Engine rebuild quote...

WydRyd · 03-28-2004, 07:51 PM

Hi,

Just wondering whether $3000 (labour alone + parts) is about right for a complete engine rebuild.

I'll be supplying the engine builder most of the go-fast parts myself. Here's the list:

GT2 EVO CAMs
Turbo Racing Valve Springs
AlSiBr Valve Guides
Titanium Retainers
930 3.3L P&C's
OEM 930 Piston Rings
C2T Head Gaskets
0.5mm 930 Cylinder Base shims
964 Pistons Squirters
ARP rod bolts and head studs/nutz

Also, is approx $660 to tap my heads for Twin Plugs + $88 to mod rocker cover about right?

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

This is US$?

Seems low. I think Bruce Anderson's book says a rebuild takes 40 hours. What is the labor rate?

I think the machine work to machine my heads and lower VCs was ~$400 US, In addition to ~$1K for the top end machine work/parts.

Tom

Matt Holcomb · Matt Holcomb's Garage

Merv,

That's pretty cheap for a complete engine rebuild. Does that price include balancing the pistons and the connecting rods?

obrut · 03-28-2004, 10:12 PM

Merv,

50 hours at $60/hour (or 40 odd at 70) sounds about right. Also, my heads cost AU$600 to drill for twin plug (haven't done the rocker covers yet).

chrisp · 03-29-2004, 05:14 AM

Sounds very low even in AUS Dollars ($3000 AUD is $2200 USD). You say that parts are included.

I am paying 40 hrs in labor. I delivered a long block and am getting back a fully reassembled, ready to go, engine. The time I saved removing the motor and breaking it down to a long block would have added another 3-5 hrs. to my bill.

My rebuild is pretty typical with some upgrades: the labor above, cam regrind, new OEM head studs, flux and balance crank, align and bush rods, cylinder/piston refurb (Alusils), head machining and refurb (OEM spec), ti retainers, new valve springs, racing rod bolts, new timing chains, typical fasteners, standard bottom end and top end gasket kits, and all bearings/bushings for $6000.

kqw · 03-29-2004, 06:25 AM

Will you engine rebuilder guanantee the work done on the rebuild if he did not supply the parts? Many shops that supply the labor will not.

Superman · 03-29-2004, 06:35 AM

I'm not sure I agree, but then I'm the Board's ranking (or at least "rank") cheapskate. If the machine work is all in addition to the $3000, then that money is simply for assembly/disassembly. I guess it depends on what you're paying the $3k for. Assembly/disassembly is not a 40-hour job. And maybe I say this because just about every 911 that has two hands and at least one leg should do the assembly/disassembly themselves, IMHO. It ain't that hard.

chrisp · 03-29-2004, 06:58 AM

Superman I think you are right but should tweak your statement to read that every owner should consider doing it themselves. once they determine they have the resources (tools, knowledge, space, time) then they should proceed. I learned a ton about my car by reading all of the pertinent books and thinking about the steps involved.

Space and time are two relatively big issues for many of us.

If you recall my post of a few weeks ago, I chose a Pro rebuild because of value. I had several people tell me off line they would never buy a used 911 with a DIY rebuild. They consider a DIY rebuild somewhat of a liability. Someday I will do my own rebuild just for the learning experience. That day will come when I don't need to keep value in my car and will never need to re sell it. Until then I need to think about what the next owner will want to see........ and that's a receipt from a well known shop.