Here's how I see it based on my own personal experience on each job with the exception of the airbox:
Headers/Exhaust - 4-5 hours
Air Box - 3 hours (Comptechs estimate, 7 hours is ubsurd!)
Clutch - 7-10 hours
Shocks/Spings/Swaybars - 3-4 hours ( I know Lud does this in less
)
Keyless - 1 hour
Oil Pan Gasket - 1 hour (remember exhaust is off already)
VC Gasket - 1.5 hours
Total: experienced estimate 20.5 hours
average estimate 25.5 hours
average estimate time /$1500 = $60/hour a fair and very reasonable rate these days.
In regard to the NSX clutch:
1. I agree any mechanic can do it, will it be right mmm.....
2. It is not hard to do, but it is different then any other clutch out there. Easy to get it wrong.
3. Separating the ball joints (or not!!) is the least of it.
A. Proper grease and right amount (gee, my new clutch shudders)
B. It's a "pull" clutch, better know to release the fork (hey, I cannot get the trans out!)
C. Initialization, not hard to do, but many just don't know and don't do it (I just had a new clutch installed and I cannot get it into first or reverse?)
D. Tightening sequence for pressure plate (gee my clutch mounting bolts backed out after 10K miles)
Hopefully a good tech, not specific to the NSX will do a little homework and understand these issues, or ask
. Again, non of this is beyond any good tech, but some things are unique.
This is pretty much the case with most cars IMO. Ever do a clutch on a VW Golf?? Considering the throw out bearing is at the opposite end of the trans from the clutch, now that is wierd
.
At the same time, every good tech does a job for the first time, right?
HTH,
LarryB