Honda Repair: 2000 Civic Ex, head gasket problem, snow country

Question
Background: 54,000 miles -- always prompt on oil changes.

For the past couple weeks, I've noticed that the engine has sounded a little different. It sounds raspy (and noticeably louder) now, especially at 1500-2000 rpm on 2nd gear. The muffler doesn't look punctured, and I was thinking it might be a head gasket problem? How much do you think it would cost to repair?

Answer
a headgasket is a completely different creature.

the exhaust manifolds are prone to cracking. you would have to take the shield off to be sure.
and rust can develop anywhere on the exhaust.
it's best to put it on a lift with it running so you can hear.
if you are farther north in snow country, then i would go ahead and take it to a shop to get looked at. the exhaust is the most likely.

John