clubracer6

What is the going rate for having a head gasket replaced at a shop (indy not dealer) on a 89 951?

Thanks!

kev951

you do realize that that the head gasket is not the only thing being done or replaced .... right? $800-$3,000+ depending on what you need while your in there. ($800 won't cover a head rebuild either)

clubracer6

Yep, been down this road before, it's just been a long while. Having the head checked at the machine shop. So $3k is a reasonable ceiling? I've been quoted $2700. Car was already in for a front engine reseal.

Thanks!

V2Rocket

I just did a head gasket/cam seals/belt job and oil cooler job on an NA for someone and start to finish was about 9 hours.

Had the head rebuilt/valve job at a very capable, well-regarded local shop for $512 including new seals/guides.

Turbo should be a few more hours of labor to do the work because of more stuff in the way.

jerome951

IIRC book time is ~14-16 hours for the later cars. If the front end is apart for the reseal I'd subtract an hour or so.
Ask the shop list the parts their quote contains so you're clear.

Spidey944

I run a Euro repair shop. 12.3 hours is book time to R&R the head. Plus machine shop charges of around $400 depending on if valve guides etc. are needed. This would put you around $2700 after fluids and taxes.

EDIT: I did this job myself when I knew nothing about these cars when I got mine. It was so easy in comparison to a lot of BMW and Mercedes cars we work on everyday.

kev951

I charge as low as $800 labor if it's straight forward.. @ $65/hr (friendly rate + no overhead) (meaning just replacing the head gasket (with the kit) belts and rollers.. no races or sleeves , no front seals (assuming nothing is leaking of course) no water pump.. no head work, no cam box work or major cleaning... , replace intake and exhaust gaskets.. no while your in there major fixes or updates, just the bare bones.. but if there are any discrepancies with the head , or block or turbo, or if there was water mixing in the case (add time to clean and flush, hoping your bearings didn't get jacked up)... forget it... time to evaluate your pocket book and your relationship with the car lol. it can go sky high if you need a laundry list done

clubracer6

Thank for the replies! Helpful info!

kev you're now another reason I want to live in San Diego!! I'm paying almost double your hourly rate!

kev951

I moved back to my home in the San Francisco Bay area. I was building engines for the spec racing 944 series in San Diego. Then Tesla motors reached out to me. I now work in the Vehicle Engineering Test Group for Tesla Motors at the Tesla Factory in Fremont California. I travel all over doing vehicle testing.. Currently in Baudette Minnesota at AET .. off to Michelin proving grounds next week in South Carolina.. Then back home to the bay area

kev951

My hourly rate reflects the NO OVERHEAD factor, (either mobile service or at my house) the passion for these cars, including the factory training I received, and the training from various 944 wizard gurus I received :P

clubracer6

Thanks Kev and congrats on your role at Tesla! Amazing company and product. One day I'll have a p85d! A different kind of boost! ;-)

2600 all in for me including belts, machine work on the head, wide fire gasket etc.