LT1 pros and cons
- Thread starter 87ttop
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hes going to do it at my dads house, we are going to draw up contracts and he wont be paid until I can drive each car
I havent paid for anything in a while so I do not know what labor cost are like. Putting an engine in really doesn't take long although a shop will tell you it does. To get that engine mounted in and the trans mounted in I would say 2-3 hours. I have done it with a buddy in less than an hour. Mounted, not running. Getting linkage hooked up and exhaust, cooling system all back in probably a couple more hours. The wiring however I do not know. Really have never messed with that. I would say 5-7 hours to get all the mechanical under control. Which to me would be worth about 400 bucks if someone asked me to put an engine in. Everything else that DRIVEN listed, I don't know what they would be charging for that type of work. Most of it would be custom. You could literally put 30 hours into it if you wanted to.
87ttop said:
It all depends on what exactly he is going to do, and the level of workmanship involved.
For example, I seem to recall that the B/F body A/C compressor will have clearance issues with the chassis. Maybe I'm confused on that one, the swap info has all started to run together.
IMO, for a factory-style install, with all accessories installed and functioning, turn-key in your driveway....I'd expect in the neighborhood of $1000....and that's side-work rate. Shop rate could be MUCH higher.
I think 30 hours is going to be on the light side, for a NICE install. I'd guess anywhere from 50-100 to do it like GM had done it. Big difference between in and running and in, running, and done right.
87ttop said:
Nope, I do my own work because I've seen too many half-*ss jobs done by alleged pros. The only guy I would let do mine i would never have do mine, because I'd die of old age waiting. A really good technician, and a great friend, but has too many irons in the fire.
Really, an LS in a G body for under a grand? What, with a truck pan hanging under the crossmember by 2 inches? Truck intake rubbing the hood? PS pump rubbing the box? Time/fabrication is money, and remember, a cheap job is usally a cheaply done job.
Glad you can get it done for that, hope it turns out to be what you want. Little more to it than dropping an SBC into a car that already had one.
But in all seriousness, good for you if you found a guy that'll do it right for $400.
Ask David Williamson and Phoenyx how paying a "pro" works out.
Still sounds too cheap to me. Shop rates in my area range from $60-$120/hr. I charge $50 for side work and my regulars are happy to pay it. They come to me and my home shop is well equipped. I can't imagine going to someone else's place and taking on this type of project for $400...let alone twice. Maybe it's just a regional economy thing. I've done 4 LT1 swaps personally and I can tell you there are lots of little details that need to be addressed to do it right. Just bolting the LT1 in place is the fast/easy part. It's your car and your money and I really do hope this works out for you. Keep us posted and get a build thread started when the wrenches fly.
BTW, if you really can get an LS swapped for $1K -- forget all about the LT1s and go that route. Lots more aftermarket support.
Still sounds too cheap to me. Shop rates in my area range from $60-$120/hr. I charge $50 for side work and my regulars are happy to pay it. They come to me and my home shop is well equipped. I can't imagine going to someone else's place and taking on this type of project for $400...let alone twice. Maybe it's just a regional economy thing. I've done 4 LT1 swaps personally and I can tell you there are lots of little details that need to be addressed to do it right. Just bolting the LT1 in place is the fast/easy part. It's your car and your money and I really do hope this works out for you. Keep us posted and get a build thread started when the wrenches fly.
BTW, if you really can get an LS swapped for $1K -- forget all about the LT1s and go that route. Lots more aftermarket support.
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