Average cost to pay a shop to install an engine

And that if everything goes as planned. If this is a new,never-run engine,you have to do the initial run and break-in,make any necessary tweaks,change oil,etc. For me,I would say innthe $1500.00 range,and that is if you have every single piece. There always seems to be a bunch of items that nickel & dime you before you’re done.

 

The engine had already a break in and is tuned from Scott. I would say, the critical part is the flexplate torque converter mounting. Be sure the clearance is right and the converter sits complete in the trans.
BTW I'm Miami end of april, if you haven't done it, I can help you.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses, assistance offering and guidance. Really helped out.

 

At that price, they really don't want the job.

 

I agree, this is it. It's the polite way of saying no to some work. If the customer will pay the crazy price then it becomes worth their while to do some job they don't want.

 

Hector - are the 400 engine mounts/plates there? What radiator do you have? Do you have the headers, what brand? There are some needed parts for this project that are hard to find. Make sure you have everything before you start. How is the transmission? Also, with 4:10 gears you might consider a OD trans. If you do it yourself there are a few folks on the board that have done it and can help you!

 

I've done too many jobs like this that turn into a can of worms. Yes, my last car with the 350 was a quick in/out job, less than a day, but that motor was on zippers, and I wrench for a living. The op needs to know that a myriad of issues can arise, and very rarely do things go according to plan.

 

I have everything as it was present when the 400 motor was removed to get it rebuilt. The headers I know were custom made if not mistaken as I never seen any brand on them. The radiator unsure brand as well, but I know it is 4 core radiator. I would say majority of parts are in the trunk when the 400 was removed and I also have a bin full of parts that came from the 455 engine. Tranny was fine before the 400 was removed.

 

Excellent! That's great that you kept everything! Can the person who removed the 400 put the 455 in?

 

That is where the car has been sitting for 5 months alongside engine with no progress. It has been in such shop, but it is not a priority for the shop owner. I am tried of the run around and that is when I went to another shop and received the quote of $3k-$5k.

 

Sounds like taking it up to Andrew is best if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

That’s what I’m thinking to do. Will be contacting him to further discuss.

 

If you would post pictures of the engine compartment, the parts you have it would help with estimates and what you need to purchase for install.. If you have everything and do not need to run around picking up parts there is No reason the engine cannot be installed and running in a day.

 

Who does Scottys recommend.
3000-5000 to me is 30-50 hours labor.
Or does this include all parts necessary to install.
Belts hoses coolant oil etc.....
Is trans in car and complete.
Need more info.
Scotty knows his Buick’s so it should be a real strong piece.
There are many variables involved and shops do want to donate time and resources without getting paid.

 

I always offer a pizza as well.... for inflation....

 

Tranny is in the car. Exhaust. Brakes. lines. All is present. Just missing the motor to be installed then reconnect everything. The engine itself has oil and all. Scotty recommended someone up in Tampa, but it would be about 5 hour drive for me.

 

It took my boys and I 2 hours to drop the engine and transmission into the Riv. We did as Larry said and mated the trans to the engine and then lifted into place. Still have all the rest to do but it was fun showing my boys how it’s done

 

For me when I install an engine by myself, I like to leave the hood on and you can't install an engine/trans assembly that way. I never thought getting the engine and trans together with the trans already in the car that bad of a job even by myself. Adjusting the jack that is holding the trans up is the trick to get it aligned, the first time may take a bit longer maybe 15 minutes instead of 5 if you do it this way the second time.

Engine installation is a gravy job on these old cars, it only use to take me about 3 hours(back when I was a bit younger) from a car with no engine to a running car. I'm hoping to get back closer to that point later this year?