92 FD3S LS swap in Virginia?

[Diesuperfly]

Hello gents,

Feel free to flame!   I was looking for somewhere to go for my LS1 swap into my FD and the only response I have so far from a shop is 20k, which according to everything I've read on here.. doesn't sound spot on.  Does anyone know anyplace in VA or NC I could take this project to for a decent price?  If not, I may just have to start this after this year.  Also can anyone price check this http://www.ebay.com/itm/142374470998?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT  I was wondering how much some of you guys would pay for it.

Thanks,
-Danny

[digitalsolo]

What was that including, exactly?   20k for engine/trans/mounting kit/Air Conditioning/Power Steering/etc is not necessarily that crazy depending on what's being asked of them.

If you have some/all of the parts, that's batshit insane.   I'd probably do a full swap with the whole 9 yards for 3,500 dollars + materials.

[Diesuperfly]

What was that including, exactly?   20k for engine/trans/mounting kit/Air Conditioning/Power Steering/etc is not necessarily that crazy depending on what's being asked of them.

If you have some/all of the parts, that's batshit insane.   I'd probably do a full swap with the whole 9 yards for 3,500 dollars + materials.

They said "We are on LS3 blocks as we only install new or motors newly built. Swaps with Motors start in the $20k range. That's a Motor, electronics, fab, labor and tax. We then have exhaust if needed, cooling and custom lines."

Wouldn't the materials come out to about 7-9k depending on how well shopped around for?

[Nfinitecc]

If the 20k quote includes motor, trans, mounting, electronics, you wouldn't have 8k of parts remaining and if done clean, with a new LS3, doesn't sound bad at all.

[digitalsolo]

If the 20k includes everything but the chassis, I'd say that's a pretty good deal.   If they're using a brand new LS3 and a rebuilt T56, that's more than 10k dollars right there.   Another 6-7 in other parts and 3-4 in labor.   Sounds about right.

People selling well done swapped cars for ~20k dollars are generally losing money, or at best breaking even on parts and losing their labor.

I charge 1000 dollars just to do wiring, and probably 300-400 in labor.   Now, that's about 33% of a full swap's effort, but still, 3000-3500 for labor on a swap is pretty cheap, that's only 60 hours of labor at 60/hour.    That's two guys working on a car for less than week.

[Diesuperfly]

If the 20k includes everything but the chassis, I'd say that's a pretty good deal.   If they're using a brand new LS3 and a rebuilt T56, that's more than 10k dollars right there.   Another 6-7 in other parts and 3-4 in labor.   Sounds about right.

People selling well done swapped cars for ~20k dollars are generally losing money, or at best breaking even on parts and losing their labor.

I charge 1000 dollars just to do wiring, and probably 300-400 in labor.   Now, that's about 33% of a full swap's effort, but still, 3000-3500 for labor on a swap is pretty cheap, that's only 60 hours of labor at 60/hour.    That's two guys working on a car for less than week.

Yeah I suppose I should buy a decent pullout and look for somewhere else that is willing to work on that for me.  I may not be able to get it done this year.  My budget as it currently stands is 12k.   It definitely woulda been easier to buy a completed one. However I decided to get that FD3S in my original post which I thought was in good condition and I have lived in japan for a long while so it was a piece of home for me.  What do you guys think that is worth by the way?

[digitalsolo]

The rotary car in the ad?    26k is a bit steep, but it looks to be in great shape, probably 15-18k is what I'd pay.

[Diesuperfly]

The rotary car in the ad?    26k is a bit steep, but it looks to be in great shape, probably 15-18k is what I'd pay.

Yeah, I assume everyone on there always sets buy it now for a big up price.  Hrmmmm well I guess I overpaid a bit. 20k =\  Going to pick it up next month!

[digitalsolo]

20k may not be too out of line.   I know JDM = $$$.