u also need some sockets (dont remember now what size but prolly 10mm)and a ratchet but u will need that at the end to torque the plenum back down after u put the spacer in...just some basic tools, thats really the only specialty tool u will need

 

That right there is gold my friend. Ill be using this. Thank you.

 

14 mm deep socket, 10mm socket, micro-torque wrench or nut driver, crescent wrench, and plyers and a screw driver (to pull off vaccum lines). I also used a piece of string and tied the upper plenum up to the hood while I put the spacer in place.

 

A slightly mechanically-inclined person can install one within a few hours.

A person that knows what he's doing mechanically and has had the VQ plenum off previously will be able to do it in an hour or less.

 

If you cant DIY, just forget the Z......

 

Lots of Youtube vids on spacer installs as well for reference.

 

I would reserve judgement. Maybe he had never worked on the Nissan before and wasn't sure what types of problems he might run into? Rather than quote you 2 hours of labor and end up charging you for 4, he may have figured to quote you conservatively and if it ended up only being 1.5 hours, you are all happy.


I did the iso thermal and that is the write-up that I did in the DIY section. It may be overly detailed, but I wrote it up for idiots like myself to follow.

 

I believe 45 minutes is my record. Get involved with your local Z comunity, experianced folk may lend a hand. I charge $40 for the guys out here.

 

Wow! I've heard all kinds of install stories and price quotes but $400 tops them for sure.

 

 

lol @ 4 hours....

I switched out my upper plenum lower plenum and intake runners at a dyno day. this includes removing injectors and rails. I only had the tools I brought with me, I did this out in a parking lot.

Took me a little over 1 hour. I am not a mechanic, only mechanically inclined.

 

haha, good quote.

I did mine in an hour maybe less. being a mechanic helps but it was a very basic install.. easy enough for a 12 year old I would say

dont get fooled by shops. do your own work and it will keep a hole from burning in your pocket

 

agreed.

 

I am in the same boat... But I am planning on using the money I would spend to to have someone else install it and invest in the micro torque wrench and just doing it myself... I also plan to go ahead and change my spark plugs while I have easier access during the install

 

You don't need a special torque wrench. Just divide inch-lbs by 12 to get ft-lbs and you can use your normal torque wrench. Likely, your's isn't calibrated down to less than 5 ft-lbs, so initially tighten the bolts moderately by hand using a nut driver. Then switch over to your torque wrench. If I recall, I did it by hand, then at 5, 6.6, and 8.3 ft-lbs.

Dave