$1800 for a HG Job?!

[csweston]

This is what i was quoted by two different shops. Seems rediculously high to me. Especially since i did the timingbelt, waterpump, tensioner, and thermostat 10k ago and let them know that.


Does it seem high to anyone else?

[mycargoesvroom]

Yeah I think that's a tad high. I would say around $1000 is fair, but markets are different from state to state so that might be average for your area.

[2000gtb]

paid 600 for my dads HG

[SativaMan04]

Thats how much I paid for my HG job. I went to a Subaru Specialist though. They also replaced waterpump, timing belt, pulleys, thermostat, rear diff bushing, tranny mount, engine mounts, new clutch, tied rod ends, steering rack bushings. Total 3,000.00 (Sucks when I'm not mehcanically inclined!!!)

For the HG alone it was 1800 another smaller shop quoted me 1200. GL!!

[csweston]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I did the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, and tensioner myself. Im just scared/ afraid that i wouldn't be able to finish the job in the time i have or that i would really mess something up.

[httrdd]

Just Ez30R swap it like you wanted to. Perfect oppertunity!

[csweston]

Ha trust me if i had the funding i would! But work started late and im headed back to school soon.

[harrymaneuvers]

I just got quoted $1500-$2000 if my ladies wrx needs HG's... that is at a subaru specialty shop/tuner shop here locally.

[d1giPhux]

I wouldnt pay more then $1200 tops. Most small shops will charge around $800-1k. Dealer will charge around.. $1800. You can save money by buying the rebuild kit online for the engine and get all the gaskets you need, etc first. Then take it to a good place that isn't going to saw your arm off on a price. Ask me how i know. :lol:

[phi11]

if the heads are warped, then you have to have them machined.
I installed everything myself, and still spent around $1200.

[mshriver]

I have been through this twice. I pulled the engine myself then took it to my mechanic (who is extremely cheap). That cost me between $700 and $1000 including having the heads resurfaced. So if you factor in pulling and reinstalling the engine + fees that a normal shop would charge I say the price they gave you is about right. Im talking about DOHC, SOHC would be significantly easier

[BG5guy]

Most shops/dealerships charge between 1000-1500 which includes parts labor and usually machined heads. If u lived out here id have my buddy do it after work, he charges 500

[Huffer]

This is what i was quoted by two different shops. Seems rediculously high to me. Especially since i did the timingbelt, waterpump, tensioner, and thermostat 10k ago and let them know that.

Does it seem high to anyone else?

It does seem high but they are probably including the labor to disassemble, remove parts, machine the head flat if there is warping, reassemble, redo the timing belt, replace parts and then refill with oil, coolant and test drive.

Ask for a written estimate and make sure they know they need to contact you if they are getting within $200 of that estimate. Also let them know if you want them to reuse your water pump, t-stat etc. Personally I'd replace the t-stat and the rear oil separator plate while everything is out.

[grayguy]

It seems like a believeable price, I know the last 2 I did needed $500-600 just in head work at the machine shop. Dohc heads are stupid expensive to rebuild.

[ouch1011]

I spent $600 in parts on my HG repair. No machining to the heads, they were still in great shape. But I used all dealer parts and replaced the head bolts, which were like $90 alone. It was a bit of a waste in retrospect since the engine is getting replaced soon, 2 years later, but I'd just bought the car at that time and wanted it to last a while.

$1800 at a good quality shop is not an absurd price, especially since most good shops will send out the heads to be checked and machined every time. Its a good warranty practice, especially on an engine that was overheated.

[4n70n1n0]

On my old ej25d I was charged 1500 to 1600 at subaru specialty shop(ECS) well worth it.

[subleg69]

On my car I had the head gasket. Timing belt. Cams installed. Valve job and all the gasket in the top end done for 1500 bucks from this guy who does all my motorcycle engine work. That was cheap as dirt for all that

[Wiscon_Mark]

All the horror stories I've heard in the past have been around or above that price. If they're doing the job right, it's going to be at least 1500.