I'm getting my plugs and wires changed at a local Indy shop and I'm trying to ball park estimate how much its gonna cost. Also I'm gonna have them change my valve cover gaskets and do a compression test and fuel pump test. I know I should just muscle up and change everything myself but I would rather put a dent in my tax refund instead of my knuckles. Anyone have these done or know around how much it will cost. Indy shop is around $60 an hour.

Thanks all

 

Ask them for an estimate before they do it, if they won't give you one, run away.

 

Book time for wires is 3 hours, with valve cover gasket, spark plugs would say 4.5 hours total would be fair. You will need a couple of breather hoses that will break when the manifold comes off. Make sure they high quality spark plug wires and valve cover gaskets! 60 per hour is a fair labor rate. My shop in San Diego were 107.50 per hour. CA is not cheap to due bussiness in.

 

My shop charges $95/hr here in Utah.

60 an hour is a good rate considering they do quality work.

 

Do it yourself, all that is pretty simple to do. I would just have them do the compression test. Im sure they will charge you at least $500.

 

How many miles on the engine, why a compression and fuel pressure test? How's wires are you going to have them install?
You should be doing this yourself for around $200 or less, think about it.

 

152,000 on truck. I'm gonna have them do a compression test because of recent codes 0300 and 0306. Fuel pressure test savannah suggested because the I.m. will be off and they can reach ports that they couldn't if I.m. was on. Your right I should be doing this myself and I may end up doing it, I just don't want to be out in 30° weather for several hours and reach a point that I may get stuck or screw something up. What do ya think should I just make it in or take on the job. You guys are the best help when we get stuck and can't figure out what to do and I trust your expertise
thanks mike

 

Working on a vehicle when it is that cold sucks. If they charge you 4.5 hours at $60.00 is $270.00 how much is your time worth?

 

Isn't fuel pressure just a schrader valve on the fuel rail? It's not any harder than checking tire pressure.

As a precaution, do it on a cold motor, put down a rag to absorb any spilled fuel, wear gloves and safety glasses or a face shield, and have a fire extinguisher ready. When I did it, I didn't spill more than a drop but it's better to be safe than sorry.

You might have to service your tire pressure gauge afterward, so use a cheap dial-type gauge or plan on disassembling it to get the fuel out. Or you can get a fuel pressure gauge if you want to check often.

 

My Indy LR mech charges $75/HR