It doesn't sound like you need to take out the tranny, and it would be
much easier to just remove the engine unless there is another reason you
didn't mention for dropping the tranny.

I did this job the lazy way.  I pulled the engine and bought a rebuilt
longblock (from AVP).  Then I transferred the parts from my old engine
to the rebuilt and reinstalled it.  While I was at it, I replaced all
injectors and fuel line, fuel filters, thermostat, and some other minor
parts.  Total cost was around $1600.

Unless you like pulling and tearing down engines, I would recommend
against redoing the cyl/pistons/rings/valves (top end) without also
rebuilding the bottom end.

----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Gkikas <theerion@gator.net>
> 1.  Can anybody give me a "ballpark figure" on what it would cost
> to replace my pistons and cylinders?
> 2.  Is there such a thing as "remanufactured" pistons/cylinders?
> Ballpark figure on these?
> 3.  I'm removing the tranny and engine together, then separate.
> Thoughts on this?  It was the advice given to me by my friend at
> the dealership.
> 4.  Ballpark figure for a valve job?  (never had one)