It's my pleasure to share this with everyone. Perhaps when it is done the site admin here will grab the files and host it on their server.

I am not aware that there is a problem with the driver side head gasket ... I would never just do one side only. You have to rip the car apart anyway.

Not to sound like a dink, but the cost to me is not a big deal, so I do not have all of my receipts at hand. And remember, I have to have everything shipped to Hawaii by air. But here is what I think it is so far. BTW, Courtesy Nissan has been good getting me my parts, you can cost shop online with them. My local dealer can burn in hell as far as I am concerned and I will not spend $$ at their mickey mouse establishment.

1. Complete timing belt kit with water pump, drive belts, etc. $285
2. New exhaust manifold, $125
3. Complete gasket kit, new water hoses, extra nuts and bolts, smog hoses, all new valves and seals, etc. $525
4. All new head bolts, washers and head gasket. $275
5. Fluids, oil, filters, coolant, etc. $100
6. Tools, new inch-pound torque wrench, crank pulley puller, tap, etc. $125
7. Head repair $350
8. Cat stud removal $120

So that's like $1905 with tools I needed and all. My rough budget was $1500. I'm sure things are a lot cheaper where you live, but remember, this is a very big repair. I can't believe that it would have been anything less than $3,500 at my dealer and I assure you they would NOT be doing such a thorough job.

So check that out ... If I had changed the timing belt at 60 months, I would have spent $400 tops AND I'd be driving the darn thing. Of course, I most likely would not have known about the cracked manifold ...

My heads were not cracked. Unless you've overheated the car, they usually will last a very long time.

This repair is not for everyone. You need to evaluate your skills and time honestly and be mentally prepared for the inevitable screw-ups. That's really the purpose for the web site ...


I can hardly wait to replace the clutch assembly and rear seal. hehehe.