FrankLP

Okay, I posted a thread on what my old V1 S Trim Blower might be worth.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-be-worth.html

Now I've received a quote from a local Dyno Shop, on what it would cost for them to install the Blower that I have. These would be the costs:

- A&A Kit w/injectors $3900
- Labor to install and tune $2000
- TOTAL $5900

Do you guys in-the-know feel that this is a reasonable price to pay?

Thanks

MVP'S ZO6

125 bucks an hour (typical good shop rate) multiplied by 16 hours for blower install and Tune = 2K. It sounds reasonable to me.

FrankLP

Thanks MVP.

redcycle13

Considering there are vendors running specials for new kits installed at just over 6K. I would say it isn't worth it to use your old blower, and pay for all new accessories to make it work.

FrankLP

I totally hear ya red! I just wish that these vendors were a bit closer to me (Omaha NE).

redcycle13

Install it yourself, and learn a lot about the kit in the process. That will make the cost of owing a supercharged corvette drop significantly, if you know how to do the basic installation and maintenance of the kit.

I did my own installation over a weekend having never done anything like it before. That was ten years ago, and I've changed or modded the system so many times since then I cant remember. If I had to pay a shop each time I wouldn't have been able to afford to play.

Just a thought, i understand its not something everyone wants to tackle themselves.

FrankLP

Yeah I'm kinda leaning more and more to this route. I really do like working on the car myself (even though I'm FAR from being a "pro"), and I do have a buddy of mine that's really experienced in this. We've been toying with the idea of doing the install...it's just that we're both really busy right now...but I'm thinking that this may be the way to go.

Tusc

If you can commit a weekend or commit 2 hours per night for a week or two that ought to get you in the ballpark. The blower install itself is easy as pie. It's the peripheral bullsh|t that will drive you nuts.

Fuel pump replacement was annoying but easy. Easier route would be an in-line pump.
BAP was easy
Injectors are easy
Blower bracket and blower head unit install with belt was easy.
Changing the dang power steering/alternator bracket - absolutely painful. Holy sheet.
Pinning crank took a long time to get stuff out of the way, but was easy overall.

The whole thing is way easy if you have a lift or can get the car nice and high on jacks.

Absolutely don't do it without an impact wrench for the suspension pieces.

But it's all doable, you can save 2k, and then not only brag that you "dunnit yaself" but also know how it works and how to fix it easy.

Edit: it's all a lot easier when you have a second pair of hands helping out! I went solo and just let the speakers blast to keep me company.

Chrisrokc

Install your self. Use the cash you save for an upgraded fuel setup.

zdeckich

May I ask where your getting the AA kit for $3900?

FrankLP

Not totally sure. This is the information I received from a Dyno Shop here in Omaha. The $3900 was the price minus the blower of course.

I see on the A&A site that they have an Upgrade Grade Kit Stage 4 for $3295 (no injectors). Perhaps this is what was spec'd for me.

FrankLP

Thanks Tusc. As you mentioned, access to the proper tools/garage is a challenge for me.

2003Evo

Doing such work its easier said than done and can drive you crazy sometimes. If you dont have the patience dont bother with it, unless you want to learn how to be patient and test your nerves.
If you dont have tools also dont bother and try it. This is not a task you do with a few wrenches and ratchets, you need air tools and a compressor to do the work quick and be efficient. You dont want to be wrenching and waisting time/energy on things that can take a couple of minutes with air tools (like suspension stuff or certain brackets).
Also you cant go into this being scared thinking you will mess things up because you will. If you want to do it yourself go with an open mind and as others have said do it slowly. Winter time is the best time. Make a plan and stick with it, every day try and remove/install something. Spend a couple of hours a night in the garage, music and some beer make it a lot easier and enjoyable.
In the end paying a shop that kind if money seems crazy, i would look into other shops and try to get them charge you $80-90hr. Look aound and talk to other vendors if you want to go the shop route.

FrankLP

Thanks for the detailed response 2003Evo. I'm really beginning to think that I may eventually end up going a different direction. All of the information from the members on this board has (as usual) been extremely helpful. Thanks again.

ascastil

When I bought my kit, the car was still new to me in great condition with no leaks so I was a little intimidated to do it myself. Fast forward 2 years, Ive done a clutch, fuel pump, new balancer, and rack and pinion. I would install that blower in a heartbeat now. Save the money and do it yourself. Youll know the kit a lot better. Even when I had to replace a simple belt I had to go back and study the install directions online just to see how it came apart. I would have known if I would have done it myself.

TX Z06 02

Same here. Prior to my latest install, the most difficult task I had ever done was LT headers on the vette. I think that still remains true today. Its not difficult, just time consuming.

I have pulling the steering rack down to a quick job. I had to do it three times (dont buy the wrong crank bolt).

The drivetrain removal for clutch upgrade was simple too. Just take your time and follow directions.

Pinning the crank requires you to be a 3 handed contortionist. But I did everything by myself. No extra help.

And with the money you save, you can buy a few of those tools that will be required and have them for in the future when you undoubtedly will be tearing into it again.