Typical SC Head Work Cost in 2023?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
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Looking at adding an SC to my garage to complement my 993 Targa.
One thing I’m trying to get more data on — so I can factor it into ownership costs — is what I should expect to pay for a head rebuild (at the very least, new studs) in 2023? $4k? $7k? Even more? Parts & labor both.
I’m going to phone my air-cooled shop (Protosport here in NJ/NY) on Monday but more data is always helpful. Also gives me a clear negotiating lever on some of the higher mileage cars that have not had the work done.
One thing I’m trying to get more data on — so I can factor it into ownership costs — is what I should expect to pay for a head rebuild (at the very least, new studs) in 2023? $4k? $7k? Even more? Parts & labor both.
I’m going to phone my air-cooled shop (Protosport here in NJ/NY) on Monday but more data is always helpful. Also gives me a clear negotiating lever on some of the higher mileage cars that have not had the work done.
Last edited by silverlock; 07-23-2023 at 03:35 AM.
#2
Team Owner
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its very regional but i would not be surprised at a 10 k price tag. Things have skyrocketed in the past couple years.
id be interested in what they say as i just did it myself. id be curious how much saved.
id be interested in what they say as i just did it myself. id be curious how much saved.
Last edited by theiceman; 07-24-2023 at 10:21 AM.
#3
Drifting
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One of my friends is having a top end rebuild now on his 86 Carrera. Machine work of the heads along with the valves and valve guides is going to cost him about $6K and a 2 to 3 month wait. This is on top of the labor, gaskets, head studs etc.
It will be close to $15K when it is done. Luckily the labor rate at the shop is reasonable. I just read someone paid $500 for an oil change in San Francisco, labor rate $275 hour.
It will be close to $15K when it is done. Luckily the labor rate at the shop is reasonable. I just read someone paid $500 for an oil change in San Francisco, labor rate $275 hour.
Last edited by GothingNC; 07-24-2023 at 07:50 AM.
#4
Team Owner
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One of my friends is having a top end rebuild now on his 86 Carrera. Machine work of the heads along with the valves and valve guides is going to cost him about $6K and a 2 to 3 month wait. This is on top of the labor, gaskets, head studs etc.
It will be close to $15K when it is done. Luckily the labor rate at the shop is reasonable. I just read someone paid $500 for an oil change in San Francisco, labor rate $275 hour.
It will be close to $15K when it is done. Luckily the labor rate at the shop is reasonable. I just read someone paid $500 for an oil change in San Francisco, labor rate $275 hour.
whole project was about 5G total at the time, and that was just in machine shop and parts, labour was all mine. .. so 15 doesnt shock me in the least.
#5
Addicted Specialist
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All costs have gone insane since covid, and labor is arguably the most hideous increase! My son just had to have a radiator replace in an 04 Volvo (which I could have done if it didn't have to come out from the freakin bottom!!!). The indy --whom I trust-- quoted 1400 total, What?!!! Parts and labor were both astronomical compared to only a scant few years ago. It's madness!
Sorry, nothing constructive to contribute except to empathize and vent![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Edward
Sorry, nothing constructive to contribute except to empathize and vent
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Edward
#6
Team Owner
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All costs have gone insane since covid, and labor is arguably the most hideous increase! My son just had to have a radiator replace in an 04 Volvo (which I could have done if it didn't have to come out from the freakin bottom!!!). The indy --whom I trust-- quoted 1400 total, What?!!! Parts and labor were both astronomical compared to only a scant few years ago. It's madness!
Sorry, nothing constructive to contribute except to empathize and vent![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Edward
Sorry, nothing constructive to contribute except to empathize and vent
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Edward
#7
Burning Brakes
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$10K for head work. Regarding prices, it's a weird version of supply and demand. Many air-cooled mechanics have aged out and closed their shops or scaled back work. That increases the work for those shops that remain, many of which find it difficult to hire good help. In parallel, the wait-time for good machine-shop work has increased dramatically for the same reasons. My '67 engine rebuild timeframe recently doubled, as after many months of zero progress, we had to retrieve all parts sent to a well-known machine-shop, find alternative shops, and send everything elsewhere.
Have you shopped for high-end men's clothing lately? The cost has doubled since pre-covid. For that, I have no explanation.
Have you shopped for high-end men's clothing lately? The cost has doubled since pre-covid. For that, I have no explanation.
Last edited by raspritz; 07-24-2023 at 12:31 PM.
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#8
Addicted Specialist
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the annoying thing is its almost like it was contrived, there is absolutely no reason for it. It started with restaurants trying to make up for all lost revenue from closures in the first 3 months with ridiculous price increases, then everyone just jumped on board with the perfect excuse for gouging people.
Rant, over. On the plus side of things, we get to enjoy aircooled art ...that is, until petrol --and now gas ranges-- are priced out to obscurity.
Edward
Last edited by Edward; 07-25-2023 at 10:43 AM.
#9
Racer
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I would suggest you contact Craig Garrett in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is well known on the Pelican board (user ID cgarr) and has a small shop offering Porsche air cooled machining. He did the heads on my 3.2 with new valves, guides etc and drilled them for twin plug when I rebuilt my engine as a boredom project during COVID (2021) for less than $2k including return shipping.
-Todd
-Todd
#10
Burning Brakes
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I would suggest you contact Craig Garrett in Grand Rapids Michigan. He is well known on the Pelican board (user ID cgarr) and has a small shop offering Porsche air cooled machining. He did the heads on my 3.2 with new valves, guides etc and drilled them for twin plug when I rebuilt my engine as a boredom project during COVID (2021) for less than $2k including return shipping.
-Todd
-Todd
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silverlock (08-01-2023)