Yea, i really dont see how you could have gotten your car to 8500.
I just got a 98 GT 5 speed as a back up car, I love the thing, but anything under 2.25 and the car is almost undrivable. I try to stay in the 3k range and when cruising i let it go down to 2500.
What is the parts cost for the HG? I am guessing about 400, and I bet labor is what, 1k to 1400?
I need to do a compression test, but I think the HG on my 92 Turbo is shot.