Changing turbo on mk1 LCR (BAM)

It's looking like my turbo may be in a bad way. Whining sound at low revs and idle that changes with engine RPM, car started consuming a bit of oil, occasionally get a bit of excess exhaust fumes a few seconds after coming off boost for a moment. Last time it was logged it was meeting requested boost but I haven't had a chance to check for shaft play yet.

So, assuming the worst... For a relative beginner, is it realistic to think I could change the turbo myself? If so, what sort of tools do I need and will I have to get under the car? Safe enough on axle stands?

If not then what would be a reasonable expectation on time it would take a competent garage to do this?

Finally, I've been quoted £400 for an exchange, reconditioned K04-023 by AET turbos. Anyone know of anywhere better and/or cheaper than that?

By the way, I know some folks will suggest going hybrid while I'm at it but I really can't afford or justify not just the extra cost for the turbo but all the supporting stuff.

Cheers in advance
8bit

That's kinda what I'm afraid of, yeah. Looking like the better part of £600 just for the turbo with VAT and delivery, 5 or 6 hour's labour on top of that is tough to swallow. If it is the turbo then it's going to have to wait a bit.

Willie said:

You really need to know for sure about this.
Some investigation will help you decide what's going on and let you confirm for yourself if you want to take on the job yourself or not.
If a garage recons on 6 hours you should at least double it for the time it'll take you to.do it all going well.
You also need to consider what's your time worth to you. Do you want the cost of buying tooling at £300 plus the stress?

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I see your point and if I'm honest I am mostly thinking what you're thinking, just there's a nagging voice telling me "I should be able to do this stuff myself". Doing all the investigating now, looks like the noise might be the aircon or similar but there's still the oil consumption and the occasional puffs of smoke so will need to get to the bottom of it. Doesn't help that the history of the car in the time I've had it hasn't been good.