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Flat Rate for Engine Change?


Joined
Dec 1, 2009
Messages
9
City
Boise, ID
Vehicle Year
1991
Transmission
Automatic
Howdy all,

First my disclaimer: Im old enough & my body has been broken way too many times, about the only automotive work I can do now is troubleshooting.

Second my question: My nephew is going to start his second year of tech school (he does have the talent), I want him to pull the 4.0 out of my old '92 Ranger that was totaled & put it in my new used '91 Ranger, he keeps quoting various local shop prices saying he'll do it for 50% (all prices are on the high side), how much do I pay him that is fair, but also keeps him enthusiastic about his future.
 
Being fair is subjective... what is fair to me may not be fair to you. If your nephew is willing do it for 50% of shop price and you think 50% is a fair price to pay him, then call around and verify the quotes he received. If not, haggle until you agree on a price that is fair to both of you..
 
not sure where you live but i am soca (very high labor rate)(every one thinks they need a bently) and i am paying a shop to swap out my 2.9 "88" motor and trans and puting in a 4.0 sohc motor and trans. they are not doing any wiring or plumbing. i am paying them $800.00. i think this is cheap. i provied the new race motor mounts also.
 
Howdy Uncle

Howdy all,

First my disclaimer: Im old enough & my body has been broken way too many times, about the only automotive work I can do now is troubleshooting.

Second my question: My nephew is going to start his second year of tech school (he does have the talent), I want him to pull the 4.0 out of my old '92 Ranger that was totaled & put it in my new used '91 Ranger, he keeps quoting various local shop prices saying he'll do it for 50% (all prices are on the high side), how much do I pay him that is fair, but also keeps him enthusiastic about his future.

It is up to you what you are willing to pay your nephew. Think about "love" and "kinship" and the project!
I have several nephews.. Some I would pay the shop price and others I would pay extra NOT to work on my ride!
When dealing with kinfolks "fair" isn't always what the deciding factor. Your decision should be private between the two of you.
Big Jim :hottubfun::wub:
 
i would do it for $400 minimum. he's got to pull 2 engines.. correct?
 
i would do it for $400 minimum. he's got to pull 2 engines.. correct?

The nephew is also being paid in real world experience of swapping out the motors while going to school which is why I assume the nephew is willing to do it for 50% of local shop prices.
 
ok.. i would say $400 is a fraction of the cost of 2 engine removals at a shop..

but heres the thing.. there is a difference what the shop charges for labor and what the tech actually gets paid
 
ok.. i would say $400 is a fraction of the cost of 2 engine removals at a shop..

but heres the thing.. there is a difference what the shop charges for labor and what the tech actually gets paid

And a tech's pay is usually based on his experience, so a student probably won't make nearly as much as an experienced shop tech. But the OP wants to pay a flat rate to his nephew so it doesn't really matter what a shop pays the tech to do a job.

In my view, if the nephew has talent (as the OP puts it) and the nephew is willing do it for 50% of what a shop charges then the OP will save money, the nephew makes money and also gains experience. Everyone should be happy.

But as I said earlier, "fair" is subjective... The reality of "fair" is somewhere in the middle of what you think is fair and what I think is fair.
 
Hi, Me Again

Part of my logic for this post was to explain to the kid that you dont get paid by the hour, you get paid by the job. Fair or not thats the way it is. So the quicker its done the more per hour you make, but no call-backs because that will cost you.
Does anyone have access to a flat-rate book? Thats basically the info that I wanted.
Some good points were brought up, I didnt think of it as a double engine change, although in the end it will only be 1-1/2.
As far as the rate of pay for techs I'll probably go mid-range for him.
Yes he does have experience, back in 2005 I bought him his first car for his 18th birthday, it took about 3months before he tossed a rod, I bought a used engine & swapped it out but I made him my helper (yes I was in better physical condition back then) (retirement doesnt suck, but old age sure does).
Yes he has the talent, it doesnt take an old mechanic very long to spot a good mechanic (regardless of age, experiance or education).
 
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