Chevrolet Repair: engine and overheating, coolant leaks, piston rings

Question
I have a 94 cavalier RS and my thermostat went out.  My car overheated and the engine died out on the highway.  There is anti-freeze leaking from the engine block when I try to start it.  I already know this will be a major repair but I am not sure what the possible problems are and what to tell and/or ask the mechanic for when I call.  Help!

Answer
Hi Ruth, This is not good. The cylinder heads are most likely warped and need to be resurfaced. The piston rings could be weak from all the heat, meaning that you might not have good compression after you repair the coolant leaks. A use engine might be a better way to go, I can't make that call without seeing the engine.

Hope this helps

Mark