I know the shop rates vary, where I am it is $95 per hour but I think they offset that lower rate by raising the amount of estimated time spent. If I were to get cams done (that would be stage 2 correct?) at the dealer what is a reasonable amount of time?

 

They can save time by going with adj pushrods (cut old ones out and don't have go into the top) added parts cost. I've seen labor estimates ranging from 4 hours to 6 hours from dealers.
A few years ago, in a TC88, I paid around $700 out the door for SE 203 w/adj pushrods including labor. That was like 10 years ago so parts and labor were both cheaper. I've seen quotes over $1k recently.

 

Sounds like a good winter project if you're up to doing it yourself. There's some really good information out there.

 

it wouldn't be unreasonable for the shop to "identify" 5 hours on their list, if you are getting/have adjustable push rods and have a stock exhaust.

in reality... a shop with all the tools laid out, adj rods... (i.e. no tank removal, rocker removal) 2... maybe 3 hours by the time he is rolling it off the lift.

 

for performance work look past the dealer to an independent.

You'll likely get a tech with more experience, lower cost

cutting out the pushrods reduces the labour costs by 1/2 ( otherwise the heads have to come off)...but if you wanted to do heads or hi comp pistons, that is the time to do it.

get a guru, stop by a shop and let them see what you have, let them know the result you would like- and they should be able to give you pricing for a good result incl tuning etc.

since riding season is almost done, you should be be to get a good price- they want to stay busy thru winter unless they also branch out to skidoos or head down here where riding season is just getting going



mike

 

If you are talking turn key don't forget the tune time. It will be required.

 

I was charged 5 hrs. for cams and lifters using stock pushrods, not adjustables.

Do yourself a favor and ditch the Mexican lifters for some higher quality aftermarket units (I used S&S).

 

Cam change might sound intimidating, but it's a super simple install.


However if you find a guy working out of his garage you should expect to spend about 400.00 in labor (or less).


The timing marks for the most part only can go in "1" way. You'd have to be extremely cross eyed not to line everything up correctly. Get adjustable pushrods, 24 flats then lock the nuts down. Fire it up and save that labor $$. You can find the tools you need, either rent or buy yourself.

 

Heads don't have to come off just the rocker boxes.

I do agree with an independent for that job. I was going to buy the bearing puller/installer but the guy that did my cam in my 10 charged me $200 for the install. Basically a wash at that point.

 

Duh- sorry!

Mike