Offroad-Express

Hey guys - I have the dreaded cracked head on my 97 hilux surf. I have a couple of quotes for a replacement including a new cam belt, water pump etc and radiator done. I'm looking at about $4200 for all the work using a genuine Toyota head and $3750 for an aftermarket head from kiwi cylinders.

Does anyone know if the kiwi cylinders are reputable?
Also do those prices sound fair? They seem ok to me but haven't had a head done before.

Thanks everyone

That's a reasonable amount of money. Is that a complete head with valves and rocker gear?

I think they will reseat existing valves, not sure about rocker gear. Had another quote for $3000 for a genuine head replacement including cam belt, waterpump and thermostat installed (all genuine toyota parts). Has anyone on here been through Custom Works in Wellington, can you recommend them? Im pretty new to Wellington so I dont have much/any experience with the mechanics down here.

That is rather high. A mate of mine got Genuine complete head, all gaskets, water pump and timing belt for $1500. I would expect $800 - $1000 in labour to do the job.
I have heard some mechanics prefer aftermarket heads to original as the originals have not had any form of crack causing faults corrected.
Get some more quotes.

Hey guys thanks for all the info I have managed to get a decent deal through a MTA assured outfit here in Wellington. $3500 for a genuine Head, bolts and gasket with new genuine waterpump, belts, idler, tensioner and thermostat including fitting for $3500. From what I've heard between 3-4k seems the averaging prices around NZ unless you know someone who knows someone.

Also putting a new radiator in while it's in the shop, have been suggested to get a full alloy fenix by a mate. Any thoughts on this versus the alloy/plastic versions that are already in there?

No don't get a full alloy one, they develop leaks around the tube plate and are hard to repair if they leak. I have seen several with the same fault, copper and brass units are usually much longer lasting and if they develop a leak they can usually be repaired quite easily.

Yup, what he said.

Take it to a radiator shop and for $400 max they will fit a big heavy duty core to your stock brass tanks.

Bomb proof and repairable.

zukemeista heard that was an issue cheers for confirming. Will have a look into other options tomorrow. Cheers guys