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$1000 for water pump and thermostat replacement

Old 01-22-2013, 11:30 PM
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bobsiller
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Default $1000 for water pump and thermostat replacement

Is this a good price or totally outrageous for a c5? Seems the repair is simple but not sure for bay area California?
Old 01-22-2013, 11:41 PM
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superjet701k
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Huge rip off
Old 01-23-2013, 12:36 AM
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Lothar34
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Does that include parts? And a happy ending?
Old 01-23-2013, 12:46 AM
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C5Natie
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Whoa! A stock replacement pump is around $140 or so. Thermostat you can get for $30 and its only a total of 8 bolts between both parts. Oh and gaskets, another $5. I suggest look at some diy threads here and get your ratchet with a 10mm socket. Thats all youll need. Oh and some coolant. The whole job should be maybe $200. No way labor is $800 when you can do it in an hour.
Old 01-23-2013, 05:51 AM
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PhysicsDude55
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Wow, I paid less to have my water pump replaced on a previous car that was driven by the timing chain and took 5 hours to replace.

Definite rip-off.
Old 01-23-2013, 07:33 AM
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runner140*
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Hope that included a great dinner and a happy ending.
Old 01-23-2013, 09:48 AM
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Lloyd Christmas
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To put it into perspective for you, a reputable speed shop quoted me $1,000 to R&R the engine in my 2004.
Old 01-23-2013, 09:51 AM
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DOUG @ ECS
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We can powder coat the water pump any color you want and throw in a dyno tune afterwards and you would still have change.
Old 01-23-2013, 09:54 AM
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bumble-z
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Originally Posted by DOUG @ ECS
We can powder coat the water pump any color you want and throw in a dyno tune afterwards and you would still have change.
Plus it would be done right with no problems afterwards.
Old 01-23-2013, 10:25 AM
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Patches
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Simple fix for less than $200 if you do it in your garage. I've done this several times before and it's a 3/10 for even the occassional DIY'er - last time was over the Xmas holiday on the wife's C5.

Be prepared for a huge rush of coolant when you pop the old pump off, though - even after you drain the radiator, there will be a lot of coolant that drains from the block. Usually, the new gaskets (2) come with the new/rebuilt pump. Make sure they are in the box when you pick up the new pump. Also, make sure you get a new O-ring with the new Tstat and be careful that it seats properly. I use blue Loctite on the pump bolts.
Old 01-23-2013, 11:38 AM
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K-Spaz
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On my 98, it was quite a chore to remove all the paper gasket (which was more like ceramic by the time I did the job). You'll need a good razor scraper and plenty of blades. I think someone said on later models they don't have the gaskets, and that would be a huge improvement. But, even still, $150 in labor at $75/hour is too much. $175 in parts, and you're out the door.
Old 01-23-2013, 11:43 AM
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mchicia1
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It is like an hour of labor.

Amazing.
Old 01-23-2013, 03:11 PM
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OneFast1
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Originally Posted by bobsiller
Is this a good price or totally outrageous for a c5? Seems the repair is simple but not sure for bay area California?
You may have a shop that is unfamiliar with Corvette and does not know the "going rate" or has not done enough water pump replacements to be familiar with the job. Or they are just takng you for a ride, either way I would not want this shop working on my car.
Old 01-23-2013, 03:19 PM
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C5Natie
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Use the aluminum gaskets with a o-ring.

Old 01-23-2013, 05:19 PM
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Big_George_S
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Default Rip off.

I just did mine and upgraded to an electric pump and I'm not the sharpest machanic in the box. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself and don't belong to a corvette club with members that can help you I'd suggest you look ask around your area for a good independent shop that you can trust.

Good luck.
Old 01-23-2013, 06:11 PM
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John Shiels
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When you go there hold on to your ankles. Ask him for a parts and labor break down. Then ask for shop manual hours. He can charge what ever he wants it's up to you to decide.
Old 01-23-2013, 06:12 PM
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dannyman
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Totally outrageous!

Due yourself a favour and find an honest shop. There's still some out there.

I'd be looking for some local forum members and find out who they trust and deal with, if you can't do these repairs yourself.

Yes, outrageous!!




Dan

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Old 01-23-2013, 06:19 PM
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Evil-Twin
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if it takes an hour to swap out water pumps on a C5, it might be your first time doing it.. if a professional mechanic does it it should take 45 minutes.. shops around here are 100 an hour so this job labor cost should be 100 dollars. add two gallons of coolant and a new stat and the pump and its a 400 dollar job at best.,,do it your self and its under 300 dollars.

Last edited by Evil-Twin; 01-28-2013 at 11:06 PM.
Old 01-23-2013, 09:46 PM
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cruisemon
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Originally Posted by Lothar34
Does that include parts? And a happy ending?
Better include a kiss and a cigarette.

Charlie
Old 01-28-2013, 09:21 PM
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StatmanRN
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If they are gonna try to do that to you, insist on a lot of lube and a reacharound at least.

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