Hi all, long time reader first time writer... lol... Ive searched for this topic, unable to find anything.

My question is, (and I understand every swap is different) what would I be looking at for a shop to do replacement for me in terms of labor hrs and or cost?

I would be going from 305 TPI to 350 TPI, so I already have most parts handled. I know that I would need (at min.) a new prom and larger injectors and a adj. FPR. The plan is to also (someday) re-do the exhaust, and poss a bigger throttle body.

Id really like to do myself for a variety of reasons, but due to lack of MAJOR engine work experience, lack of location to work on (apt. dweller) and lack of tools, Im looking at that as my only reasonable option. Also to consider, the engine Im looking at has a 2yr/24k warranty on it IF installed by an ASE certified tech/shop, of which I am not. Given the cost of new engines, not really something I want to gamble with.

Thx in advance!!

 

I would guess around 10 hours, by the book.

 

to R&R your engine, figure the 10 hours x's $60-$80 an hour. that's labor. then factor in tuning and diagnostic time to make sure it runs well when you leave, and double it. it wont't be cheap if you're looking for a warranty.

 

Ok good start... How important would you feel a warranty be? Yes I know... dont have one now...

 

honestly, i don't think it's that important. they're not going to cover much more than the physical labor of them putting the motor in the car. if they built the motor, they'll cover it, but uness they sell you a part, they're not going to cover part failure, which is really more important the labor failure, since you're giving them a turnkey motor. most shops can physically bolt in the motor, and plumb it and wire it no problem. you're biggest headache is going to come when stuff starts to shakedown and break and the bugs work themselves out. THAT's where you really need the warranty, and most shops aren't going to cover that cheap. my suggestion is to save your money, and just enjoy the car for now, and wait till you can do it yourself. you'll learn a lot, and you'll save some cash, and you'll have a crapload of fun.

 

I'm finishing my V6 to 305 swap right now, and when i started, i had ZERO heavy engine work (i did minor mods, sensor replacment, oil change, etc). I learned everything as i went and boy did i ever learn. Grante,d not the BEST way to go, but now I know I will be able to fix anything that migt go wrong with the car when it's done, plus, I can say I did it myself, no one else.

However, it did take more $$ than I hoped and way more time and i've run into so many problems that it isnt funny. Looking at over 1 year now because i didnt have everything in order b4 i started.

Just looking at that sexy beast, I get the gratification of knowing that is all my hard work.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Exactly what engine are you planning on having put in?

This really isn't a "swap", per se, it's an engine replacement. I wouldn't call the warranty that important, but if a shop agrees to do the job, they should also agree to make sure it's running right when it's done - that's what is probably worth the most.

One member had a pretty ugly story to tell about that. And it was a simple 305 to 350 engine replacement like you're talking about. Rarely do the do-it-yourselfers have the type of problems that poor guy had.