2ndVette

I really don't want to crawl around on the floor of my garage to do a heads /cam install on my '01. I have done it before on my '98 and I think I would like to avoid the aggravation of the steering rack and have a NORCAL shop do the work. I usually like to go Speed Merchant in San Jose for any work that I can't do/ won't do. Unfortunately, I was quoted $2400 LABOR only. Any suggestions on another competent shop with a more realistic cost structure would be appreciated. Northstar would not be a consideration--they are even higher.


[Modified by 2ndVette, 9:38 AM 1/5/2002]

Smoke-N-Shot

I don't have any recommendations as where you can go but $750.00 - $1000.00 is a fair cost for installation on heads and cam IMHO... BTW, about 15 hours for the job by an experienced mechanic... Good luck!

Nick

Speed-Racer

I had considered doing the H/C swap myself, but realised it would be probably easier to have it done for me. I am going to drive to SCal to have it done since that's where most of the tuners live. You're right about the labour rates here.

George

2ndVette

ttt

akw408

Maybe you can try Corvette Connection, in Campbell.

$2.5k for heads and cams is more than most pay for a complete engine swap. I paid an arm and a leg to get my clutch installed there, but at least it was done right.

99 C5 M6

Lashtal

SF Bay Area prices are just freaking crazy! :crazy:

I got a quote of $1500 to install the Stereo system I bought! Alpine deck, (2) MB Q tweets, (4) MB Q Mids, (1) Sub with (2) Fosgate Amps. And that quote was for LABOR only!!! :mad

At $89/hr for Stereo install I'm going to do it myself.

:cuss :cuss :cuss :cuss :cuss :cuss

Barely Legal

I'm in Sac, and can do it. Already done about 6 sets on F body's

15 Hours @ about $65 per is about what I'd do it for.

wave_3

That sounds right... That's what my local Chevy Store quoted me.

2ndVette

Barely legal: I tried to send you an email, but it bounced back. How can I reach you? My email is MarkFreels@AOL.com....

vetterdstr

I would go to RPM Engines in Rhonert Park. Ask to talk to Brad, He is the guy who took care of my car recently and they did an Excellent Job! They have a full machine shop and build racing engines every day of the week. They can also Dyno your car after the install! :eek: They will be doing all of my Engine Mods in the future. :yesnod: :yesnod: :yesnod:

Call (707) 584-8230

vetterdstr :cheers:

0Sales@MVPAutoParts.com

$2400 for heads&cam install labor? :eek: :eek: :eek: That is a f.ucking rip-off. Personally I would never, ever, going to take my car to those kind of shops. I wonder how many install they do per year.

-Tuan

2ndVette

thanks to everyone that responded. This is where the Forum has a lot of value. We can all share experiences, tech tips, pricing on parts and installs, and oh yeah, the ripoffs from Ca dealers!!! :)

MattG

I am not sure how far Sacramento is from you but Ralph at Hot Rod Heaven is an installer of ARE head/cam packages and motors. I am not sure of his exact pricing but I think it is very fair. He also has a Dyno-jet dyno with wideband air/fuel sensor for tuning. Ralph has lots of experience with tuning and installs on all GM EFI cars. He also has a mean LS1 Z28 that he races.

I have sent a couple ARE customers to him and they have come back VERY happy with the results. If you are interested in any details or pricing on the heads/cam packages, shoot me an email.




[Modified by MattG, 9:41 PM 1/6/2002]

Shinobi'sZ

Well Gee........I think I would go to Nick Agostino's only ARE authorized installer right in Sacramento. I mean thats who did my stuff. I think Ralph charged me $650 for my heads and cam install, but that was a one time only deal for me at F Body prices......he now charges $800-900, the removal of the steering rack to get the cam in is the additional costs. You can probably bargain with him though.....I mean he did do my H&C, TPIS Headers, Clutch, Pully, LS6 Intake, 85 MM MAF, and programming for $1500. My suggestion is to get there before all the other C5's in the Sacramento area see and feel my car. Its fun grabbing second and burning out for 30 yards at 70 mph trying to get traction on my 335/30 18's. By the way the two ARE 422's he put in are beautiful, as well as the super charger package he did too.
Ralph Gobel's Hot Rod Heaven
(916) 387 0481
Tell him Kevin sent you!

MelloYellow

Chevy dealers should be able to quote you $72-75/hr. Still high, but lower than that Quote.

It takes a lot of searching to find a good & fair shop that only charges $50/hr. Try searching performance Camaro/TA/Firebird LS1 shops. Ask around at LS1.Com or ls1tech.com


[Modified by MelloYellow, 9:51 PM 1/6/2002]

bparker

Was quoted 650-750 here in Dallas, TX

2ndVette

dayam! Folks don't get out of bed in Norcal for that kind of money!

newgame

hi was wonder what a cam install would cost in sacramento or stockton on a c5 corvette in 2018! tuners and people who install exhausts ect.. good prices thanks

gimp

Wow, what a thread necro. This thread is older than my 2003 C5. This thread is sixteen years old! Well, almost seventeen.

But you're in luck! Because I'll give you a real answer.

Call Rich @ Abel Chevrolet out in Rio Vista. He will take care of you. They're a dealer but they specialize in corvettes, super knowledgeable.