Head Gasket Costs???

[BigWheel]

Out of curiousity what is the ballpark cost of replacing a head gasket on a Festiva (do it yourself & labor if someone else does it)? I was talking with a buddy about repairs being somewhat less expensive with these cars but when asked about a head gasket couldn't even begin to answer that question.

[Pu241]

As you don't have a signature containing your car, I assumed a '93.

I checked O'Riely's which I believe are prevalent in AL, but they were a "no go" on pricing over the internet and I wasn't in the mood to call them.
Did find this:

http://www.autozone.com/N,15100527//shopping/partTypeResultSet.htm

And to take advantage of the free shipping for orders over $50 I'd get a valve cover gasket, a new thermostat, and maybe upper and lower radiator houses.
Since you will (or someone) will be getting most of this off the head to pull it anyway!

[kmshultz]

I just did the head gasket on my 89 and the gasket kit itself was $125 from napa. It is a little cheaper from auto zone but NAPA had it is stock. I have no clue how much it would cost you to get some one else to do it. It is a fairly easy fix and only took me a day with the haynes manual.

[BigWheel]

Fortunately this is not something I need to do, at least not yet, but very curious. In looking at the engine of my former carbed '89 it didn't look difficult at all but with the FI it looks a little more involved.

Oh...I just updated my signature too. thanks

[25Horseplay]

I think its easier with EFI myself. (less vacuum lines)

[wrestler3025]

I just did the head gasket on my 89 and the gasket kit itself was $125 from napa.

WOW $125 for the set?? You can get a set on Ebay for $53.72 shipped, and that comes with: head, valve cover, intake, exhaust, and thermostat housing gaskets, along with a cam seal and valve stem seals.

[BigWheel]

WOW $125 for the set?? You can get a set on Ebay for $53.72 shipped, and that comes with: head, valve cover, intake, exhaust, and thermostat housing gaskets, along with a cam seal and valve stem seals.[/QUOTE]

Nothing like telling you could have had a V8 to make your day :p

[BigWheel]

I spoke too soon. Blue a HG last week (hahahaha). Shouldn't have said anything.

[ejp2fast]

WOW $125 for the set?? You can get a set on Ebay for $53.72 shipped, and that comes with: head, valve cover, intake, exhaust, and thermostat housing gaskets, along with a cam seal and valve stem seals.

Nothing like telling you could have had a V8 to make your day :p[/QUOTE]

That one on ebay I bought a year ago... worked great! Don't pay over $60 for a gasket set.

[festivaWES]

you can get a plain HG only for 23 bucks.

[geezerstiva]

i did the exhaust valves, HG, VC gasket all for $125. just got stuff from auto zone, although i recommend advance auto. the ones i've dealt with have been great, and they're always cheaper than anyone else.