So I stopped by a local shop today to schedule some time to get my KWV3s installed and they quoted my about $800 for installation and alignment. Is that about the right amount i should be paying? Seemed kinda high for me so it came across as a total shock. Just looking to see if that's right.

 

^I just got mine installed, $250 labour including 4 corner weight scaling (4 hours job), then $90 four wheel alignment after 300km break-in.

$800 to install a coilover is a rip-off; Best to do is asking around your local forums to find out who is reputable to install it with reasonable price.

 

You might want to ask what all the labor includes. Sounds a bit pricey, but if they're doing everything they're supposed to do, it might be a fair price. I'd specifically ask if they are going to loosen all the bushings and set them to the new neutral height after the suspension is installed. That takes a bit of time, but it's worth the extra effort. Someone charging $250 isn't even considering this - it takes way too long for that price.

This "after break-in" tells me they didn't reset the bushings. If they had, there's no need at all for a so-called break-in. Everything is zero set as soon as the car is on the ground.

 

I assume your "reseting bushings" means loosen bushings on control arms, A-arm bolts? If yes we did, and adjusted/tightened them up after coilover installed on the ground...(thanks for your 2IS torque spec sheet again!)

My "break-in" means trying out different ride heights and damping settings throughout 300km different driving conditions, unlike those people normally think "the springs need time to settle".

 

Umm. Some shops in socal only charge ~$120 for install of coilovers/springs and ~$100 or less for alignment , but you can get both install and alignment for ~$200.

$800 is WAY TOO much. For that price, you can get headers installed (6-10hr job).

 

My experience is around $300 for installation and probably another $150 for alignment. Therefore, in my opinion, don't go over $500. Sometimes shops charge more due to inexperience or just a way of telling you they don't want to do it, so take that into account.

 

i say nomore then $250-400 from what i've seen around. Im interested to know what $800/includes?

 

total rip off..

i would go toy with them and ask them how much an engine swap in would be and post the prices up (and the place) on here so people can laugh

 

Thanks guys, i appreciate all the feedback. The crappy thing is that there aren't many custom shops here, or at least i'm not familiar with others. the more searching i do online, the less i find anything. i might have to consider driving to Kansas City or something.

 

I would be more concerned with the alignment. Shops change struts frequently and coilover's shouldn't be difficult for a competent mechanic.

 

Come down to KC and go to Revline motorsports. My friend owns the shop and does excellent work. Everyone in KC uses them. Check them out and the owners name is Chuong. Also he used to be a Lexus tech back in the day.

 

Thanks man, i might check that out! The fiancee was looking for a reason to go down to KC anyways.

 

Yeah, Cheech and Chuong in KC, man. They do good work, but they're not in any hurry.