Head Gasket?

I have a 1998 Legacy 2.2L and need to replace the head gasket. I am contemplating replacing it myself or paying to have it done since I'm in graduate school. If anyone knows roughly how long I should expect to spend on replacing it and a ballpark figure on what a shop would charge (Chesapeake VA area) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks- Termite

I know my brother replaced the HG's on his 1998 himself. He borrowed an engine hoist, pulled and disassembled the engine himself, then had the cylinder heads checked/machined at a shop. By the time you replace gaskets, seals, belts, etc, you're probably looking at $600+ plus MANY hours of DIY work.

This wasn't an issue for him since this was his project car at the time.

This is probably a $1200 job to have a shop do it properly. I know that's the route I'd go if this was my daily-driver.

Joel

I know my brother replaced the HG's on his 1998 himself. He borrowed an engine hoist, pulled and disassembled the engine himself, then had the cylinder heads checked/machined at a shop. By the time you replace gaskets, seals, belts, etc, you're probably looking at $600+ plus MANY hours of DIY work.

This wasn't an issue for him since this was his project car at the time.

This is probably a $1200 job to have a shop do it properly. I know that's the route I'd go if this was my daily-driver.

Joel

Thank you Joel,

I was given an estimate of ~1700.00 from the shop this morning that I had it carried to. Was looking for someone's opinion or insight as to what to expect. The est. included timing belt, head bolts, water pump, and the milling of the heads.

I'm not having an issue of tools and willingness, its the time to get back to my parents to undertake it. I reckon I'll bite the bullet and pay them to take care of it.

Thanks again for the reply.

Ben

That's a painful bill for sure, but figure for $1700, pretty much everything you'd ever have to touch on the engine will have been replaced.

If the body and trans are in good shape, it's worth it.

Joel

I called them and told them to go ahead and take get started on it. It seems to be in good shape otherwise. Not the cleanest as far as interior goes but decent enough for my standards. The whole ~10.5 mpg in my truck has got to end sometime. Now just to hope trans. holds out for a few years.

Ben