Engine Seals

[SpyderJoe]

Hi Guys,
It has been a while since I have posted. Over the last few years my 79 Spider 2000 has been leaking oil from the engine bay. I had the car inspected for registration this year and had my mechanic look at it (He is an expert in fiats, alfas and other European cars). He determined that the engine is leaking from the camshaft box gaskets, front. camshaft seals, front main seal, valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket. I am mechanically inclined, but have never tackled this type of job. This sounds like a huge job but I have the winter to do it. My questions are:

1.) If I decide to do this myself, does the engine need to come out of the car? I have the fiat repair manual, (big thick white one), and will use this. On a scale of 1-10, how difficult is it?
2.) If I let the mechanic do it, what is a typical cost to get this done - ballpark?
3.) If I am going to spend the money to get this done, then is it the right time to possibly add some horsepower by upgrading cams, pistons, etc.? I installed 1800 intake with 34ADF carb. I have a set of dual 40 IDF Webers that I cleaned and jetted but have been reluctant to put them on because the car runs so well with the current setup.

Thanks for your wisdom in advance

[So Cal Mark]

project creep! If I was going to replace that many seals and gaskets I'd remove the motor and reseal everything. Whether you turn it into a complete rebuild/upgrade would depend on your budget and need for speed. Removing, resealing and installing the engine should be in the $1500 range. Turning it into a rebuild/upgrade can push it into the $3500-5000 area