What do you think of this plan?

[Moses]

In preparing for my 3.6 switch, I would like to get a FIRM price from my wrench. I would buy the engine and the Steve Timmins kit and agree on a price before the install.

Is that reasonable?

My wrench is very good, but always expensive. The costs always seem to creep way up.

Is it reasonable to ask him to bid out the job like a contractor?
(To my knowledge, he has never done a 3.6 switch, but switches and builds race engines regularly.)

[pbs911]

Never hurts to ask. I think you could probably compromise on a figure that is a little higher than his initial estimate. That way if he gets it done with less time he makes out, if not you get a bargin. If he is slow he may do it, but I wouldn't expect him to make your car the top priority.

[Dantilla]

It's not unreasonable to ask. He CAN say "No" if he is not comfortable. He would most likely pad his guestimate to allow for things to go wrong. Also, you do not want to be a jerk about it. If he can show you where the car has problems that were unforseen, and can demonstrate that the job will take more than it should, you should be willing to re-negotiate with him a bit. You get a great car, he can pay his bills. Both are happy.