Is this quote too high?

[smartin3]

I got a quote for a 2 1/4” true dual exhaust, manifolds back, for my 85 Monte SS. Flowmaster 40 series mufflers with new crossmember and trans mount $1275 out the door. They make the pipes in house so I’m assuming it’s aluminized steel, will clarify tomorrow. I’ve never paid for an exhaust so not sure what is fair. I’m in Michigan. Haven’t received a call back from the other 2 muffler shops I tried to get quotes from. Any feedback on pricing is appreciated.

 

[ck80]

I got a quote for a 2 1/4” true dual exhaust, manifolds back, for my 85 Monte SS. Flowmaster 40 series mufflers with new crossmember and trans mount $1275 out the door. They make the pipes in house so I’m assuming it’s aluminized steel, will clarify tomorrow. I’ve never paid for an exhaust so not sure what is fair. I’m in Michigan. Haven’t received a call back from the other 2 muffler shops I tried to get quotes from. Any feedback on pricing is appreciated.

Well, you've got 3 variables here:

1) is it mandrel bent?

2) is it aluminized or stainless?

3) what kind of warranty are you getting? (And who made crossmember with what warranty?)

Technically a 4th variable would be local pricing, cities cost more than rural areas, not to mention regional differences. I'd also wonder what that new crossmember is or who made it.

If you're getting a quality crossmember made by a retail outfit that's probably 200 wholesale. Your pair of series 40s are likely 120 wholesale for the pair. Misc mounts and hangers count it $30. Then you're into pipe costs and labor.

To me it depends on the answers to the variables. If it was crimp style non-mandrel aluminized I'd probably pass. I'd also ask how much cheaper it is if you supply the crossmember and shop around to find a brand you're confident in at a price you like.

 

[smartin3]

Well, you've got 3 variables here:

1) is it mandrel bent?

2) is it aluminized or stainless?

3) what kind of warranty are you getting? (And who made crossmember with what warranty?)

Technically a 4th variable would be local pricing, cities cost more than rural areas, not to mention regional differences. I'd also wonder what that new crossmember is or who made it.

If you're getting a quality crossmember made by a retail outfit that's probably 200 wholesale. Your pair of series 40s are likely 120 wholesale for the pair. Misc mounts and hangers count it $30. Then you're into pipe costs and labor.

To me it depends on the answers to the variables. If it was crimp style non-mandrel aluminized I'd probably pass. I'd also ask how much cheaper it is if you supply the crossmember and shop around to find a brand you're confident in at a price you like.

Thanks for the quick response. Not sure on mandrel vs crimped or the metal or the warranty. All good things to ask that I hadn’t considered so thanks for that. I believe the crossmember is G Force Performance but will have to clarify that as well. I’m just not savvy at all when it come to exhaust so I appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

 

[MrSony]

2 1/4" aint worth 1200$. if you cant find a decent shop that wont molest your wallet to do it do it yourself. get a cheap jegs exhaust kit and hang and clamp it in your driveway. expect to do some cutting.

 

[Streetbu]

Yes, WAY too high. My stainless steel system was custom made, and tig'd together, was only slightly more.

 

[motorheadmike]

Yes, WAY too high. My stainless steel system was custom made, and tig'd together, was only slightly more.

The cross member adds a lot to the cost here.

 

[ck80]

The cross member adds a lot to the cost here.

My guess is the shop added around $400-500 to cover the crossmember, markup, and labor to swap the crossmember and trans mount depending on local labor rates

 

[pagrunt]

Check out Jegs for their 2.5" stainless kit & Jegster double hump crossmember. Pypes has stainless down pipes for manifolds. Only other expense might be labor for a shop to install if you can't do it at home. Even if you'd swap out the manifolds for the Jegs headers listed to go with the exhaust kit it'll still be cheaper.

JEGS 30525: 30525 - Header-Back Dual Exhaust Kit for 1978-1988 GM G-Body [2-1/2 in.] - JEGS

Note: Exhaust kit is designed for 1978-88 G-Body that was originally equipped with a SB-Chevy. Does not fit ANY Cutlass Supreme model. Designed for us

www.jegs.com

JEGS 640603: GM TH400 Transmission Crossmember - JEGS

trans crossmember, transmission crossmember, g body crossmember double hump, g body crossmember, g body double hump crossmember

www.jegs.com

Pypes Performance Exhaust DGU10S: Exhaust Downpipes 1978-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo, GM G-Body Cars - JEGS

Fits: 1978-88 Monte Carlo / El Camino / Grand Prix / Regal

www.jegs.com

JEGS 30060: Painted Long Tube Headers for 1978-1987 GM G-Body Models [Small Block Chevy 265-400 ci] - JEGS

Get the Best Performance with JEGS Painted Long Tube Headers for 1978-1987 GM G-Body Models [Small Block Chevy 265-400 ci] 30060 parts at JEGS. Shop Now at the Guaranteed Lowest Price!

www.jegs.com

 

[Doug Chahoy]

A good stainless system thats mandrel bends and crossmember alone will probably be $700-$900. I don’t use anything but stainless, since they rot from the inside. The last non stainless I had only lasted 3 years on a daily driver.

 

[smartin3]

Well, you've got 3 variables here:

1) is it mandrel bent?

2) is it aluminized or stainless?

3) what kind of warranty are you getting? (And who made crossmember with what warranty?)

Technically a 4th variable would be local pricing, cities cost more than rural areas, not to mention regional differences. I'd also wonder what that new crossmember is or who made it.

If you're getting a quality crossmember made by a retail outfit that's probably 200 wholesale. Your pair of series 40s are likely 120 wholesale for the pair. Misc mounts and hangers count it $30. Then you're into pipe costs and labor.

To me it depends on the answers to the variables. If it was crimp style non-mandrel aluminized I'd probably pass. I'd also ask how much cheaper it is if you supply the crossmember and shop around to find a brand you're confident in at a price you like.

1. Not mandrel bent. TheStretch bend
2. Aluminized lead pipes, the rest is stainless steel
3. 1-year warranty
4. G-force performance crossmember. Not sure on the warranty but made in USA.

Also, this is without cats.