Originally posted by Henry Rifle
The real question is . . . does your friend think he's getting ripped off? If so, he should have shopped around. If not, it doesn't matter.

However, think about this. The 235 isn't going to be a bolt in. Fabbing and fitting will be required. Motor mounts, wiring, exhaust, radiator hoses & fittings, and probably more. Today's shop rates run from $35.00 to $50.00 or $60.00 per hour. Sometimes two guys are going to be working on it. Suppose it takes 80 hours - just two weeks of work. 80 x $40.00 per hour = $3,200 just for labor. That only leaves $1300 for parts.

$4500 will do a lot if YOU do the labor. It doesn't get so much done if you're paying someone else a working wage.:
yeah thats true a shop charged me 2300 bucks to overhaul a 2.3 liter in a pinto that was a stock overhaul ever since then i have individuals do the work or have friends work on my stuff
in no way i am a mechanic but still learning
as i am going to start on my wagon in feb should be a good learning tool