Engine install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 888
From: CONCORD CA.
Engine install
looking at replacing my current LS3 ( '09 @ 162k miles ) with a new crate LS3. long story for the reason(s) why.
i have a local shop who is quoting me $3,750.00 for the labor. I'd supply the engine, clutch kit and, new radiator.
some of the parts will be used ( alternator, p/s pump, a/c compressor. fly wheel {resurfaced} ).
does this sound like a fair rate? i have nothing to compare it to.
i have a local shop who is quoting me $3,750.00 for the labor. I'd supply the engine, clutch kit and, new radiator.
some of the parts will be used ( alternator, p/s pump, a/c compressor. fly wheel {resurfaced} ).
does this sound like a fair rate? i have nothing to compare it to.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,472
Likes: 546
From: Jackson NJ
Just as a rough estimate, hourly billing rates for a good shop run approximately $80-$100/hr on the East Coast. Assuming a mid-point at $90/hr, the shop is figuring 40-42 labor hours. I would think that 20-25 hours or around $2250 would be more reasonable.
Last edited by Dave S; Apr 28, 2020 at 09:05 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,579
Likes: 5,587
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
They must be going by the book, most heavy tech's that worked for me back when, can swap the engine in the morning, and road test the car for lunch.
I would look for heavy line tech that needs a side job!
I would look for heavy line tech that needs a side job!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 888
From: CONCORD CA.
(spread over two years). if i have to pay all at once, no dice. still paying off one daughters college loan, with another half way through.
still tossing this around.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 888
From: CONCORD CA.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 41
From: Iowa
GM Book time is about 20 hours for the LS3. Multiply that times their shop rate and you have your labor quote. I work at a large Chevy dealer and our labor rate is $139/hour so you'd be $2780 in labor plus tax and shop fees. They may charge a little extra for the radiator R&R as well but $3750 seems pretty steep.
Last edited by joshp14; Apr 29, 2020 at 08:21 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 888
From: CONCORD CA.
GM Book time is about 20 hours for the LS3. Multiply that times their shop rate and you have your labor quote. I work at a large Chevy dealer and our labor rate is $139/hour so you'd be $2780 in labor plus tax and shop fees. They may charge a little extra for the radiator R&R as well but $3750 seems pretty steep.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 110
Likes: 41
From: Iowa
They shouldn't be adding time to R&R the pressure plate and clutch disc as that and the flywheel have to come off to replace the engine anyway, thus that time is included in the engine R&R. Some shops may quote additional time for the clutch...which is shady practice.