Cost of spring swap - Eibach ProKit
 

I wanted to share an LOL moment with you guys. I recently purchased a set of the Eibach Prokit springs. For now I'm just looking for a modest drop (7/8") and I got a good deal on the set from TireRack. (also picked up alignment kit from Summit Racing for cheap)

My regular mechanic quoted me a price of $250 for installing the springs and performing an alignment. His normal alignment is about $80.. so I figure he was charging about $40ish a corner for the springs. I thought it was a little high - but he's always done a good job for me in the past so I'll likely go with his shop (he alway's busy - so it will be next week before he can get to my car.)

So I figure I'd spend some time and ride around to see what other shops are getting for a spring swap and alignment. To my surprise, most of national chain shops would not perform the swap unless I bought springs from them... "Can only install parts we sell". Needless to say - none of those shops will see my business.

Of the ones that would do install the prices ranged from ridiculous to f-ing idiotic. I had 3 local shops that quoted between $250 to $400, which made my regular guy's quote look like a good deal.

But the one that took the cake was Pep-Boys, a recommended Tire Rack installer no less, that quoted me $812!!! and that did not include the alignment! LOL. I looked at the guy and laughed at him. I told him it was maybe an hour's work for a good mechanic... two at the best. No way in hell was it worth $812... let alone half that. As I left the store I drove by their shop area - all 5 bays were empty and they had at least 4 guys standing around with their hands in their pockets... LOL - I can't imagine why. (I doubt I'd have the courage to let them work on my ride to being with... but that's another topic)

Anyway, thought I'd share that with yall. I'll stick with my regular guy and just wait till he has the time to perform the install. :thumbsup:

250 with an alignment is a very good deal, especially from someone you trust.

I wouldn't let Pepboys work on my car for free. :lol:

- Andy

Yeah - I guess I'm still living in the past... everything seems so high these days. I remember complaining on spending $10,000 on a new car. Seems everything goes up but your own paycheck. :(

I just lol'ed at the PepBoys guy. I agree, they won't ever see my car in their shop... I was just seeing how much a "recommended" Tire Rack installer would charge. What a rip-off. It is a shame the way some shops take advantage of unknowing people. Seems the honest mechanic is a rare breed now days.

My mechanic is older guy, but he has a couple good guys that do the heavy lifting for him. He is always busy. His shop has worked on a number of my cars/trucks over the years. Sometimes I think he is too high, but he always does good a good job and if it is not right he makes it right. The old saying is true - you get what you pay for. (I still try to pay less when I can tho... just my nature)

you thinking 250 is high is funnier. also even with a lift/air tools, if they havent worked on the suspension of a vehicle before it could easily take them 2 hours to get everything correct. lol at pep boys though

i got quoted 1038 + tax for spring install and alignment

Jesus does this include the springs or something?!

Nope

From who? Damn, that is insane. There are a couple of vendors on these forums that do BC coilovers installed for 1300 - Revworks I think is one of them.

I understand a shop needs to turn a profit to stay in business.. but the prices I hear some people pay for mechanic work are insane. I guess I need to be thankful my regular guy is fairly reasonable.


I could do the spring install myself, but I just don't have the gumption to want to do it anymore.. prefer to pay someone to do it. We no longer have a shop to work in and I can't stand to try and work on something in the driveway... not to mention I'm down to just a basic 240-piece tool set - my self mechanic days are past me :D.

I got quoted approximately $750 to install a pro kit on the FR-S. Ran away quick. Found another mechanic that agreed to do it for $300 flat. Took him 2 hours. Bit of a high hourly rate for the work, but what the heck he did a good job and we shook on the deal. Picked up a new Pro Kit for $170 shipped, so saved on that end.

Ok.... got 'em installed yesterday. $250. /SWEET! :party0030:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/...33d871ac_b.jpg

Sorry for the dark photo - phone at dusk!

:burnrubber:

Haha I hope you laughed at them and walked away. Who was this that quoted so much?

I just got quoted 650 for spring install and 250 for 4 wheel alignment.

How many hours are we talking for an amateur renting a spring compressor, or a proper pro mechanic? No bushing replacement as I hear that's hard labour.

Lol! Got to love Calgary shops, please pm me where you got this quote.
I got quoted over a grand + tax ..
I even asked the guy twice if he is sure that its install and alignment only and no springs , he said yes. Spring is extra haha

I think I might quit my job and start installing springs, based on the quotes you guys are getting lol