Hey guys I was quoted that a mechanic would take 3-4 hours to rebuild my 12, does this sound right, he wants 320 in labour for just the rebuild, i told him i would take the motor out myself, is this a good idea/how long does it take to take out and put in a motor, and i don't think its too tricky. Basically am i better off just getting him to take it out and put it in at $70 cdn/hr. Is it worth it, also he wants 330 for a seal kit, and 300 for a gasket kit, are these reasonable prices? Also he said he can port it for me, probably just a street port. Is this a good idea, does it effect the life of the motor,and what kind of Hp increase am i gonna see, I have a header and straight pipes to stock muffler. or how does it effect fuel economy. If any one has any answers, tips or ideas, i'd love to hear them.
Thank you in advance, Matt

 

i woudl deffinetly say if your getting a rebuild its a perfect tiem to port it. youll be glad you did later :]

 

Removing and installing a 12A is not too difficult, especially if you don't have a lot of accesories like a/c and power steering to get in the way. As long as you have basic tools like a socket set and end wrenches, you will be fine. The only special tool you will need is a "cherry picker" or engine host to lift the engine in and out of the car. You can usually rent a "cherry picker" for a reasonable price. As far as the price go for the rebuild, I would say that you are getting a good deal. I am just finishing up rebuilding my 13B and it took me a lot more than 4 hours and involved some swearing when it came to removing that pilot bearing. The only thing that seems a little expensive is the gasket set. I got mine for $135 U.S. and I have seen ones for 12A's sold by Atkins on ebay for $90. This does not include the front/rear main seal or pilot bearing. But these additional pieces are only about $25 total. BTW, you can use the money you save on the engine removal/installation to get that port job. Good Luck.

 

thanks alot that really helps

I was measuring up the job today, and i noticed alot of nuts and screws that were rusted and may be seized, are these gonna give me lots of trouble, and would it be worth letting the guy take it out and put it back in. He told me today that it take him about 3-4 hours to take an engine out and put it back in. Is this realistic?, and any tips on those rusted bolts?
Thanks a lot

 

also another question i got is that i may be too poor to afford a complete street porting job, could i get away with just porting the exaust or intake, with one would work better for me, only having the stock carb

 

why don't you supply him with the parts that way you can save on th engine removal and porting
do your self a favor and get some references
that got ther rotary's done by the shop
before go through with anything

 

Oh BTW does he guarentee his work and get everything in writing before you sign anything

 

Hi I just swapped the engine in my 84 gls. My wife and I pushed the car in at 10.00 am and drove out for a late lunch at 1.45pm(the same day). With the right tools it`s not hard at all

 

well i can get a 12a gasket kit for 60$ plus all the seals and springs... on 6 port 13b's i give about 800 for all the parts. i charge 500 to rebuild a motor and 300 to port it. i can stack a motor inabout 2 hours the time is cleaning it all up.