People at mechanic places get really at me because I've been teaching myself how to work on all sorts of cars. My hubby got me into rebuilding them so I pretty much know when someone is trying to screw me. I had one moron tell me that my clutch needed replacing and I was driving an automatic . Now I don't trust anyone with my car, I even change the oil myself No one touches my baby! (Well Im kind of attached since it IS my first car I bought myself)

I know what you mean about the Crown Vic LTDs...UGH central. I wouldn't even rebuild one if I was paid a million dollars lol. When they decide to die, they die wholeheartedly! Oh and here is a hint, next time you find a car from 88'...

Light it on fire lol! I haven't had any luck with any car built in 88'. I'm starting to think it was just a horrible year for cars. Too bad you didn't live closer to me. I'd wrench on your cars, and make em runnin spiffy again! Making old cars live well again is a hobby of mine.

Good luck finding a car that isn't a money pit. Even sometimes I have to throw in the towel.

Oh and by the way, from the discriptions you gave of what the Caprice is doing, it does sound like a blown heat gasket. As for the breaks, sometimes if there is dirt up in the lines it can make them squeak. Try doing a complete break flush (although Im sure you did that when you replaced the breaks the first time) My breaks (new or not) always squeal when its either wet or cold. Its just a quirk of my car.