How much to charge? - Tuner-Junction

88 rex · #1 (**permalink**) September 7th, 2006, 08:03 PM

How much would be a good price for a swap? Labor only?

Somebody up the street insists I do his swap (B16a into a 93 civic EX) and I have no clue what to charge.

I've also kind of talked him into just swapping in a new long block (D16z6) because he swears something is wrong with his and then building the old one from the ground up. I figure would all be the same regardless, but I would much rather just pop out the original engine and drop in a similar motor.

He was willing and ready to pay somebody else $400 for the B16 swap ( I think a buddy of his) but he backed out. Another shop near by quoted him at $1200 for labor only, not parts. They obviously charge pretty high, as that is what they personally told me because they have too many jobs already and want to cut back.

I have only swapped one complete car from start to finish and that was my own. Didn't really have any major issues I couldn't figure out with a little thinking and time. I have all the necessary tools. Heck my first time I did this I had all hand tools, now I have plenty of air tools to get those crappy old bolts out.

What would be a good round about number for me to throw at him?

Thanks!

jadkar · #2 (**permalink**) September 7th, 2006, 08:08 PM

I have no idea and I can only venture a guess.

If he had all the parts, and you made certain he knows that shit happens and anything crazy that breaks will be extra. Then I would probably charge around 700-

Everything from there would go up depending on how nutty he wanted to get. BTW....Make sure you tell him you have a great powder coating source

I also custom modify heads, pistons, blocks, and valves

macbasq · #3 (**permalink**) September 7th, 2006, 09:09 PM

you could do the average of the two quotes, $800

88 rex · #4 (**permalink**) September 7th, 2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jadkar

I have no idea and I can only venture a guess.

If he had all the parts, and you made certain he knows that shit happens and anything crazy that breaks will be extra. Then I would probably charge around 700-

Everything from there would go up depending on how nutty he wanted to get. BTW....Make sure you tell him you have a great powder coating source

I also custom modify heads, pistons, blocks, and valves

Yea, I explained all the wonderful parts of having custom parts not fit correctly and extending the project timeline. He always stops by my house to ask me questions about his car and "should I do this" or "what do you think about this." I had a feeling he was going to ask me, but I've been trying to dodge the subject because I was unsure whether I wanted to tackle another project. But $$$ is $$$ and I could sure use some extra $$$ for my car.

He's willing to get a hold of a engine hoist which is the only thing I don't have just sitting in my garage and he already has a B16 long block just sitting around somewhere. I'd seriously just rather pull the D16 and drop in another D16. It would make my life much easier

. Then he could sell that B16 and build the other D16, maybe for boost. I'm not a complete B16 fan anyway.

With all parts ready to go, this "shouldn't" be any more than a day job. At $50 an hour for 8 hours that would put him at $400. I will see what says to that price

I will also let him know about the powder coating

Say, what colors do you do anyway? Any custom crazy colors?

<-------Would love to get a nice SMSP 4-2-1 tri y header in mild steel with jet hot black coating........$$$

njn63 · #5 (**permalink**) September 7th, 2006, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88 rex

I'm not a complete B16 fan anyway.

you and me both.

triniskill · #6 (**permalink**) October 5th, 2006, 02:33 PM

I usaully charge 300-500 for a honda motor swap depending on what car and motor..thats just labor price..parts are extra..