Forgive me if this has been covered, but I couldn't see where it had. Maybe I used the wrong keywords.

Anyway, I'm pretty set on replacing my crappy factory exhaust manifolds with a set of OBX long tubes. I've called two local shops for quotes, and here are the prices I've gotten.

One was $600 for the best case scenario and $1500 for the worst. He said the worst case scenario was if bolts broke, and he had to pull the engine to get them out. Seemed odd to me because I thought I saw somewhere that there was a trick to getting them out where this wasn't necessary.

Anywho, the second quote was for $400 for the best case scenario and $1200 for the worst. He said that he'd pull the heads to get the bolts out if they broke. Again, I didn't think this was necessary.

What do you guys think? Am I in the ballpark? If pulling the engine or heads is unnecessary, how do I tell the mechanic that?

Thanks in advance.

J

 

If you install headers, don't forget the custom tune.

 

All depends on the shops rates....and their knowledge of the vehicle....

The heads don't have to be removed to get the broken studs out....

I've seen header installs go from $100-$500 in my area ....plus you'll have a little custom work involved too.....$700 tops....

 

Will do, Bluejay! I'm really diggin' this programmer business!

The shop with the lower price has done quite a bit of work for me over the years, and they've always been reasonable and do a great job. I still just thought his price was maybe a little high, and the $1200 price is WAY too high!! I tried to tell the mechanic that he doesn't have to pull the heads, but when he asked me what the alternative was, I couldn't tell him because I wasn't 100% sure. Anybody got a link to a good how-to on that process?

$600 tops is what I had in mind, but I'd pay $700. NO MORE!! Gotta buy tires soon too.

 

EEK!! I'll be dern! An ol' buddy just pointed out the thread I'd seen before where the broken studs are discussed. I can't believe I missed it...considering it is STICKIED!!

Anyways, if anybody knows of a more concise, in depth tutorial, feel free to link it.

 

My buddy works at a performance shop and they charge $300-400 for most vehicles.

 

Well, I got another quote from a local shop I've done some trading with over the years. His "worst case scenario" quote was $600. That's if he breaks the studs and has to pull the heads, etc.

For some reason, these good ol' boy mechanics are stubborn! Every time I try to explain that the heads don't have to be pulled (and why) they just don't listen. This guy said that if the passenger side rear studs break (any of them) that there's no way to even get an easy out to them to work the stud out.

I give up trying to explain it to 'em. They're more stubborn than my wife!

 

My main concern with mods like this is if the job is going to be done right. The going rate varies in each area and I'd rather pay more for a competent shop. I'd rather them pull the heads if need be and be safe. That's just me though. If mine gets bad, I'm going to look into Dynatechs. Mine is gone within a few seconds.