engine assembly?
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SouthernCal GN
I come in peace....AK AK
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I'm shooting in the dark here; assuming all parts/gaskets are ready to install, all clearances have been checked and verified, and all proper tools are handy; maybe 14-16 labor hours?
Average shop rate at about $90/hour=$1400 labor.
good time to learn to turn a wrench.....
Average shop rate at about $90/hour=$1400 labor.
good time to learn to turn a wrench.....
gpadilla1071
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Question...
Assuming that you cant afford to pay for someone to do it for you. Is there a book where a novice do it yourselfer can do a complete rebuild? Although, I know a good person (SteveV) that can definetely do the job, but money is a challenge right now I was thinking that maybe in the future I can do my own rebuild... I usually like to do things myself just for learning and experience purposes. Even though most likely I'll be asking questions along the way to make sure I'm doing it right... Any thoughts or comments?...
Assuming that you cant afford to pay for someone to do it for you. Is there a book where a novice do it yourselfer can do a complete rebuild? Although, I know a good person (SteveV) that can definetely do the job, but money is a challenge right now I was thinking that maybe in the future I can do my own rebuild... I usually like to do things myself just for learning and experience purposes. Even though most likely I'll be asking questions along the way to make sure I'm doing it right... Any thoughts or comments?...
If you have all parts, and machine work is done. I know a guy who charges $700 to long block it, and a case of Bud, he will just about bolt on everything you want him too. he even let me watch him rebulid my motor, and you know i'm gonna try it myself one day!
Project TNX
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Wow, those prices are insane, glad I can turn a wrench and follow a spec sheet.
On a side note, I've always wondered how long an engine would last if you just put it together and only worried about bolt torque. Of course, I think the popular Auto Stores use that method and it's shown they barely get 5,000-10,000 miles out of it, lol.
On a side note, I've always wondered how long an engine would last if you just put it together and only worried about bolt torque. Of course, I think the popular Auto Stores use that method and it's shown they barely get 5,000-10,000 miles out of it, lol.
SouthernCal GN
I come in peace....AK AK
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Assuming that you cant afford to pay for someone to do it for you. Is there a book where a novice do it yourselfer can do a complete rebuild? Although, I know a good person (SteveV) that can definetely do the job, but money is a challenge right now I was thinking that maybe in the future I can do my own rebuild... I usually like to do things myself just for learning and experience purposes. Even though most likely I'll be asking questions along the way to make sure I'm doing it right... Any thoughts or comments?...
Yup- jump right in with both feet, with the attitude that you're going to finish the job. To me, the mechanics are the easy part- it's the mental that can make me or break me.
Take lots of detailed pics BEFORE you take the engine out. Masking tape and a sharpie are your friends- label each electrical and vacuum connection as you pull it off. Bag and label parts as you remove them. Keep your work area organized.
Ask lots of questions, measure twice/thrice, and have fun puttin' it together!
gpadilla1071
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You got that right! That's pretty much the attitude I have about doing it. Thanks.
That's pretty accurate to me ($750.00). Especially if using the proper tools to verify all clearances, degree and set thrust on the camshaft, set up oil pump/frt. cvr., set up rockers, bolt on accessories, etc.
K.
so about 8-10 hrs total, no machine work and painting all parts (heads,valve covers,timing cover,intake,turbo and block)
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I've really never timed myself, but I'm definitely not rushing to get it done. I'm sure I have more than 10 hrs. in it though. But yes, everything you list. Hit the links in my sig. and you'll see some examples.
K.
Not to mention setting up a girdle either... Maybe I need to re-think things... :biggrin:
K.
im just guessing i never put one together.how many hours do you think?
SouthernCal GN
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See post #1. I've heard of a few engines being slapped together in 8 hours, but I've always had a few snafus to work thru- hence my estimate of 14-16 hours.
ok got it, thanks
SouthernCal GN
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Are you going to build this yourself, or farm it out. I think we're getting off track, and substituting personal experience for shop labor. You'll pay more for a shop to do the labor because of the overhead the shop has, plus the shop has to build in its profit margin.
Do it yourself- pay less, and you have to look in the mirror to praise or punish the builder.
Shop does the work- pay more, but have reasonable assurance that it'll be done right.
Good luck either way! I'd recommend digging in with both hands......
Do it yourself- pay less, and you have to look in the mirror to praise or punish the builder.
Shop does the work- pay more, but have reasonable assurance that it'll be done right.
Good luck either way! I'd recommend digging in with both hands......
ok ill be clear on this now. i bought a LOW mileage motor for $1500, the guy obviously doesnt know anything about buicks. so i had my brothers friend tear it down to check the rings and bearings, they were in excellent shape but i changed them anyway.he basically just reassembled the motor and put the roller cam, lifters,champion heads,and my bgc intake on. there was absolutley no machine work whatsoever. he replaced the oil and water pump which was supplied by me along with all gaskets and hardware for the entire engine. he painted it and it looks really good. so being a good friend of my brothers, he was going to do me a FAVOR and charge me half price which came out to $1500. i thought that was a little high and so did my brother. we were going to do it ourselves but were a little skeptical.so we had him do it in his garage at home cause he said hes done a few of them before.now i did all the research on this website for any questions he had and i did all of the leg work getting what ever he needed except the spring for the timing chain tensioner. he said he had three days putting it back together. let me know if you think that price is FAIR for both sides.
SouthernCal GN
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My estimates are based on a professional shop doing (and standing behind) the work. Methinks that you got worked......unless he used some REALLY expensive paint
Ask him where he got that figure to charge you 1/2 of......
Ask him where he got that figure to charge you 1/2 of......
My estimates are based on a professional shop doing (and standing behind) the work. Methinks that you got worked......unless he used some REALLY expensive paint
Ask him where he got that figure to charge you 1/2 of......
he said he got it out of the BOOK! i had some one else look in another BOOK and it was a lot less time to do it. i dont know maybe his BOOK is written in chinese or something
