Differential swap - install costs?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Differential swap - install costs?
I just bought a new 3.90 diff (outright) from another forum member.
Trying to gauge a ballpark labor time and cost estimate for installation.
For those that have had this done, how much did you pay, and how long did it take them to do it? This is just swapping the entire differential unit, not putting gears in an existing housing. And I have a 6spd car, so I don't think there's any programming needed.
Thanks in advance.
:cheers:
Trying to gauge a ballpark labor time and cost estimate for installation.
For those that have had this done, how much did you pay, and how long did it take them to do it? This is just swapping the entire differential unit, not putting gears in an existing housing. And I have a 6spd car, so I don't think there's any programming needed.
Thanks in advance.
:cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: Duncanville Texas
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (jmzvet)
I did mine myself. It was actually easier then I thought.
Labor time in the book is 10 hours. I have never tackled anything like this and did it in about 6 hours.
Most people are between 400-500 bucks.
Labor time in the book is 10 hours. I have never tackled anything like this and did it in about 6 hours.
Most people are between 400-500 bucks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Y2Kvert4me)
Everything I've seen says book time is more like 6 hours. 4 is more like it with a second set of hands at the right times. Try using someone who has a few of these under their belt or you'll be paying for their learning/practicing. You are correct regarding programming.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,419
Likes: 0
From: Arlington TX
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (99SilverC5Coupe)
I paid $400 for my gear/TC swap...and I believe you don't have to make any changes for the speedo...but you will want to change the shift points with LS1 Edit.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: Duncanville Texas
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Mike Mercury)
It will throw it off if it is an A4 correct? It was my understanding that only M6 had the ability for self calibration.
Also book time is about 8-10 hours @ 50/hr 400.00 - 500.00. That is what my understanding was.
Also book time is about 8-10 hours @ 50/hr 400.00 - 500.00. That is what my understanding was.
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (z0sense)
It will throw it off if it is an A4 correct?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,154
Likes: 1
From: Murphy TX
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (z0sense)
It will throw it off if it is an A4 correct?
A $50/hr shop rate is cheap for a qualified Vette tech. Typically more like $70-75/hr around here.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Lincoln Nebraska
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Y2Kvert4me)
Very few qualified techs around here so I was forced to take it to the Dealer :eek: Had 3.42s a TC and Tranny cooler installed........set me back $932 (about $750 labor) and 2 days. I know, I know, I'm still hurting from it!!
Where's the hang head in shame icon? :cry :cry
Where's the hang head in shame icon? :cry :cry
Pro
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 10
From: st. cloud mn
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Y2Kvert4me)
I paid 425 to have it done. I did not change the tc but this is the time to do it if you want a higher stall. depending on your set-up with the 3.90...you may not want the tc. They say the time is a half day job but the time only matters if you tackle it yourself.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,879
Likes: 3
From: Hobart, WI
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Y2Kvert4me)
It really is easy with two guys. Two guys and a lift and it might be called fun.
If you decide to DIY let me know. There are several shortcuts.
[Modified by see5, 10:42 PM 5/13/2003]
If you decide to DIY let me know. There are several shortcuts.
[Modified by see5, 10:42 PM 5/13/2003]
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (C5-VERT)
Tom you can do it yourself buddy. Nothing to it. Just call me if you run into a problem. :cheers:
I do have access to a lift, maybe this is something to think about. I recall seeing a page a while back that detailed the procedure, but I didn't save the page, and really have no idea right now what all is involved. I didn't see anything in the tech tips section here, unless I missed it. Anyone know of a good how-to page for this?
Thanks all for the replies, I can swallow 500 for the install, probably will...but I am curious to see what it all entails.
:cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,161
Likes: 12
From: San Diego CA
Re: Differential swap - install costs? (Y2Kvert4me)
Anyone know of a good how-to page for this?
