Gt4 St185 With Possible Headgasket Failiure

[paulstorey]

Hi all

Hope for some advice.

I have a 1991 GT4 widebody celica which up until recently has been fine. However in the last few weeks I have been experiencing some problems. The symptoms are:

- Poor idling intially on startup however after a while it runs fine

- Hesitation on pickup sometimes (not all the time)

- Some black smoke when revving but only intially

- Only getting 3/4 boost pressure.

I got a friend to look at the car today and after having a quick look he has noticed the notorious "mayonaise" in the oil cap. Currently the oil is still fairly clean and the water seems oil free. We believe it looks like the head gasket has gone but is there anything else it could be (I know, wishful thinkin!!)

Has anyone had this sort of repair in the past and if so what sort of costs were involved, is there anything else worth doing at the same time and more importantly is using a local garage ok or should I use a specialist (and Im not made of money before anyone suggest going to the dealer!!).

Can anyone recommend a place to get it done at a good cost local to Uxbridge/Watford (NW/W Outer London)

Thanks in advance for any help