Blown Head Gasket...Female needs help

[akaterr]

I need help fixing a blown head gasket in a 1992 Geo Storm.
Definite diagnosis. Water in oil, over heating, white smoke/steam from both the exhaust and under the car.
I have a Haynes manual, and in reading and looking at the diagrams I have to disassemble from under the car. I thought it was on top or am I confusing the tappet cover and the head gasket.
I've done minor repairs my self changing the oil, spark plugs, wires, installed rebuilt tranny and it's no doubt that I will need help with this one because I know it's not minor.
Pep Boys (local Garage/Nat’l chain) said that it would be around $1000 bucks for the job including $250 for parts. Is it really that difficult to warrant $750 for labor?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[getnhi]

Its not that easy to do but within the scope of any shadetree mechanic with some instruction.

[hughw]

Bolts for air intake manifold have to be removed from under car...job involves removing injecters and all parts from top of engine..done it once but its been a while ago .Gasket usually just springs a leak between chambers..you conld get by with just a new gasket..but its best to machine the head (about $70-$90) Good luck.