You asked how I felt about the price quoted for this work. I would admit this is not the average shadetree mech. undertaking. And without experienced professionals (such as yourself) I would not have attempeted this work. The price quoted was very high from my prospective knowing what I know now. I have a pretty good idea what a senior tech. makes per hour, and I know what the shop charges per hour for the labor, plus parts (most of which have to be ordered). I feel the work could have been done for maybe 2k less than quoted.
Thanks.