Re: 470 head gasket pricing
I learned how to do my own cylinder heads when i was young and poor after my first 1600$ estimate. (for a 4 cyl) Now, i dont really like just picking off the head and cleaning up and putting it back. I take it to a machine shop and have it magnafluxed (checking for cracks), cleaned and I check that the surface is true with a straight edge and feeler gauge. Usually end up springing for the recondition.(i think the head job was 250$) I think i recall pressure testing some at some time also. Anyhow, i think thats less than what i would charge if i had the time. Maybe tell them more than that and let a machine shop look at it. I imagine working for friends may warrant another opinion. Another thing, when you have all that stuff off and out of the way, its a good time to look at other items.

I dont know if checking that notoriose cam seal requires cutting the pan gasket I havent torn mine down yet. Best of luck.