Engine Change
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
The engine change is not all that complicated thing to do. Suggest you get a quote from your local Chevy dealer. This quote will probably be on the high side compared to an independant, reputable mechanic. However this would be an excellent DIY project given that you've got a little mechanical ability, a couple of buddies, access to a garage and the proper tools. Tools would include an engine hoist, set of wrenches (1/2", 9/16" and 5/8" used mostly) and torque wrench. An experienced mechanic should be able to pull the old engine in 2-3hrs and installing the new one should be in about 4hrs. As a DIY project, give yourself a couple of weekends if cold beverages are involved.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
I looked it up in Alldata to replace the short block ONLY
Man trans=25 hours
Automatic=20 Hours
Sounded High to me so I looked in Mitchell's .... SAME times
Most Quality shops around here charge $80. per hour
Man trans=25 hours
Automatic=20 Hours
Sounded High to me so I looked in Mitchell's .... SAME times
Most Quality shops around here charge $80. per hour
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg PA
20 Hrs!!!!!!! that is 2.5 full work days. It may take me that...but I'm including at least 2 trips to the auto parts store to replace whatever it is I'm gonna break plus reduing at least one part of the project twice cause I screwed something up. It should take a mechanic half that Max!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Back in the early 80s when GM had the wonderful deisel engine I did many a long block swap. GM would supply the long block and the customer paid the labor. They would give me 20 hrs to do the job. After about 3 or 4 of these I got it down so I could do it in 8 hours completly by myself. That was driving it in at 8 AM and driving it out at 4. That included engine removal swapping all the components over and reinstalling. If they charge you 10 hrs that would be fair time. There is always some problem that crops up. Personaaly I would not trust anyone but myself to do a swap. You will almost always find something that they short cut on the job. After all they are trying to make time on the car so they get paid well. Do it yourself even if it takes 100 hrs you will know what has been done and it will be done to your satisfaction.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Originally Posted by 75rag4sp
20 Hrs!!!!!!! that is 2.5 full work days. It may take me that...but I'm including at least 2 trips to the auto parts store to replace whatever it is I'm gonna break plus reduing at least one part of the project twice cause I screwed something up. It should take a mechanic half that Max!!!!
If I get to work at 7:30 or so and ALL Required parts are on hand.... I can have a few cups of coffee, a few cigarette breaks (Can't smoke in an air conditioned shop) And If I try to get back from lunch on time, If everything goes smooth I'll be done long before 5!!
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Avon CO
well..i have torn out a few engines..no sbc's until about 4 months ago..and by all means..i am no master mechanic..im decent..but not all knowing..the first time i tore my sbc chev out..it took a day..to get it out...and tear it all the way down to take to the machine shop..starting at 9 done by 6..so i would assume that someone that really knows what they are doing..could definitly get the engine dropped in a day..i bet i could pull an engine with one other person..and drop one back in and connect everything assuming the engine is waiting for me..in a day to a day and a half..hope this helps..lol
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 990
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
You sure you don't have hours and weeks confused....... 
Everytime I turn around I have to order something that I need to finish.....My garage looks like a Summit warehouse from all the boxes laying around.
Everytime I turn around I have to order something that I need to finish.....My garage looks like a Summit warehouse from all the boxes laying around.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by jcswm
It's not a hard job
just climb under the hood & pull the motor out!!!
just climb under the hood & pull the motor out!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
Originally Posted by Summerfun
When your wife shuts the hood on you, do you go..."VRRROOOOM"??? 
For what it's worth that pic was taken 2 weeks ago
I drove her to work all last week & to a cruise in sat.
See my signature for all i did!!