Its some work but I would never do it to a car with a good 240 motor.

Just a comment to the OP, I am surprised the mechanic let you drive the car around with no coolant in it. First thing I'd do is fill it and run it and see what happens then report back here.

Head or head gasket problems are rare in a 616 or 617 motor. Maybe they ran it without coolant.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.