engine and drivetrain Engine swap labor estimates...

[FutureMan]

I'd like an idea what to expect before I start talking to any shops about potential work. Assuming I can find the engine/tranny combo myself and assuming we're talking about an engine that doesn't require too much fabrication like an m42 or s14, what would you expect the price range to be for a shop to complete the engine swap?

[M3M3]

a lot.

there is an m2 build thread in the projects section from a few years ago. very basic s14 swap (ie no scope creep like i had) the author was doing it for a customer and documented the hours. unless you have very deep pockets, engine swaps are cost prohibitive to pay someone for..

the only exception to this might be if you find a shop that has done a lot of the same swap and knows how to do it quickly.

here is that thread

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,332209/postdays,0/postorder,asc/highlight,s14%252Bairbox/topic_view,flat/start,0/

[FutureMan]

a lot.

there is an m2 build thread in the projects section from a few years ago. very basic s14 swap (ie no scope creep like i had) the author was doing it for a customer and documented the hours. unless you have very deep pockets, engine swaps are cost prohibitive to pay someone for..

the only exception to this might be if you find a shop that has done a lot of the same swap and knows how to do it quickly.

here is that thread

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,332209/postdays,0/postorder,asc/highlight,s14%252Bairbox/topic_view,flat/start,0/

well I was considering taking it to SCR in connecticut, so they have certainly done a fair amount of work on 02s

[Psymon]

a lot.

there is an m2 build thread in the projects section from a few years ago. very basic s14 swap (ie no scope creep like i had) the author was doing it for a customer and documented the hours. unless you have very deep pockets, engine swaps are cost prohibitive to pay someone for..

the only exception to this might be if you find a shop that has done a lot of the same swap and knows how to do it quickly.

here is that thread

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,57/page,viewtopic/t,332209/postdays,0/postorder,asc/highlight,s14%252Bairbox/topic_view,flat/start,0/

well I was considering taking it to SCR in connecticut, so they have certainly done a fair amount of work on 02s

I think ALOT is a good estimate.

[eastsidebimmer]

Swap Stock M10 post from a few days ago, maybe double or triple these estimates for a S14, etc.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,361223/

[RayC911]

If you are looking for an S14, Make sure everything is included, ie manifold, harness, ecu, oil cooler, etc. Otherwise it will nickel and dime you to death. For labor, barebone min would be$4-5k im thinking.

[c.d.iesel]

...and what ever quote you get from SCR in Connecticut

you can be be assured it's honest - they do know what it takes

and can make it happen

[ricortes]

I'd have to double check and it is a bit apples and oranges: Ford 4 cylinder short block was 13 hours labor from a dealership. A bit more work because of head/manifold swap but a bit less nuisance since there was a parts department and everything was plug and bolt compatible. The hours include getting it running right.

Sometimes shops will be able to give low bids because they hire unskilled/non union labor to do the grunt work. Mostly just the simple stuff like removing bumpers or steam cleaning parts. Not all shops do this of course because it can be more trouble then it is worth. Better to pay someone $100/hour then have them do $200/hour damage to your car.

Rick