Agreed, 20hrs is plenty, yet it is what I was quoted when I was investigating at a few shops. I ended up doing it myself, and for my first time for this job it took me 18hrs, and I work kinda slow.
We charge 800.00 for head R&I in Thousand Oaks, Ca. Different areas of the country will have varying rates, dependent on fixed operating costs. We are in one of the more expensive areas for rent and support (power,water, etc) and it is reflected in some of our pricing, but I believe we are still competitive.
So. Fl , yes I would say 500-800 max!! There are shops that charge as less as 400.00!! And bill by the job...not by Hours! Have fun... just make sure they know what they are doing... cool??
When I was facing cylinder head removal after my plug blew, my local shop was telling me basic labor on a head gasket - essentially a head swap if I had the part - would be about $900. They were to add re-threading the plugs onto that cost. Luckily they were able to get to it from above. They were unclear, yet I know how they operate - parts cost would have been added onto that $900. So coolant, new bolts, the gasket, etc.
