How long ?

[gonte]

Hi

A quick question. How long would you estimate for a seasoned TVR mechanic to replace a Speed 6 engine with a LS 2/3 unit?

Thanks

[softtop]

the seasoned mechanic would be skilled at taking out the old unit, putting one back in, how many do you think they do?

[gonte]

To be fair he has done T350 and cerbs so this is the first Tuscan ( which I was told before I let it go to them ).

Also I have complete confidence in the bloke that I will get a top job when its done just wondered how long you all thought it should take.

Edited by gonte on Monday 29th November 21:39

[G20RG B]

I have no idea but If I was getting it done I would like to think that I would have it back in about 10-12 weeks max. I might be way of the mark though!

[Ribol]

G20RG B said:

I have no idea but If I was getting it done I would like to think that I would have it back in about 10-12 weeks max. I might be way of the mark though!

10-12 weeks

[gonte]

Hi ribol is that surprise at that long or that quick

[Ribol]

gonte said:

Hi ribol is that surprise at that long or that quick

I can't see where all that time would go.

There is no right answer here but if you are talking about someone who sticks a car in the corner of their garage and jumps on it from time to time and when other jobs stall - then think of any random period of time and double it.

If someone is doing this as a proper job, as you say with some previous experience of similar I can't see how it would take this long - assuming parts are not being ordered from across the planet as they are needed.

All IMO.

[gonte]

Well the car has been with them since the begining of April and again to be fair he did say he couldn't start it for a couple of months. I think I have been very patient but it's starting to run out. Looks like this is going to end with solicitors getting richer doesn't it!

[Ribol]

gonte said:

Well the car has been with them since the begining of April and again to be fair he did say he couldn't start it for a couple of months. I think I have been very patient but it's starting to run out.

Sometimes being too patient can work against you.

Hope you get it sorted.

[mr shifty]

Have you asked how much longer it's going to be or where the job is up to?

[G20RG B]

If someone was working on the car constantly and had the engine and parts then 2-3 weeks, but inevitably something is going to need adjustments or another part, so while this is being ordered they start another job and this is when the time scale can slip, But seriously 10-12 weeks is as long as I would accept, It's best to keep up the comunication between you and the builder don't just hand over the car and wait on a phone call saying it's ready! .The builder should also be informing you as to the progress and any additional costs incured.

[Gazzab]

Have heard of these jobs taking over a year!

[softtop]

one day to take the old unit out, more time to put a new one in. However the answer you already know is less than the time you have already waited. Did you post this because the answer you got back was not complete or to your liking?

[Don1]

Is this a backstreet operation, or an established 'name'?

[Gazzab]

Its a well intentioned established name but from what I have seen there have been some issues re getting the cars through 'the process' in a reasonable time. Those that have come out the other end seem to be pleased with the outcome.
Seems quite straightforward though:-
i) Agreed job spec
ii) take deposit and book car in
iii) order parts
iv) get car in
v) do it
vi) return car
I can understand a the last 3 steps taking maybe 2 months but 8 months is a little trying but tbh I understand some cerbs have taken (are taking) longer..?

[blackiepaul]

You can do it quick and they did my car quick but...............

It is not as easy as taking one out and putting one in. There is a lot of fabrication of brackets etc. Your car will probually need extra oil rads etc which need all the brackets making as well as the running of the pipes etc. You really need to think through all the other bits as well - the drive shaft will need shortening and are you going to keep your present gearbox (i hope not) also the diff will need its final ratio changed - I only really had fourth and fifth until I had mine changed though I am not sure if you will be pulling the power of mine in that LS unit? You will also need to think about your ECU and the wiring harness, exhaust if you want to get ont rack or keep your ears from bleeding, this is just a small list............

[Steve in Stoke]

I know of one that took over 6 months, due to ECU issues, sourcing and adpating a new wiring loom, sourcing a new gearbox, refabricating chassis mounts for the engine, gearbox, relocating the gear linkages and all associated welding and fabrication, sourcing a new radiator and then trying to shoe-horn it in.

As above, there are so many variables involved it would be hard to give any definitive answer on here.

[gonte]

Thanks for the input guys. I called at the garage and it has the engine in the car a does look great but the gear box is of for some work. I think my main frustration is the never ending reasons for it not getting done. I know I am getting a good price and as I have said before I am sure the job will be top notch. I think my problem is its starting to feel as if he is taking the P a little as my car seems to be getting pushed aside and done when there is a few spare hours. That last coment may be totally unfair but thats the problem I don't know for sure but maybe 9 months away next month should give me a clue.

The garage has a very good name and has looked after the car for the past 4 years I have owned it and does race prep etc so isn't by any means ' back street ' there's no was my pride and joy will be going anywhere like that !

I think I'll let it go until after Christmas and look at it again then. Maybe a face to face meeting is called for rather than the mobile.

[R11ysf]

gonte said:

Thanks for the input guys. I called at the garage and it has the engine in the car a does look great but the gear box is of for some work. I think my main frustration is the never ending reasons for it not getting done. I know I am getting a good price and as I have said before I am sure the job will be top notch. I think my problem is its starting to feel as if he is taking the P a little as my car seems to be getting pushed aside and done when there is a few spare hours. That last coment may be totally unfair but thats the problem I don't know for sure but maybe 9 months away next month should give me a clue.

The garage has a very good name and has looked after the car for the past 4 years I have owned it and does race prep etc so isn't by any means ' back street ' there's no was my pride and joy will be going anywhere like that !

I think I'll let it go until after Christmas and look at it again then. Maybe a face to face meeting is called for rather than the mobile.

Definitely so. Telling him you want it back by X date at the latest is often a good way. However, if you are getting it at a 'good price' doesn't this add something to the expected time frame as he would be working on it around other better paying jobs?

I've got mates who help me out on things but I never push them as even when I pay them it's much less than garage rates. Having said that 9 months in beginning to push the boundaries of acceptability.

Edited by R11ysf on Tuesday 30th November 19:38

[gonte]

The good price was me saying I have X amount to spend and no more if you want to do it great, if not a good rebuild would have been cheaper. I thought as it was his first Tuscan he wanted to do it to get the patterns of the brackets for future cars it wasn't as if I haggled or knocked him down he was free to say no you don't have enough for me to take it on.