In another thread there was talk on how much a fair price for doing a built motor should cost . I would like to see from others exactly what you were charged and the work that was done . Please do not name the shop that did the work . And reply only if you were happy with the work . I dont want it to become a nut hugging or a biotching thread . The purpose is only to compare what a fair price should be .

Work done
1 - un-install engine and break in down to short block
2- send short block off to be built by shop of my choosing
3-clean , prep , and powder coat front and rear engine covers
4- polish cam covers
5- install EGT
6-install sway bars , front and back
7-install lowering springs front and back
8-re-assemble motor
9- install built motor
10- install large IC
11-fabricate 3inch IC pipe from IC to throttle body
I think I remember every thing done . The cost of this labor
$4,500.00 [ at $80 an hour ]
Cost of built motor
normal .20 over pistons
Pauter rods
coated pistons and other parts [ cant remember exactly whats coated ]
$3,900.00

Total cost...$8,400.00

The shop did a top knotch job and I havent had one problem with the work that was done by my shop . I hadnt had to return it for nothing at all .

Please keep it simple . No need to break down every penny spent .

 

One thing you should definitely mention is which state you are from.. You are from Nebraska, which has one of the lowest living costs, thus lower labor costs... I know b/c I lived in Lincoln, NE for 14 years. GO BIG RED!

 

I stated the labor charge ... $80 an hour . I think thats in line with most states . And is higher than most in my area .

GO BIG RED !!!!!

 

labor is 85-100/hr at most good shops in AZ

in CA it can be up to 120/hr

 

I recieved a PM stating $200 an Hr is charged by a top shop in Cali . and Im pretty sure you know what shop .

I can see that in larger cities that you would be charged more per hr . But $200 hr is rediculous . I dont care how good they think they are . I would be shipping my car to Nebraska for $80 hr . And still come out on top by a few thousand

I also think Im right in saying $80 Hr. is in line in MOST states

 

$200 an hour???!!!!!!

*** i should have just became a mechanic instead of going to college (not intended to bash mechanics or someone w/o a college degree)

 

Why were numbers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 & 11 included with this since they have nothing to do with R&I for a motor?

 

Because thats what was done at the same time and the total bill was $4,500.00 . I didnt want to break it down penny by penny and most people will have other work done while the motor is out . If you know what exactly was charged for the un-instal and re-install , post just that.

 

Gotcha. I just figured if you wanted to know the answer to your original question, you would have deleted the items that have nothing to do with what you want to find out. Those included items that you have could add up with what hourly charges are these days.

 

Ok I can do it .

40 Hr. labor @ 80hr. charged for
un-install
disassemble
assemble
re-install
+odds and ends like hoses , clamps , anti freeze , liquid gasket , and stuff like that
$3500

 

it's up to 120 for most metropolitan areas now. It's getting pretty redonkeyless.

 

Most states charge $80-$120/hr.


And if the shop you are refering to is the one I think you are they don't charge $200/hr they charge $110.

I don't see the point of this thread.

 

+100

 

acutally the shop charges $109.12/hr. Go back and look at that invoice that was posted and is the reason for this thread. the shop charges $3273.60 for engine removal and re-install. If you divide $3,273.60 by $109.12 it equals 30. So yes that shop charges book time. Again there is nothing wrong or unethical about that as that is how most of the automotive industry works.

good for you if your shop only charges actual labor time and not book time.

 

Trust me even if the shop makes $200 an hour, the mechanic doesn't see most of that on their paycheck.

 

Not if you own or are part owner of the shop

 

+1 And no shop can charge for every hour they actually spend on the car. It's not uncommon to bill for 40 hrs, but spend 50hrs+ actually working on the car. Hourly rates are going to vary based on geography, the experience level of the technicians, and the shops capability and reputation for a stand-up work ethic.

In general, I would expect smaller shops/more isolated geographical location, to charge about $75 per hour, and shops in California probably $120/hr since cost of doing business is so much higher. Everyone else is probably right in the middle. Like any product or business, you usually get what you pay for.

Booger, I scanned your list, and the number of labor hours looks pretty mainstream. Also be careful, becuase different shops will breakdown down their labor charge items differently, or bundle labor charges together, so it can be difficult to get an apples to apples comparo.

 

Yes ..I should have added to my post that ...if the person was telling me the truth...which I didnt know if it was or not at the time . And it looks as if he wasnt .

But the mods may as well close the thread . It doesnt look like anyone wants to share and compare what they spent . Just thought it may be useful for others looking to build as to what it would cost them . And to see whats fair .

 

it's a good idea, but it really wouldn't work. it's kind of like those thread where people ask how much they paid for their cars. Every state and dealership charges different prices. some pay more and other pay less.

 

the shop that I think you're referring to that charges around $200/hour is for dynoing which is in line with other shops I've gone to
and if it's who I think you mean, their normal labor rate was much lower, around the $120 mark which considering who they are and the resources they have, that's not too bad

I've never ever paid over $120/hour at any shop I've gone to