Top End Rebuild - What did it Cost/
12-13-2007, 08:51 AM
#1
Racer
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Top End Rebuild - What did it Cost/
I am thinking of having a top end rebuild on my '90 C4 in the UK due to oil leaks.
I am getting a wide range of estimates from specialists. These vary from £2000parts and labour to £4500 parts and labour, and from 30 to 50 hours work. All based on a 'standard' rebuild - head regrinding, valves, rings etc with any extras such as tinware, replacement crankcase covers etc extra.
What did yours cost? Parts, labour, hours, extras needed, total bill and who did the work.
PM me if you prefer although I think as our cars approach 20 years old there will be a wide interest in this thread. Thanks...
I am getting a wide range of estimates from specialists. These vary from £2000parts and labour to £4500 parts and labour, and from 30 to 50 hours work. All based on a 'standard' rebuild - head regrinding, valves, rings etc with any extras such as tinware, replacement crankcase covers etc extra.
What did yours cost? Parts, labour, hours, extras needed, total bill and who did the work.
PM me if you prefer although I think as our cars approach 20 years old there will be a wide interest in this thread. Thanks...
12-13-2007, 11:19 AM
#2
First of all, I don't know whether the prices you quote are including VAT or not, my experience (I have done it twice) tells me as follows:
Anyone offering a topend rebuild for £2000 even excl VAT must be crazy.
If I were you, I would go to someone like JZ Machtech or 9M or another very well-known independent. I would budget for £4000+VAT minimum. The problem with this is that you never know when you get into the engine what you may find. Also, don't forget that whilst you are in there - there are items such as big end bearings and/or oil pump that you could almost for free labour-wise. Also, whilst the engine is out, if you do not know when your flywheel and/or clutch was replaced, then they can take a look and do it for almost free as well whilst you are there.
My recommendation is to budget for £6K all in, (without clutch or flywheel) that way it may be less depending on what you find opr decide to do, but it shouldn't be too far off the top end pricewise unless you go crazy and replace everything.
IIRC, big end bearings are approx £400 or so, clutch is like £400 or so, oil pumps is about £500 and I don't remember what a flywheel costs - a dual mass maybe £250 or so....all PLUS VAT.
Let us know how you get on - hint: tinware can sometimes be cleaned right down and then recoated unless it is in bits....I think new Tinware is north of a grand - I think I replaced one bit of it as it had fallen apart and it was over £200 for a fairly small bit of metal!
Anyone offering a topend rebuild for £2000 even excl VAT must be crazy.
If I were you, I would go to someone like JZ Machtech or 9M or another very well-known independent. I would budget for £4000+VAT minimum. The problem with this is that you never know when you get into the engine what you may find. Also, don't forget that whilst you are in there - there are items such as big end bearings and/or oil pump that you could almost for free labour-wise. Also, whilst the engine is out, if you do not know when your flywheel and/or clutch was replaced, then they can take a look and do it for almost free as well whilst you are there.
My recommendation is to budget for £6K all in, (without clutch or flywheel) that way it may be less depending on what you find opr decide to do, but it shouldn't be too far off the top end pricewise unless you go crazy and replace everything.
IIRC, big end bearings are approx £400 or so, clutch is like £400 or so, oil pumps is about £500 and I don't remember what a flywheel costs - a dual mass maybe £250 or so....all PLUS VAT.
Let us know how you get on - hint: tinware can sometimes be cleaned right down and then recoated unless it is in bits....I think new Tinware is north of a grand - I think I replaced one bit of it as it had fallen apart and it was over £200 for a fairly small bit of metal!
12-13-2007, 12:01 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
First of all, I don't know whether the prices you quote are including VAT or not, my experience (I have done it twice) tells me as follows:
Anyone offering a topend rebuild for £2000 even excl VAT must be crazy.
If I were you, I would go to someone like JZ Machtech or 9M or another very well-known independent. I would budget for £4000+VAT minimum. The problem with this is that you never know when you get into the engine what you may find. Also, don't forget that whilst you are in there - there are items such as big end bearings and/or oil pump that you could almost for free labour-wise. Also, whilst the engine is out, if you do not know when your flywheel and/or clutch was replaced, then they can take a look and do it for almost free as well whilst you are there.
My recommendation is to budget for £6K all in, (without clutch or flywheel) that way it may be less depending on what you find opr decide to do, but it shouldn't be too far off the top end pricewise unless you go crazy and replace everything.
IIRC, big end bearings are approx £400 or so, clutch is like £400 or so, oil pumps is about £500 and I don't remember what a flywheel costs - a dual mass maybe £250 or so....all PLUS VAT.
Let us know how you get on - hint: tinware can sometimes be cleaned right down and then recoated unless it is in bits....I think new Tinware is north of a grand - I think I replaced one bit of it as it had fallen apart and it was over £200 for a fairly small bit of metal!
Anyone offering a topend rebuild for £2000 even excl VAT must be crazy.
If I were you, I would go to someone like JZ Machtech or 9M or another very well-known independent. I would budget for £4000+VAT minimum. The problem with this is that you never know when you get into the engine what you may find. Also, don't forget that whilst you are in there - there are items such as big end bearings and/or oil pump that you could almost for free labour-wise. Also, whilst the engine is out, if you do not know when your flywheel and/or clutch was replaced, then they can take a look and do it for almost free as well whilst you are there.
My recommendation is to budget for £6K all in, (without clutch or flywheel) that way it may be less depending on what you find opr decide to do, but it shouldn't be too far off the top end pricewise unless you go crazy and replace everything.
IIRC, big end bearings are approx £400 or so, clutch is like £400 or so, oil pumps is about £500 and I don't remember what a flywheel costs - a dual mass maybe £250 or so....all PLUS VAT.
Let us know how you get on - hint: tinware can sometimes be cleaned right down and then recoated unless it is in bits....I think new Tinware is north of a grand - I think I replaced one bit of it as it had fallen apart and it was over £200 for a fairly small bit of metal!
12-13-2007, 12:23 PM
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Hi Christer - These figures are before VAT and as I stated excluding all the additional items you mention which, I agree, may need to be added. The lower estimate is from a well known specialist in the North West. My point is that there is a big variance for the estimates made on the same basis - all may need the extras you point out!
12-13-2007, 02:31 PM
#5
Hi Christer - These figures are before VAT and as I stated excluding all the additional items you mention which, I agree, may need to be added. The lower estimate is from a well known specialist in the North West. My point is that there is a big variance for the estimates made on the same basis - all may need the extras you point out!
Greg
12-13-2007, 02:51 PM
#6
Burgled
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I think if my car gets to the point of needing a top end i will sell the car off in parts. Thats crazy money to fix these cars. 
12-13-2007, 04:12 PM
#7
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It amazes me how cheap US cars are to start with so am not surprised you are shocked!!
The best I have been quoted by a local independant was £5000 all up, assuming no surprises.
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12-13-2007, 08:03 PM
#9
Nordschleife Master
Mine had a basic top-end rebuild in 2004 by Woodward motors in Gloucestershire. The parts consisted mostly of a head set, piston rings, a clutch and the usual service items (oil, filter and plugs). The rest of the bill was labour. The total was £2,705 (inc. VAT).
After staring admiringly at my engine from underneath a few times, I know I have some tin issues that will need to be addressed in the future. But I can't knock the quality of the work that was done as the oil consumption has only been 1 litre in 5,000 miles and the engine pulls like a train IMO
After staring admiringly at my engine from underneath a few times, I know I have some tin issues that will need to be addressed in the future. But I can't knock the quality of the work that was done as the oil consumption has only been 1 litre in 5,000 miles and the engine pulls like a train IMO
12-13-2007, 08:38 PM
#10
Nordschleife Master
That northway invoice looks more like a reseal than a rebuild. No valve guides listed under parts, no mention of a valve job, no inspection/replacement of valves, no new adjuster screws, rockers, no cam inspection, no new chains/ramps. I would also think if they re-ringed it, you really should do the rod bolts, as that is one of the main weak points in the engine.
12-14-2007, 02:46 PM
#11
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ian,
don't be shy in naming the companies who you are considering. Its better to find out of anyone has any experiences of them before you have the work. As our friends from the US, say: Ask me how I know.
don't be shy in naming the companies who you are considering. Its better to find out of anyone has any experiences of them before you have the work. As our friends from the US, say: Ask me how I know.
12-14-2007, 06:33 PM
#13
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That northway invoice looks more like a reseal than a rebuild. No valve guides listed under parts, no mention of a valve job, no inspection/replacement of valves, no new adjuster screws, rockers, no cam inspection, no new chains/ramps. I would also think if they re-ringed it, you really should do the rod bolts, as that is one of the main weak points in the engine.
12-14-2007, 07:29 PM
#14
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It is listed in the "Repair Instructions", but the parts list doesn't seem to cover the items identified by Colin (38D).
