Head Gasket, A noob question Options

[Dunners]

Hey guy's,
I did a bit of a search and couldn't find anything that really answered my question. Could someone explain to me exactly what a head gasket is, what it does, Where it is and exactly how to get to it and maybe replace it with a stronger one. Is it possible to get a stronger stock one off a better motor and fits the 5sfe? Also today i noticed coolant dripping down onto my splash guard, i think it's coming from the top of the overflow where there's a little hole. It hasn't done this before, does anyone know what would cause this. Thanks for all your help guy's.
Dunners.

[Dr_Tweak]

Well, basically, the head gasket is a metal/fiber gasket that goes in-between the engine block and the engine head. It seals the combustion chamber from the coolant and oil passages as well as the outside.

How to get to it? You must remove both the intake and exhaust manifold, and remove the head. Not a small job. Yes, you can get stronger ones probably, if you look around on the internet, but typically the stock one is strong enough unless you're running a ton of boost. And no other gasket that I know of fits it.

I'm not sure what you mean by "splash guard", bu coolant leaking out of the overflow bottle means that it's overheating and boiling over. Probably that's not where it's coming from though, or you should have noticed the temp running too high.

-Doc