Valley Pan & Intake Gaskets, Independent Estimate?

[DukeDiablo]

Dear Forum-

I've been trying to DIY everything on this demon seed, but I just don't have the time on the latest development, and my wife really hates seeing the SES light (bank 1 and 2 too lean) on all the time. So I gave in and took it to an independent:

Valley Pan Gasket & Intake Gaskets = $850

What do you think about that price. He quoted me 6 hours labor. I had a feeling it was coming eventually, I've had a slow coolant leak for a while now and, with the help of you fine people, diagnosed a unmetered air issue which is the intake leak. I just hate I'm not saving myself all that labor cost, but I guess you have to pay the piper sometimes.

As for another issue:

The Independent mentioned a possible future issue with the thermostat. Some code came up on their system. I'm fairly certain I could do a water pump and thermostat, so I passed on that repair for now. They don't need to remove either to do the valley pan do they? I asked about overlapping labor on the above repair...

So I guess I was interested in a rating on the estimate and a reassurance on the non-overlap for the water pump and thermostat repair that I'll do when it needs it.

Have a great week and thanks for any help.

[cbirk]

I had this issue last year.

My Indy charged me $760 for this job.
6.5hrs labor and about $225 in parts.

They told me I needed to do the water pump and thermastat too, another $620.
4hrs labor and $285 in parts.

I have no idea if I really needed the wp/therm nor if there are labor efficiencies in doing them simultaneously.