jack1967

Hi all,
Newbie on the board, and didn't realize I'm one of the older ones out there! (36).
Anyway, looks as if I need a new head gasket (leaking badly). Qs: What's a rough estimate in term of cost? My mech is estimating $800 or so. Also, what (cheap but effective) mods could they do while the engine is 'open?" valves, new cams, or what?
Sorry, I'm not the most technical of hondaphiles...just mechanical enough to do basic maintenance, and bolt-ons for dummies....
About me: not a racer, but just want to keep my car running well, and upgrade perf parts 'tastefully' and wisely, so that I'll have my lil' sleeper sports car without calling too much attention to it...'stealth' would be a good description.
Thanks in advance,
jacko

myhatchrips

instead of going through the process of a whole rebuild and spending 800 dollars just get a complete longblock from these guys. click link bellow
http://www.hmotorsonline.com/s...30019

jack1967

Thanks for the link. I considered a replacement swap with my mech., but after looking at my engine, it's still very clean despite 193k, thanks to mobil 1 I guess! So, I think I'll still come out ahead $$wise if my original engine is reconditioned. At least I know where it's been!

Thanks again,
Jacko

Spade

800 is very high since you can pretty much buy 2 used D16s for that price!

Mods:
Crower valve springs and a Stage 2 cam.

Unless you plan on turboing in the future then get a crower turbo cam and vavle springs

mike93eh

omg, youre about to drop $800+ dollars on a d16 to have it 'reconditioned' ?!?!?

Jimmy

iTrader: (5)

Find someone on here..and Im sure they would do it for 200.00 + some beer and have a good time.

800.00?

dose

$800 is very expensive, i hope your mechanic is using lubrication cause your getting fucked hard, im putiin a new headgasket om my d-series tomorrow and the headgasket kit only cost $140

mike93eh

is it $800 just to put a new head gasket kit on?
thats waaay too much. do it yourself. get a manual. its easier than you think...
might as well put a nwe timing belt and water pump on while your at it..

Evs-One

800 bucks???

I think book time for a head gasket on this engine is between 5 and 6 hours plus parts. That would be close to 100 bucks an hour PLUS parts going to flate rate.

But most smaller mechanics don't go by book time...just hourly, and a head gasket on your engine typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to do everything right.....clean the head, clean mating surfaces, inspect cylinder walls/valve seals/mating surfaces. flush and refill coolant, and new timing belt and water pump possibly if it's been awhile.

For me....virgin D16Z6 head gasket job takes about 1 1/2 hours....thats adjusting valves afterwards, and cleaning everything up.

You are getting WAY over charged. Someone on this board could do the exact same job for a 1/4 of that he is charging.

mike93eh

i would do it for $150 plus parts if you were closer...

i work on all my family's cars and friends cars, make some nice extra pocket moeny.

RKRKRK

One proven way to get some great numbers out of any car is a cam. I suggest
getting the Skunk2 Stage 1 cam with a set of Skunk2 Valve Springs. A friend of mine can hook you up on a price and if you live in or near Nassau County Long island i can help hookin you up on instalation and replacement of your head.
let me know if you need any more help. my e. mai is
Reggiek111@earthlink.com

Ricey McRicerton

Pick up a helms manual and do it yourself. That's my suggestion.

jack1967

I would've done it myself if I had diagnosed it myself...since my car was being worked on for other stuff, I just had him replace the gasket.

I asked my mech to give me a detailed estimate of service and charges. He's a guy I trust, but I'm glad I got the 3rd opinion from you guys. Thanks for the offers, too, I appreciate them. But, I am in the Houston, Tx area, so if you're local, post a reply & let me know...
As you can tell, I'm not a mechanic by any stretch, & I'm actually the 'car guy' amongst my friends...sad, eh? That's why I'm here, for this old dog to learn some new tricks.
Thanks again.
Jacko

mike93eh

you trust your mechanic screwing you out of $800 to replace a headgasket?? you make no sense...