Average cost of headers install?

[Socalmustang]

If you pay more than $600 for the install, then you're overpaying and that's the best price you'll probably in Southern Cali...so you should be able to find something cheaper at your location.

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[BluByeU]

Not hijacking the thread but I assume you are referring to Dwayne Big Daddy Guthridge? Does he still own/race that Black LX???

Big Daddies is closed down. We (JDM Engineering) are one of the only actual shops left in the area besides a few one man shows. We are $130/hr and that is lower than some dealers in the area. Headers with a cat back is 8-10 hours when not rushed. We use all upgraded hardware and face all flange surfaces to ensure there are no leaks down the road. You get what you pay for as far as work goes. We have had to redo other shops shoddy work quite often which means you end up paying for the same job twice.

But I do agree Mike at Big Daddy did some great work and even helped me out with my vehicles in the past. He is down in Florida now working at BBR.

 

[Nick@JDM]

Not hijacking the thread but I assume you are referring to Dwayne Big Daddy Guthridge? Does he still own/race that Black LX???

Correct.

I think he had the car for sale and wrecked it sometime last year...not sure what he did with it after.

[ame]

 

[bluebeastsrt]

Big Daddies is closed down. We (JDM Engineering) are one of the only actual shops left in the area besides a few one man shows. We are $130/hr and that is lower than some dealers in the area. Headers with a cat back is 8-10 hours when not rushed. We use all upgraded hardware and face all flange surfaces to ensure there are no leaks down the road. You get what you pay for as far as work goes. We have had to redo other shops shoddy work quite often which means you end up paying for the same job twice.

But I do agree Mike at Big Daddy did some great work and even helped me out with my vehicles in the past. He is down in Florida now working at BBR.

Good sales pitch. And Im sure you guys do fine work but your far from the only shop in south jersey. My race car is currently at kasper korner getting some wiring done. I wouldn't take anything to radical racing. But they are very cheap option because craig will work for food right now because of the bankruptcy. You just have to stand there and watch the flighty little prick do the work. Or your car will be there two weeks! Lots of shops around. And I can do the headers myself in the time frame you mentioned in the driveway. Your cost of $1040-1300 for a header/catback install seams extremely high to me.

 

[Nick@JDM]

Good sales pitch. And Im sure you guys do fine work but your far from the only shop in south jersey. My race car is currently at kasper korner getting some wiring done. I wouldn't take anything to radical racing. But they are very cheap option because craig will work for food right now because of the bankruptcy. You just have to stand there and watch the flighty little prick do the work. Or your car will be there two weeks! Lots of shops around. And I can do the headers myself in the time frame you mentioned in the driveway. Your cost of $1040-1300 for a header/catback install seams extremely high to me.

No doubt we are on the higher end of the cost spectrum I wont argue that. Some people like to be able to drop their car off for work an pick it up with performance parts installed in such a way that it looks like it came factory along with our guarantee. Others like to tackle the work themselves and feel great about doing so (I know I do).

Some people are on a budget and others have better things to do with 10 hours instead of finagling headers onto their brand new Mustang on jack stands.

We know we can't please everyone but we stick to our extremely high level of detail on all projects. That recipe has worked for us since JDM opened in the late 90s...

 

[AF_ONE]

Big Daddies is closed down. We (JDM Engineering) are one of the only actual shops left in the area besides a few one man shows. We are $130/hr and that is lower than some dealers in the area. Headers with a cat back is 8-10 hours when not rushed. We use all upgraded hardware and face all flange surfaces to ensure there are no leaks down the road. You get what you pay for as far as work goes. We have had to redo other shops shoddy work quite often which means you end up paying for the same job twice.

But I do agree Mike at Big Daddy did some great work and even helped me out with my vehicles in the past. He is down in Florida now working at BBR.

$130 an hour--you must be kidding. Why do auto mechanics think that's an fair wage for turning wrenches--other professions, like nursing that require a college degree, passing a certification state test and are ther assisting during you surgery, saving lives etc, don't make $40 an hour. Teachers teaching your kids, Law Enforcement, not even $40. $130 an hour to install headers or change oil--your on another planet

 

[jabrax]

$130 an hour--you must be kidding. Why do auto mechanics think that's an fair wage for turning wrenches--other professions, like nursing that require a college degree, passing a certification state test and are there assisting during you surgery, saving lives etc, don't make $40 an hour. Teachers teaching your kids, Law Enforcement, not even $40. $130 an hour to install headers or change oil--your on another planet

Apples and Oranges my friend - That is a nasty dig at our mechanic brothers sisters. Those who know their work and are willing to pay--will. Those who can't will go elsewhere.

Thats the skill of having a successful business, generate the proper income to keep the doors open. If every business determined their rates by what other "industries are doing" I will show you a boarded up establishment. Lets no sell short the skills and what it takes to acquire them.

If i had to guess, I'm sure the mechanic only gets a cut of the rate, shop has to make also. How much, that should be up to the shop to keep their doors open.

Just my 2 cents (opinion)

Carry On :cheers:

 

[aschaefer]

$130 an hour--you must be kidding. Why do auto mechanics think that's an fair wage for turning wrenches--other professions, like nursing that require a college degree, passing a certification state test and are ther assisting during you surgery, saving lives etc, don't make $40 an hour. Teachers teaching your kids, Law Enforcement, not even $40. $130 an hour to install headers or change oil--your on another planet

A) If you don't like the price that they charge for their (skilled, when it comes to doing performance work on cars) labor, you don't have to go. That's the beauty of the free market.

B) The mechanic isn't getting that $130/hour, there's overhead you have to think about as well. Just the same as a lawyer that bills out at $400 doesn't get $400/hr, etc etc. Tools/materials/mortgage or lease/insurance/electricity isn't free, you know...

 

[zaquhree]

Local shops are $400-600 here.

 

[lsxlol]

I am in NC I paid 400

 

[Socalmustang]

Anything above $600 is too much

and this coming from prices in Southern Cali.

 

[Taneras]

Baton Rouge, LA area... Was quoted 1098.00 + tax, so around $1,200... I guess they don't want the job :lol:

 

[Khyber]

WTAF 1200?!?!

 

[Hurricane]

I am in NC I paid 400

Where in NC if you don't mind me asking? I'm thinking about doing headers down the road and wouldn't have a problem doing them myself, but for $400, I'd be very tempted to have a shop do them instead since I don't have access to a lift.

 

[Slamdcoop0428]

I do them locally out of my garage for people. Have installed 10+ sets on 11+ mustangs. Two sets so far on 15+ mustangs. I charge $200. I just did sick03L's on here.

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