Valvebody kit installation

[benoitthegr8]

I've got a bone stock transmission, it is leaking fluid up near the input shaft. I figure if I'm going to pay someone to relace the seal, I may as well put a valvebody kit/servo in, change the convertor, and put a deep pan in. I called a Transmission shop, they quoted me a price of $500 for the installation. This is with me providing them with all parts, maybe I'm cheap but I know that may be a 3 hour job what these guys make $133/hr.... I'm thinking I need to find another garage, or I'm I out of touch with what it should cost

 

[davinci50]

don't pay em then

Do it yourself its, easy. If you don't have the skills or know how then it will cost you. Although I guess if it was Easy Everyone would do it.

 

[benoitthegr8]

I just moved into a Condo, do not have a garage anymore...

 

[jakeshoe]

If you think it is a 3 hr job to do a converter swap, shift kit install, and servo you should do it yourself.

I think you will find new respect for the trans shop. Especially after you possibly break the pump rotor and ruin the new converter from misinstallation, burn up the band from improper servo adjustment, or you're underneath the car for the 3rd time to figure out what you did wrong on the shift kit.

I charge $300 minimum to R&R a trans and my shop rates are lower than most.
You can easily spend 2 hours just installing a shift kit on the bench by the time you remove the VB, do all the mods, clean everything, reinstall, etc.

Your probably looking at a 6 hr job minimum for someone who knows what they are doing and has the proper tools. Plus they have to pay for that shop and tools, so even at 100/hr its a bargain for the knowledge a good trans guy has to ensure the job is done right.
Nobody bitches about paying a Dr. $100/hr and it takes as much education/experience to be an auto tech these days.

Good luck with it.

 

[benoitthegr8]

I charge $300 minimum to R&R a trans and my shop rates are lower than most.
You can easily spend 2 hours just installing a shift kit on the bench by the time you remove the VB, do all the mods, clean everything, reinstall, etc.

Your probably looking at a 6 hr job minimum for someone who knows what they are doing and has the proper tools. Plus they have to pay for that shop and tools, so even at 100/hr its a bargain for the knowledge a good trans guy has to ensure the job is done right.

So your saying that is not too far off what I should expect to pay? as Dirty Harry said "A man's gotta know his limitations", mine being I don't even think about playing with my Transmission. And I will bitch about paying $100+ an hour for a doctor's medical insurance bill....:smile:

 

[mikestertwo]

Like jakeshoe said. It's a lot of work. For $500, I think it's a bargain assuming this guy knows what he is doing.

 

[turbo nasty]

I concur...The valve body kit I put in was tedious. And on the 3rd check right before install i caught a check ball in the wrong cavity. Thought it was right on the first 2 looks. Intricate stuff in there and the converor needs to be spaced right, etc

500 bucks is decent

 

[Steve V]

If your trans is bone stock,you need to replace the stator support in the pump with a hardened one and the pump bushing.

 

[bison]

If your trans is bone stock,you need to replace the stator support in the pump with a hardened one and the pump bushing.

It wouldnt be a bad idea to change the factory pump rings for some hardened ones that wont fail either.