I had headgaskets, timing belt, water pump, seals, valves,plugs, plug wires, clutch package.....complete rework done at the Sube Shop for $1200. From what I've been reading on this board, that is an insanely low price......
Besides, they give excellent customer service (you can deal directly with the owner Ernie) and a warranty. It's been a year and 20K miles since they did it and I haven't had any problems!
IMHO that's a much better option than busting knuckles when it's freezing out. Particularly when they do several of these a week so they know all the little tricks.
(Note: this is not a paid endorsement....lol)
Just happy with their work and price!