Labor charge on Head/Cam install??
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 532
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
Labor charge on Head/Cam install??
Hey all,
What should a shop charge me for just LABOR on a heads/cam installation for my '01 C5? I'm gathering the parts myself, and wanted to have someone reputable install it...So far I've gotten quotes of $3500 (yikes), $2100, $1800, and $1000...They all seem really high considering that I am supplying the heads and cam...Am I way off base here, or are these guys trying to rip me off??
What should a shop charge me for just LABOR on a heads/cam installation for my '01 C5? I'm gathering the parts myself, and wanted to have someone reputable install it...So far I've gotten quotes of $3500 (yikes), $2100, $1800, and $1000...They all seem really high considering that I am supplying the heads and cam...Am I way off base here, or are these guys trying to rip me off??
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Seems high to me. Why not do it yourself?
EG
EG
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 532
Likes: 46
From: Tucson, AZ
I installed the headers by myself, but I'm nervous about doing any kind of non-bolt on stuff since I'm sure I could really mess something up if I did it wrong...Plus don't you need special tools to install a cam on an LS1?
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
I installed the headers by myself, but I'm nervous about doing any kind of non-bolt on stuff since I'm sure I could really mess something up if I did it wrong...Plus don't you need special tools to install a cam on an LS1?
Seriously, if you have ever worked on engines in the past - especially any push rod engines like small block Chevys, Ford or Mopars - the LS1 is just a glorified updated Chevy small block.
I'm always looking for an excuse to buy more tools anyway
The only reason I would farm something like this out is TIME.However, do whatever you are most comfortable doing.
EG
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,725
Likes: 5
From: Colesville MD
Originally Posted by CHRIS NJ C5
Curious to see who would charge $3,500 for just labor and still be able to sleep at night. 
If you take it to Chris at ECS, and not only will he give you a fair price, he'll let you ring yourself up when it's finished! Now that's customer service!!
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 263
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From: Safety Harbor Fl
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by CHRIS NJ C5
Curious to see who would charge $3,500 for just labor and still be able to sleep at night.
