VT 5.0L leaking coolant.

[THE_DUDE_]

Hi, I've got a VT 5L with about 190,000 km's on it. Last Friday it leaked a small puddle of coolant in a parking lot, took it to get looked at by my local mechanic the next day and they found it's leaking coolant from both the head gasket and from behind the timing cover where it meets the block. The previous owner told me he had the heads reconditioned at 160,000 km's so the new gaskets shouldn't be spent already but apparently are.
I checked the radiator, the coolant was green, no signs of milky colours or any other indication of a blown head gasket, although a leaking head gasket may not produce the same signs as a blown head gasket I'll assume.
I've been quoted a rough estimate of $2500 for the engine to be removed from the car and completely resealed top to bottom, all gaskets replaced to do the job once and right to prevent future leaks which my mechanic believes is the proper way to handle it, or I can save $900 by only replacing the gaskets diagnosed to be leaking. is that a decent price? I'm in the Liverpool area if anyone can recommend another workshop to do the job for a better price. much as I'd like to do the job properly I'm between jobs at the moment and have no idea how long until I'll have work again. I'll be taking it in tomorrow afternoon if something else doesn't come up.
Thanks.

[BlackVXGTS]

I'd be trying a few things first before expensive repairs. Take the engine covers off and make sure it's not leaking from any of the water hoses, particularly the ones attached to the water pump, or the heater water valve. Can you actually see the coolant leaking or does it only happen when the engine cools down? Before any expensive repairs try adding some sealant like Bars Leaks to your coolant for a few hundred Ks, then flush and see if it still leaks. Replace with coolant if OK. The timing case problem could also be your water pump.

[THE_DUDE_]

Well, they found coolant actively dripping from both the head gaskets and where the timing cover meets the block, and also a pool of it sitting by the intake manifold. apparently its a common problem that coolant can leak up the manifold bolt thread.

[BlackVXGTS]

Try the sealant first - you have nothing to lose (well, maybe $10 or so if it doesn't work).