HG time - how much $$ can I save by..

[canadiandsm11]

I need to replace my headgasket on my 1G. The shop I usually go to (good guys, good work) told me it would be about $500-600 for the labour, so about 6.5 to 8 hours. I'm wondering how much time I would save them (and inturn $$ for me) by removing certain things, besides actually removing the head, changing the gasket, and so on.

Stuff I feel comfortable doing that I think could save some time would be removing the manifold and turbo, removing the rad, removing I/C pipes, intake, removing fuel lines, injectors and rail. (I'm not sure how difficult it is to pull the intake manifold, or if the shop would use it to maybe lift the head out?) I'd also take care of other minor things like throttle cable, vac lines, etc.

I just don't want to do the actual head removal, gasket replacement, new APRs, and the timing side of things...I know what I can and can't do, and when it comes to something as 'critical' or 'sensitive' as the head, I dont mind paying someone.

My question is, how much time is factored into the removal and reinstallation of items like the ones I mentioned above? The more money I save on re&re, the more I can put towards other areas while the motor is somewhat apart.

 

[allwheelTSI]

Most shops I know of would rather not get into someone else's job half way through, they would rather start from the beginning so they know they have not missed anything.

 

[res7bequ]

I was pretty scared when I first did it but everytime after that it felt great knowing what I had done. I've had to do it about 4 times from slipped belts and blowing the HG but yea... might wanna consider arming yourself with knowledge online and doing it yourself. If not i'd probably leave it as is so they don't give you grief over potentially messing something up.

 

[VETTE_50_TH]

What both of those above me said, are completely true. Nobody wants to finish what you might have screwed up and be held accountable. Either you do it, or the shop does it. Once you establish that, either arm yourself with knowledge like res7bequ said, or drive your car to the shop. If you do it, take as much as time as it takes. Dont half ass it, read the service manual, cd, tech articles, have all the tools, and parts to accurately do it. If you do it yourself, good luck.

James

 

[firefightermdc]

that's pretty high..i was quoted with $350 for my 1g at 4.5 hours or so..this included a new timing belt and water pump install..I already had the parts though, is your price including parts or no?

 

[redyute1]

its not exactly high it depends on your area cause i work at a shop and thats about what we would charge to do the job,not including getting the head tested ig you ever heated the motor,if you need torque specs and the timing marks just pm me and i will have it ready for you