What is a reasonable price for a headgasket job?

 

No more than $1,800 unless additional work is performed as well.

 

replacing: head gaskets, intake gasket, intake seals, valve cover gaskets, engine oil & filter, cleaning heads, checking valves, leak checking, and resurfacing

 

$1300 with all that and plugs and wires.

 

My guy wanted 1800 For a HG job.

 

I like Hilltoppers estimate. Approx 10 hrs labor for a shop + parts.

 

hey willrok, how long did it take you on your recent hg job? was it the first time you ever did them, just wondering?? Curious what kind of time it takes a diy-er the first time on these

 

Took me about 20 hours actual working time I would guess. I did it over Christmas break (I'm in grad school) so I would only work sporadically. Also, I replaced the water pump and alot of other little things here and there. Looking back, removing the water pump gasket was the worst part of all -- that thing was on there. As long as you mark bolts and pieces you remove -- I believe anyone could do that with the right tools and patience. If I had it to do over again I could definitely complete the job much faster.

 

I'm doing my own.

So far:

$150 to machine shop to clean and mill the heads plus do the valves (I did all dis/re-assembly)
$700 for parts including gasket set, 8mm leads, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cap and belt
$100 for additional expenses: Oil, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs and coolant

My time is probably at least an honest 10 hours not including learning curve, extra clean up repair and upgrade of wiring harness protection.

 

Those little things add up to quite a bit of time. Sounds like you're doing pretty well. Keep us posted!

Price wise, mine totaled around $1,200 (gasket kit, bolts, fluids/filters, plugs/wires, some tools, water pump, and a big chunk went towards the reman/rebuilt heads -- $350 I think, but worth every penny).

I received a quote from a trusted shop for $3,300 to do all the same stuff. At least I saved $$$ and have the tools to show for it (thanks to the forum!!).