New Member with a big question

i guess my biggest question is, do you have the mechanical tools and skills to do the work yourself ? a whole lot of money can be saved by you if you do the component removal yourself. i suggest this from past experience.in most cases you can get your heads done at a local shop for 250.00 - 350.00 and then reinstall them yourself. the gasket kit for the top end is fairly inexpensive and, its pretty straight forward stuff. you will be much happier if you get it done and save a few bucks on the way.now, if your oil is milky you better change the mains and rods (bearings). they are also inexpensive and worth not having to worry about. the pride and accomplishment you get from this kind of thing can go a long way to making you keep your keys in your pocket. as far as the trans goes this too is a good project. go buy a core from the nearest salvage yard,(notice i didn't say junk) and get a rebuild kit from napa. i haven't done one in a couple years, but the kit was less than 100.00.keep us posted and good luck.