should i fix the head gasket or get a used engine!?

Question

ok i want to attempt to do either job by myself. but how much would a used engine cost. how much would it cost to have someone put it in. i have a 99 grand am gt its a 6 cylinder and the cheapest price i could find to have a head gasket fixed was 1200 i dont have that kind of money, so if getting a used engine is cheaper and possibly the cost of labor to have it put in is cheaper then i will go with that option! thanks!

1200 honstly was the cheapest one place wanted 2,000

Answer 1

I bet a dealership gave you that price? Any small mechanc shops in your neighborhood? How about your friends,do any of them recommend an independant mechanic for the work ?Gasket sets are not that much and since you are replacing one have the other replaced too. I also could be something else. A dealership advised my neighbor the knock in her Caprice's motor was a rod and she needed a new engine . A friend of mine who has his own shop told her it was the water pump. Dealer price $3500 Local mechanic price $125 including parts

Answer 2

Now you understand why it replaced into at public sale. What makes you think of this is the top gasket? Is it getting oil in the radiator? Does it have hardship going up a hill and loose potential? Head gasket would be extra inexpensive and specific extra straightforward to put in than a used engine. And, with a used engine, you in no way understand what you're getting. all of them have fifty seven,000 miles on them, no count what make or type. in case you attempt to place an engine in, you will in all probability hav to take the hood off, a pal of mine tried that and replaced into sitting on the windshield helping to the two decrease it or place it to bypass in. Busted the windshield along with his butt. attempting to place an engine in in case you have in no way completed it, not to indicate little mechanical journey would be a nightmare. you will land up taking it to a mechanic in products. too lots can bypass incorrect, reconnecting the electrical powered equipment may well be a large headache. Then the cooling equipment, vacuum equipment, the carb and all that different stuff.

Answer 3

Your probably looking around the same price to put the engine in about 1200 to 1400 hundred dollars cause that is like a one day job lots of labor money. But if you do it yourself you could save a bit. The head gasket is a lot of work in changing. I suggest to go to some different shops and get different estimates. Or maybe it is time to trade it in a get a Different vehicle.

Answer 4

even if you find a "used" engine for lets say 300 it will cost about a grand to have it installed... and you won't have a warranty with the replacement engine...it is best to do the gasket in this case unless you have considerable milage on the car ...if you do then buy a new "long block" ...the cost for that is about 1200 for a v6... but the plus is it's a brand new engine ...minus your intake and carb. it should cost between 6 and 8 hundred to install

Answer 5

Head Gasket Job is cheaper, but 1200 sounds a little steep seek a second opinion.

Answer 6

I'd say a used engine would be a lot cheaper. Ask around your neighborhood for guys who do that work on their days off , if they've got the tools $200.00- $300.00 is a fair price for labor.That $1200.00 for head gasket replacement must be at a garage, thats the way most of them treat women customers. Good luck.

Answer 7

IM A SERVICE MANAGER AT A GM DEALERSHIP.FIRST FIGURE OUT IF THE CAR IS WORTH THE MONEY-IE HOW MANY MILES ON CAR,HIGH MILEAGE CARS ARE PRONE TO SNOWBALL EFFECT PROBLEMS THAT CAN CAUSE YOU GRIEF AND MONEY,2ND GET A 2ND OPINION AND ESTIMATE.I ALWAYS TELL MY CUSTOMERS TO THINK HARD ABOUT PUTTING THAT MUCH MONEY INTO AN OLDER CAR.3RD.IF THE HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING INTERNAL DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE TO THE MOTOR THAT MAY NOT SHOW UP FOR A WHILE,IE WASHED CRANK BEARINGS.IT MAY BE TIME TO CUT TIES AND TRADE.HOPE THIS HELPS YA

Answer 8

see if you have a mechanic friend that help u