while you have it all ripped apart tho, its MUCH easier to do the valve cover gaskets. unless they've been replaced recently you should definately do them now. for a beginner with not much experience i would expect 4 to 6 hours. just expect it cuz everyone is different. theres definately no need to rush to set a record of 2 hours or whatever. do all that and get the famous coolant elbows and you'll be all good.