I need some help here, please.

Here's the question: do I change the head gasket ($1600) or just replace the engine with a rebuilt engine ($2500) with a 100k warranty? I love it, but I can't keep the car. I need to sell it, baby coming in the Fall!

THE DETAILS:
Found some coolant in the oil of my 1973 stingray L48, so I had the mechanic run a static compression test. Results are (1st hit/final), by bank:
1 = 70/45
3 = 70/140
5 = 70/149
7 = 10/145
2 = 80/143
4 = 60/140
6 = 65/143
8 = 65/146

Coolant was leaking from #7 cylinder when cooling system was pressurized and engine was cool.

Please let me know your thoughts/opinions.

Thanks!
John

 

Is that 2500 installed? or 2500 just to rebuild it?

 

$1600 sounds a little steep just to replace the head gasket, even assuming that it includes milling and rebuilding the heads. May not fix the leak either.

For $1600, you could buy a set of new, aluminum heads, gaskets and even a set of ARP bolts.

 

The quote was $2500 installed.

John

 

Hmmm...I'll share that with him. The quote did include milling the heads and the pressure test/diagnosis.

Thanks.
John

 

My opinion is that unless it is in VERY GOOD condition with full documentation, you will do better by selling in this condition. Unfortunately, it seems like '73s are suffering value-wise currently, and an approximately $2000-$3000 repair does not stack up well against the ultimate value of the car.

Another approach would be to fix it yourself, or find a skilled helper/mechanic to do so. Small block chevy parts are cheap...

Steve