Date:         Tue, 9 Dec 2003 02:01:47 -0500
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Subaru conversion
In-Reply-To:  <CAEOIPKOOCKNBBDDDMBPCEJIDPAA.jeff@tssgi.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

For a "professional" to do a conversion, I always figure $60 and hour
and 50 hours. Add in a fudge factor of 10 hours. That's $3000 for
labor. Some folks might have it done faster (40 hours), or a bit longer
(60 hours) depending on what else turns out to need doing. But you get
what you pay for. A rush job (less hours) might be more painful further
down the road. A longer job, might be a sign of inexperience...or
attention to detail.

So, if you've got the mechanical ability, you might consider doing the
work yourself. But do NOT consider that you'll be "saving" money. it
will take you longer (unless your garage is INCREDIBLY well equipped.)
Any mistakes will be YOURS. You'll find yourself stopping to hunt up
all the miscellaneous parts and cleaners that a conversion entails
(clamps, screws, paint). You'll find yourself acquiring (or perhaps
renting) tools that you've never used before (welder, dremel,
sawzall...okay, maybe not he sawzall for most conversions).

You'll find yourself with grubby fingernails, skinned knuckles and a
funny grin on your face when it actually runs.

On Dec 9, 2003, at 12:56 AM, Jeffrey Schwaia wrote:

> I think the frustration level for people contemplating an engine
> conversion
> is due to not knowing the breakdown of parts to labor.  It seems like
> the
> "conversion specialists" are not too forthcoming with information.
> Package
> deals are usually only attractive when they are actually a deal, or at
> least
> seem like one.