Used Parts Estimate.........

I have a 1984 Chevrolet Caprice Classic and I would like to know how much it would cost to replace a cracked cylinder head (if thats what the reason may be for overheating) and a starter. I'd like to replace these parts with used ones. Could anyone please give me an estimate of the costs? Please either reply to this message here or send me an e-mail at: Dark_Chick17@hotmail.com

i would get a new starter they cost about $80 and are easy to replace just 2 bolts and 2 wires. cylinder head is a big job probably about 5hrs labor you need to remove the intake to change it. are you sure the heads cracked?? did you do a pressure test and compression test? did you already check the thermostat, radiator& cap, water pump, fan clutch, timing. it's not very common for chevy heads to crack.

starter - piece of cake, but a bear to twist to get down with the exhaust still in place on a cap. but it can be done.

the head - first off, no one does just one, if you do one, do the other, the incremental cost in time/parts is nil.

hardest part will be the exhaust manis - you will break all the studs, need em cut, need new bolts.

Id book 8 hrs as on those non-serp engines, most of the accesory brackets (hence accessories) must come off.

you doing any of this yourself? if so, as far apart as it will be, its 1-2 hrs more to undo the motor mount bolts, lift the motor 3 inches, drop the pan and swap out all the bearings and oil pump for peace of mind.

as for the head, you have to make sure you get the same one. 85-up heads have smaller chambers to raise compression from 8.5ish to 9.5ish. on the 84 system, without the knock sensor the wrong head will produce unacceptable results.

so lowest cost path: junk yard heads from an 81-84, have em tanked, cut and valve jobbed, then install.

path Id take: do that plus do the bearings

path id take if my car: swap the ecm from an 85-on and goto the higher compression heads to gain 10-15hp with everything else the same

I've had good luck getting exhaust manifold flange nuts off when I soak 'em in penetrating oil about 24 hours or so before I take 'em off. I still have to replace the studs half the time since all the threads are rusted away!

I would definitely get a second opinion before I condemned the cylinder heads, though!