L_perm

I'm trying to get out ahead of this, so that I don't have to wait around for tools when I'm ready to go. I'm about to pull the engine from my '91 S4, and I plan on replacing the head gaskets. I don't plan on dismantling the valvetrain.

I have an 8mm Hazet 990-8 XZN socket coming. I also have some brass drift punches I can use. And, I have an air impact wrench, but I'm not sure it's needed, based on Greg's advice regarding removing the camshaft bearing caps.

I've looked at the WSM and some threads here, but would like some questions clarified:

- Do I need that special Porsche tool that holds the camshafts in place while I loosen the caps? From what I've read, the key is slow, even and steady.

- If I plan to change the cam tensioner pad, then won't that alleviate any need for the special tool anyway? Or, do I have to remove the camshafts first to get to the tensioner?

- Do I need any other of the special tools? For example, there was some kind of tool for installing the camshaft seals, if I remember correctly. Basically, something to make sure the seals installed evenly, is what it looked like.

- Is loosening the head bolts just a matter of getting enough leverage? That is, are the bolts large enough so that I shouldn't have to worry about shearing them as long as I'm using my tools properly? (I don't see much talk about "tricks" for removing the head bolts--only advice to have a long wrench/breaker bar.)

- How critical is a mating surface refinish if I am just replacing old--but still good--head gaskets? My current plan is to just leave the mating surfaces alone completely.

My car has about 78k miles. Again, the engine will be on a stand.

Thanks,
Louis