$$$ Test Pipe Install $$$
 

Hey everyone, I just got some CNT Resonated Test Pipes and was planning to install them this weekend. The only problem is that we are in the process of moving and so my garage is off limits as it is being packed up and shipped off. :shakes head: So I figured I might as well just have a shop do it for me. Although it may be a waste of money, I just don't have the time to do it now. So I was quoted $270 from Pann Auto in San Diego to do the install, I told them that that was pretty high for the amount of labor and time needed to do the install but at least I wouldn't have to deal with those damn demon bolts :tup: Do you guys know what price range I should be seeing for an install like this? I have a few buddies with connections in this industry but they don't own a "shop" they own a "garage shop" So I don't know if I trust them all that much :ugh2:

Any input would help because then I may be able to get the price down a bit.

Thanks

That's about the same price I've seen for this job. If you feel like it is worth it then go for it. The demon bolts aren't quite as bad it would seem.

I have a suspicion that a lot of the rounded demon bolts here are due to people not having a 6-point socket SQUARELY seated on the bolt when they go to town on the breaker bar. It's easy to let the socket slip just a bit when you are straining hard and not paying really close attention to the socket's orientation on the bolt. Even a slight angle can really increase the odds of rounding. It's hard to see if it is still flush with the bolt since it is so far down, so having a helper is a great idea.

Anywhoozle, you can save yourself $270 if you just wait until you are settled into your new place and have a couple hours to spare. Use Kroil or PB blaster on the bolts before and they will come right off with a fun screetch sound.

Alright thanks for the help, I'll weigh my options and post an update this weekend if I decide to do it or not :tup:

Test pipes are fairly straight forward for an install, not too sure what your prices are down in the states but I had mine done here at a reputable shop for $80 :S The guy estimated an hours worth of work, and it actually took a bit over an hour (15-20 minutes over?). ART pipes are harder due to the resonator positioning (so I've been told) and that only cost me about $100 to have it installed. $270 seems to really be pushing it

Yeah I hit up one of my buddies who seems to know everybody in the car scene, Hopefully he'll reply to me tomorrow with some good news and contact info for some places around here but I guess we'll see...

I paid $100... $260 is rediculous

Pity u were near me i could of done this for free , gona do my test pipes when i get them form F.I . I live at the end of the 605

I haven't done it yet, if I were to do it it would be this weekend. I was talking to my friend about doing the install at his house but then started thinking about those "Demon Bolts". If they were to break, I'd rather have a real shop deal with it.

The bolts arn't to bad , if u have the right tools and alittle stealership 2mins from the house if they break .
No big deal , have done all the work on Z and more on all the cars i have owned , just wanted to help a 370z brother out :driving:.
I just hate it when u have to get stuff done on my car by somebody else when i can do it my self .
Good luck brother :tiphat:

$270 is a bit high, but if you really wanna know, ask them how many Hours they project it to be?

$270/4 hours = $67.50/hr
$270/3 hours = $90/hr
$270/2.5 hrs = $108/hr
$270/2 hours = $135/hr

If they are saying it's going to take more than 2 hours, then they're taking too long. Most shops I've seen are between $70-90/hr so you're at the top end of the spectrum, but if they're quoting you for 3 hours labor, then it's not That ridiculous.

Okay thanks for that info, Ill just double check with them tomorrow to ask if they have rates by the hour and see what they say.

So I called again this morning to ask what their rates are since Chris broke it down for me and they told me that it would be $180 and would take about 2 hours. When I told her that I was quoted $270 a couple of days ago she said that was incorrect, even though I know it was her who told me...But anyways I made an appointment to have them installed tomorrow and the shop says if I get a cel there they could clear it for me so why not?

Thanks guys for the help :tup:

When things like this happen, it's good to get that in writing so you can go back and be like :wtf: Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, or really messed up, it probably is. :icon17:

Yeah I would have tried to get an estimate in writing but the shop is about 30-45 minutes away from me and I didn't want to drive there just for that. And then when I tried to get a quote through email and even set up an appointment, no response. But hopefully all will go smooth and I'll have a clean install.

Thanks again

hey, man. we can install them together. don't pay some crazy price!