That's insane, hopefully someone that lives close by on the forum would be willing to help you.
I was Assuming that it was an LT1 based on the cost only. If he has a L98 that's way too high. Sorry.
Full Tune-Up
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
Full Tune-Up
Hey everyone. I was wondering how much people paid for a full tune-up? My mechanic told me that it wasn't easy and that it would take a long time just to replace the spark plugs and wires and it would be $400.00. Is that a good price? I live in San Francisco, California just to let you now the prices around my area.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 4
From: Argillite KY
I remember my first set of plugs and wires on a LT1. It took most of the day, a 12 pack and when done it looked like I had put my hands in the garbage disposal. It's more fun to do it yourself. Nowdays, if I have to change them the first thing I do is pull the water pump. I know it sounds funny but you can pull it off in about 10-15 minutes and it will save you a couple hours trying to root around blind.
$400.00 sounds cheaper than the dealer. Just for fun, call a dealer and get a price on plugs and wires.
Be sitting down.
$400.00 sounds cheaper than the dealer. Just for fun, call a dealer and get a price on plugs and wires.
Be sitting down.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 17
From: NW CT
What year are we talking about here? What else is he doing in the tune up?
Plugs/wires on my L98 takes all of 30mins to do with no fancy tools.. 400 bux would be high for just that.
But if he is using all brand name stuff and also doing the PCV,air filter, cap, rotor, etc then 400 isn't to out of line... Especially for Cali.
Plugs/wires on my L98 takes all of 30mins to do with no fancy tools.. 400 bux would be high for just that.
But if he is using all brand name stuff and also doing the PCV,air filter, cap, rotor, etc then 400 isn't to out of line... Especially for Cali.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
I remember my first set of plugs and wires on a LT1. It took most of the day, a 12 pack and when done it looked like I had put my hands in the garbage disposal. It's more fun to do it yourself. Nowdays, if I have to change them the first thing I do is pull the water pump. I know it sounds funny but you can pull it off in about 10-15 minutes and it will save you a couple hours trying to root around blind.
$400.00 sounds cheaper than the dealer. Just for fun, call a dealer and get a price on plugs and wires. Be sitting down.
$400.00 sounds cheaper than the dealer. Just for fun, call a dealer and get a price on plugs and wires.
Be sitting down.
Did some searching and the OP (who needs to fill out his profile !!) owns a '96. IMO if the $400 is just for labor that's a good deal and IF that price is parts and labor a super good deal. I suspect his mechanic may not know what he's in for a dealer would likely be at least twice that.On the other hand if you think you can do the work yourself it's "do able".Set aside a day on the weekend and go for it. If you have patience and pay attention to where each individual plug wire goes it's not bad. Being in a hurry and/or not paying attention is how "I replaced my spark plugs and wires -now my car runs rough" threads get started.
Last edited by TWISTERUP; Jul 1, 2011 at 09:00 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
What year are we talking about here? What else is he doing in the tune up?
Plugs/wires on my L98 takes all of 30mins to do with no fancy tools.. 400 bux would be high for just that.
But if he is using all brand name stuff and also doing the PCV,air filter, cap, rotor, etc then 400 isn't to out of line... Especially for Cali.
Plugs/wires on my L98 takes all of 30mins to do with no fancy tools.. 400 bux would be high for just that.
But if he is using all brand name stuff and also doing the PCV,air filter, cap, rotor, etc then 400 isn't to out of line... Especially for Cali.
To the original poster it all depends on what is in a 'full tuneup'.
If plugs wires cap rotor air filter fuel filter pvc and posibly O2 sensor it might not be off base. If someone else does the work you are not going to get Auto Zone type prices on the parts to begin with.
Dave
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,058
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Hey everyone. I was wondering how much people paid for a full tune-up? My mechanic told me that it wasn't easy and that it would take a long time just to replace the spark plugs and wires and it would be $400.00. Is that a good price? I live in San Francisco, California just to let you now the prices around my area.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 283
Likes: 5
For $400.00 he's going to replace all the parts (wires, plugs, O2 sensor, etc...)and the price includes labor. He already knows that he's going to spend a lot of time on it. Since I just got the car, he's charging me $585.00 for the full tune up, Mobil One synthetic oil change, flush the radiator and change the transmission fluid and filter. I trust this guy because I've known him for 30 years and he always gives me a big discount. Is $585.00 worth it?
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 3
From: Carmichael ca
You better get your car to him before he changes his mind. I wouldn't do it for that price
If the car has over 100K you should replace the cap and rotor too. It won't be cheap, but hey if this guy is basically giving his time away
If the car has over 100K you should replace the cap and rotor too. It won't be cheap, but hey if this guy is basically giving his time away
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 3
From: Richmond Virginia
For $400.00 he's going to replace all the parts (wires, plugs, O2 sensor, etc...)and the price includes labor. He already knows that he's going to spend a lot of time on it. Since I just got the car, he's charging me $585.00 for the full tune up, Mobil One synthetic oil change, flush the radiator and change the transmission fluid and filter. I trust this guy because I've known him for 30 years and he always gives me a big discount. Is $585.00 worth it?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 161
Likes: 17
From: NW CT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,772
Likes: 64
From: Mystic CT
For $400.00 he's going to replace all the parts (wires, plugs, O2 sensor, etc...)and the price includes labor. He already knows that he's going to spend a lot of time on it. Since I just got the car, he's charging me $585.00 for the full tune up, Mobil One synthetic oil change, flush the radiator and change the transmission fluid and filter. I trust this guy because I've known him for 30 years and he always gives me a big discount. Is $585.00 worth it?
Dave