Engine installation. What should I pay.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: verona nj
Engine installation. What should I pay.
The engine on my 79' is shot to hell. What I plan on doing is ordering a crate from GM. What should I pay for labor for the installation? and should I stay away from the dealership?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Run away from a dealership. They will way over charge you. Find some one who specializes in Vettes and have them do it. Better yet if you are not experienced have a friend help you out doing it. You will learn a lot about the car and have the know how aout it. It is really not difficult at all. I have done countless swaps and engine work. Not a bad job just swapping one for another.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Bayonne NJ
I wouldn't imagine it to be that expensive at all, being that I removed the engine/tranny from my 79 in about 10 hours by myself....Now if i were a professional with all the right tools and help I could shave many hours off that time slot. Its not an intricate engine to remove at all. Just call a some local shops see what numbers they shoot you.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
My 1983 Motor Parts and Time guide says:
7.5/7.8 (automatic/manual) hrs to "renew" engine
+.6 hrs w/ a/c
So a dealership should do it for about 8 hours labor. Not sure I would want them doing a special engine, but the right service guy could be OK for a basic crate motor install. Talk to your local guys and see if there is a suitable tech-you might be surprised.
7.5/7.8 (automatic/manual) hrs to "renew" engine
+.6 hrs w/ a/c
So a dealership should do it for about 8 hours labor. Not sure I would want them doing a special engine, but the right service guy could be OK for a basic crate motor install. Talk to your local guys and see if there is a suitable tech-you might be surprised.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: verona nj
I've never trusted the dealerships with pricing. I guess I'm wondering if I should trust my local garage with it rather than have one of these so called engine specialty shops do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
The engine swap isn't much different than a swap in any other old Chevy. It's not a difficult process at all. Just find a mechanic who's familiar with older Chevys...and you shouldn't have a problem!
BTW: Many, many people on this forum have done it themselves
BTW: Many, many people on this forum have done it themselves
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Run away from a dealership. They will way over charge you. Find some one who specializes in Vettes and have them do it. Better yet if you are not experienced have a friend help you out doing it. You will learn a lot about the car and have the know how aout it. It is really not difficult at all. I have done countless swaps and engine work. Not a bad job just swapping one for another.
One of the easiest jobs I've done was to remove the engine and re install it. With the help of Gordonm I was surprised how easy it was and what you learn is priceless. My vote is to have a friend help you, and save alot of $$$$ ...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
From: verona nj
Thanks for the help gentlemen. I've always had to rely on manuals for proper repair, maintenance and body work , but I've never fooled around with the motor. I'm in Essex county and if anybody has any suggestions for corvette specialists in this area, I would appreciate it. Spring is here and I don't want to miss out. 