C7 Header Install Cost
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 533
Likes: 271
From: Indianapolis, IN
C7 Header Install Cost
I have a young guy I use for miscellaneous automotive work.
I was thinking about having him installing headers and x-pipe. What would be a fair price for labor if I supplied all parts?
Ken
I was thinking about having him installing headers and x-pipe. What would be a fair price for labor if I supplied all parts?
Ken
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
I recall a header install being in the neighborhood of 8 hours. Multiple that times whatever hourly rate you're paying...$50/hr for a side hustle?...so $400.
Don't forget that with no aft o2 sensors you'll need it tuned or you'll get a check engine light. In addition, when getting it tuned you may as well optimize it for power. I'll assume the young lad doesn't have a dyno and HP Tuners so you'll want to figure out where to go for that.
One other thing....depending on header brand, they may not clear the tunnel plate. You'll either need to add spacers or cut the plate.
Don't forget that with no aft o2 sensors you'll need it tuned or you'll get a check engine light. In addition, when getting it tuned you may as well optimize it for power. I'll assume the young lad doesn't have a dyno and HP Tuners so you'll want to figure out where to go for that.
One other thing....depending on header brand, they may not clear the tunnel plate. You'll either need to add spacers or cut the plate.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 478
From: Maryland, USA
yeah would guess 400 to 500 ish as well. definitely takes some time.
you could also call around to some performance places to see what they charge, most likely going to be much higher but just for reference and research, could also gauge on what they say how long it takes as well..
you could also call around to some performance places to see what they charge, most likely going to be much higher but just for reference and research, could also gauge on what they say how long it takes as well..
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
$400 is not what a shop would charge....figure at least 4x that amount....but if he "has a young guy he uses", it sounds like a side hustle which means the guy has no taxes or overhead to worry about.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 21,590
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From: GREER SC
header install
Just my .02, but I wouldn't have an inexperienced person to do that job. Lots of things that can go wrong.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 194
From: Goderich, ON
Agreed. If young guy knows what he's doing and takes his time to ensure he doesn't break anything and can show me a previous job similar to this that he's done before for a happy owner then np. Unlikely for $400, this job isn't painting a fence. Do it yourself or use a pro.