exhaust manifold dilema

[Aaron Ryba]

87 4kcsq w/ 103k MI

after being rejected for a high CO rating on the MA
emissions check for inspection, i am now the proud
rejectee for an exhaust leak after having the fuel
ratio mixture set correctly to pass the original
rejection.

My question is about justification for work to be
performed on the car.  The exhaust leak is coming from
the manifold and is due to a bad gasket and or warped
manifold.  Brentwood Motorcars of Allston, MA (a
reputable shop (i think) referred to on the audifans
site has quoted $750 worth of work to remove the
corroded manifold, plane it and reinstall it with new
gaskets and price is to cover the cost of fixing any
studs that are to break off in the process.

I am annoyed at this problem because the car runs and
drives fine with the exception of the engine sounding
like a chiansaw or weedwacker on steroids (i am sure
some of you are familiar with that sound) yet the car
is now sitting in a driveway because the rejection
sticker is now past due its 2 month validation time.

Is it worth $750 to pay a shop to take care of what
could become a quite laborious procedure (i.e. broken
stud)????
I have full access to a shop however it is a 1.5 hour
drive north and i haven't another car to make a
getaway back to work if the car isn't fixed in a
weekend.

I spent $2k on the car including purchase and few
parts for minor repairs, is the $750 worth it?

I am reluctant to have someone other than myself
perform work on my car as i would like to learn the
process of repair myself however having the insurance
and convenience of a shop do this seemingly simple
work is enticing.

Thoughts anyone????

Pleas excuse the novel-like length of this message

P.S. has anyone used  Brentwood Motorcars here in the
Boston area for repairs?

4kscq hibernating in boston,
aaron ryba

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Find a job, post your resume.
http://careers.yahoo.com