Hi there,

I've been getting quotes from various shops around SF and the prices seem ridiculously high for the amount of work required to replace a head gasket (I have a 2002 WRX). If I had a engine crane I would be happy to do it myself. Anyone know of a place they recommend with fair pricing ?

Thanks

 

how much have you been quoted?

 

Lot of labor, so not surprising that shops are quoting a lot. If you are so inclined, engine hoists aren't that expensive, at least not compared to what you are probably being quoted. Pretty sure you can rent hoists too.

 

hmmm, not a bad idea to rent one.

 

Most are near 1k just for labor. I've seen threads here where people (outside of Bay Area) get their done for 600-700 for Parts and Labor ....

 

aren't you suppose to resurface the heads?

 

Unfortunately, that sounds about right. Had a similar experience in the price difference with a timing belt on one of my other cars. Quoted $800 here and got it done for $450 in Redding where the car already was.

 

Lic motorsports

 

Any place that does it for $600 is going to cut corners, or has some sort of unknown by anyone else efficient way to do it.

 

^This! Don't go cheap or at least cheap labor/quality, you'll end up having to do it again if you do. Go with a reputable shop and do it right. With that said, Rob's Machine Shop that GST uses does excellent work.

 

/thread

 

Shops out of the area often have a much lower overhead than those here, so they can charge lower rates for labor using the same parts. In my other car they used all OEM parts just like the shop I use here and they did a great job, so no complaints.

$600 still seems low.