Lifter on 1996 Geo Tracker

My best answer to your question all depends how good your mechanic is. If your mechanic is a seasoned one, it can take a much shorter time than one who is not very seasoned. A 1996 Geo Tracker has a small and easily accesable engine. To just change a lifter will require the head to be removed BUT, the $100,000 question would be "what bent the lifter?". In most (not all) cases, the lifter was bent from the piston. If this is the case then the mechanic would need to determine if the piston is too damaged as well as the opening the lifter is inserted into is damaged as well which can require a new head. Something that was simply explained to you may turn into a not-so-simple or inexpensive job. I just wanted to point out some areas to think about. When a fault is found by a mechanic, always ask the What's, why's, how's, etc. As that is what they are paid to do when diagnosing and reporting to you of the trouble. Bad mechanics can blind sight someone and cob a job up if they are too proud of being wrong in front of the customer. Be safe.

You need more information. It's almost impossible to bend a Tracker lifter. You might be able to bend it by driving over it with a railway locomotive!