Hello,
It appears I have blown my head gasket. My heater core and radiator both violently broke indicating too much pressure and now I am smoking from the tailpipe. I have heard mixed things, do I need to use new head studs or not? I have heard that for this type of vehicle that is not necessary. I also was wondering how difficult of a job this is for someone with moderate skill and how long it probably takes someone. Thanks, I looked for answers on the head studs and couldn't find a clear answer.

 

Also are there any special tools required

 

Are you talking about a 22R engine?
I've never replaced head bolts on these unless there is some problem with the threads that make them risky to reuse. Just make sure they are clean.
Have a machine shop do the valves and plane the head if required. Inspect the cam and cam followers wear. Replace the timing chain and guides and tensioner. maybe the water pump also while you are down there. It goes without saying, but replace the thermostat. It's likely the reason you lost the head gasket.
No special tools that I recall.
If this is a daily driver have a shop do it. If you can be without it for weeks, then do it yourself.

 

22re engine, have a Corolla to DD

 

Same advice then.

 

Shop rate varies up to $1500 or as low as $800, depending on area. That can be incentive to do it yourself but its a tedious process, good to have a friend join in. Take pics so you know where everything fastens and where the abundance of hoses are routed. I replace headbolts as I don't know how old they are but no, its not necessary but I just would not want one breaking a week after completing the miserable task of replacing head gasket.