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Labor Costs Resonable ?

Joined
19 June 2003
Messages
213
Location
California
I'm having the following done on my 91 NSX. I'm supplying all the parts and paying only for labor.

BB Header
Comptech Exhaust
Comptech Air Filter (the 7+/- hr install one)
OEM Clutch
Shocks + Springs + Anti-Sways
OEM Keyless Entry
Oil Pan Gasket
Valve Cover Gasket

I was quoted $1900 but reduced to $1500. Just wondering
if these labor rates are resonable. Thanks.
 
I estimate about 35 hrs for all this work. Dividing your price ($1500) by this amount gives you an hourly rate of $42.85.

So you're paying about half the Acura dealer rate in labor. I'd be afraid of paying too LITTLE - are you sure the mechanic is trained in all the subtleties of the NSX?
 
It's actually being done by my mechanic friend. He runs his own shop with his partner and his partner usually sets the price after I tell him what I want. These are the only guys that I would trust but I just wanted to know if I was in fact getting a "deal" like how I am assuming I am. I guess this time I am in fact getting a good price.

I once had them replace several things on my 300zx that i've own in the past and they charged me $2100 in labor which seemed really high. But again, I didn't research the est amount of hrs it took for those jobs at that time.

Thanks.
 
I would not trust some of that work (notably the clutch) to a mechanic who hadn't done it numerous times before. Especially if I lived in an area with a top-notch service facility with lots of NSX experience.

I'm not saying an experienced mechanic can't do it; he can. But there are things you learn by doing the work over and over - everything from time-saving shortcuts, to "gotchas" that can result in problems if not done in a very specific way, that may or may not be indicated in the service manual.

Just my O, of course...
 
Re: Re: Labor Costs Resonable ?

nsxtasy said:
I would not trust some of that work (notably the clutch) to a mechanic who hadn't done it numerous times before.

I think any mechanic that has done a clutch before can do the clutch in an NSX. It is really not that hard, just tell him not to seperate the lower ball joints like the service manual says. DO NOT use a pickle fork like you can on other cars. I think the main gotcha is to remember you are working with aluminum parts, think butter.
 
nsxxtreme is correct, any competent mechanic can work on an NSX. There are also plenty of great DIY writeups (thanks everybody) to guide you through the procedures. The NSX isn't particularly difficult to work on, just takes a bit of time and the ability to read.

Speaking of time, what air filter takes 7 hours to install?
 
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
 
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Hopefully a good tech, not specific to the NSX will do a little homework and understand these issues, or ask. Again, not of this is beyond any good tech, but some things are unique.

I was assuming they weren't going in blind and would have at least read the service manual. I never did a NSX clutch before and mine came out fine. By the way thanks for the help Larry.
 
nsxxtreme said:
I was assuming they weren't going in blind and would have at least read the service manual. I never did a NSX clutch before and mine came out fine. By the way thanks for the help Larry.

No problem, and you have confirmed my point, you DID NOT assume, did your homework, and it went well, unfortunately some folks are not of that mindset. Glad your is fine:)

LarryB
 
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