 80 dollars and I've had no problems with the thinner head gasket.

[j0hnZ]

Any noticable gains from the thinner head gasket?

[mechtech]

Since you are a mechanic, try fixing it yourself. Most costs are for labor for this type of job.
You'll need new TTY head bolts, and a head gasket. Cam timing can be common sensed, but a flat cam alignment tool and a good way of getting to exact TDC is crucial.