I was at a midas today near my house and they quoted me a price of $72.00 for header and y pipe installation. I was told that they have my car up on a lift and I would be out in an hour. I got them to put it in writing for me and they wrote down 1- 2 hours $72 - $144 , and the manager wrote his name at the bottom. I specifiacllay asked him after that this won't take 3 or 4 hours will it. He said no one, two tops i made an appoint for tommorow what do you guys think. I am not going to put them on myself. So just let me know what you think of this situation or should i just go somewhere else and pay the $250 - 300+ these other places want .

 

I'm no lawyer, but if you have it in writing with the manager's signature, I think that's a legal contract. I would hold him to the price, but don't count on the time. I get a feeling he bit off more than he could chew to get them properly installed in 1-2 hours. Also, for that reason I would try to be there and keep a close eye on the installation. That's my opinion, do what you will...

 

Hate to be a pessimist, but i gotta think that one way or another your going to end up paying more! If its too good to be true, it probably is.

 

I agree with laiky, besides I wouldn't trust midas to touch my car (not really fair because I don't let anyone touch it). If you do decide to do it though, you should watch them the WHOLE time.

 

If you have all emissions on, plus AC, it's goin to take them like 6 hrs or so to do, prolly more. So good luck.

 

yup AIR tubes AC everything, but i brought al the pieces wioth me tried to get them to look at it and loook under my hood and they did not even bother. To just gave me that price and when i specifically asked them if it would take 3 or four hours they said no you'l be on the lift by 9 and out by 10.

 

p[lease keep us posted i'm real curious to see how this turns out. It took me several hours to install my headers ( with all bracketry ) On the engine stand!

 

Well here is what happend got there for my 9:00 appointment. I waited for about half an hour and then they came out and told me that they were very busy today and that they can't guarentee two hours because they have so much work and told me they probabbly would not get to my car until 11 or 12, so i took my keys and left. They wanted to reschedule me but one i was not happy about driving their for no reason. In convesation on the way out a "mechanic or whatever they are asked me what the pipes were comming off the header." I just shook my head and laughed, i hope he was joking.

 

Probly best. If it started out like that then by the time they would be done they would spring some more crap on you. They would end up arguing that your manifolds were to hard to take off or something was in the way etc. good choice on walking out.

 

i think your way better off, possibly they realized there mistake and gave you the too busy bs instead of starting the job then screwing you somehow.

 

Guys, I guess I'm lucky that I have an exhaust guy I can trust- at least he hasn't screwed me yet. Guess I should have known better

 

I would put them on myself.

 

I think so too.

 

Yup. I bet right after you left, one of the mechanics went up to the manager and asked what you wanted done. After the manager told the mechanic, he probably looked at the manager and said, "Are you f*ckin' nuts?!?!? That's gonna take at least 4 hours IF nothing goes wrong!!! Your in deep **** now." :sillylol:

AJ

 

That is what I thought at first too but I was told if I reschedule (to Friday, Saturday or Monday) the appointment they can gurantee the two hour install time because they will be fully staffed. The only reason they could not guarentee it was because they were short 2 mechanics only had 2 were supposed to have 4. So I honestly don't think they knew what they were getting into. Anyway I am going to try it my self (well not my self I am going to get a hand from a couple of guys who have done this before), I hope I don't mess anything up I am sorry to say that this is the biggest project I have ever undertaken car wise by far but i guess you have to start somewhere. Still going to need to get a hand with the welding though.

 

Yeah I can't see anyone being able to do a header install on thirdgen in one hour, no matter how much experience you have.

Headers were the first mod I ever did to a car. Its not that hard, it just takes a while.

 

Hmm.... That does sound kinda cheap. What do they really mean. Headers installed when the engine is out of the car? Cause 72 bucks Thats just dirt cheap. I'll have to call them up and ask them about that. I'll pressure them by saying if it takes more than a hour I'm not paying for it and make them guarantee it over the phone telling them you are recording the conversation. This usually makes people speak the truth and back out of the deal.

 

Throw 'em on yourself! I thought you were dead-set against it or I might have suggested it earlier. I don't like to let many people work on my vehicles, especially if I have the equipment and knowledge available. Don't be too intimidated to try this yourself. I started (like most people) with my own maintenance, repairs, first mod, etc., and I, like you continue to learn. Saying that I did it myself just makes it that much more satisfying. Besides, When you fire it up the first time after installing them, I'll bet money you'll do this: OK, end of pep talk, let us know how it ends up.

 

Just thought i would add that i got a quote from a Meineke store and they said it would be $200

About 2.5 to 3 hours of labor????

 

that still is cheap for all the labor involved..
i might have to check out that place, i have one around my way..