[StinkyTwinky]

My head gasket blew in my 98 Impreza 2.2L on the day I planned to sell it. Big shops want $2,500 or more. I would fix it myself but I have no time as I am trying to sell my house and my wife and two boys can't survive with out me. It's in great shape and worth fixing. I know it will be a huge loss if sold as is. Can anyone recommend a mechanic in or around Whatcom county that could fix this for less?
What price would a "mechanic special" go for?

 

[bradze]

bring it down to PIA in spanaway and get an STI drivetrain swap. might cost 5 or 6 times the $2,500, but it'll be fun.

 

[Novablue]

Sorry not too familiar with that area. It might be worth calling some Seattle/Vancouver specialty shops. They might be able to beat that price and you will get someone who has done the job before.

 

[Radar]

bring it down to PIA in spanaway and get an STI drivetrain swap. might cost 5 or 6 times the $2,500, but it'll be fun.

I am also a happy customer of Pacific Import Auto. They'll be just as happy to do a simple head gasket job. Their work is excellent and the charges are reasonable. PIA's number is 253-536-0389. Tacoma isn't that far.

 

[StinkyTwinky]

Thanks for your info. I would love to have an sti swap or better yet, an sti but only in my dreams. My kids are expensive! I will sell it as is. It's a great car but only as good as it's head gasket. Bummer. Crossing my fingers that my other cars hold up well.

 

[NWSub]

its a one day job. if you do the minimum job, it will cost you a couple of hundred. all you need is a engine picker and stand and some basic tools. nothing really anything special.

I did mine in 13 hours. took long because of of reading the manual. if i had to do it again, i could probably do it in 6-8.

 

[NWSub]

HG are pretty good money makers for the shops. they charge book and kick it out in half I would bet.

 

[crossle43]

Suggest AWD Auto in Kirkland WA maybe 90 minutes south of Bham. For no special reason I asked about the HG replacement cost when I was in there for an oil change recently; they quoted about $1600. Hope this helps!