So, now I understand the cost of Porsche ownership :-O Options

[Amphicar770]

Although I have had my 914 for several years, I have done all work on my own so have not had to use any dealers or specialists. Following the removal / reinstall of my engine along with new clutch, rebuilt trailing arms, brakes, fuel lines, etc. I brought it to a respected shop to have them do the wheel alignment, set the timing, and give the car a general going over.

The good news is that they just called and it is at last ready for pick up (has been about 3 weeks). I'll admit that I was glad to be sitting down when I asked for the total damages .... wait for it ... $2,200 and change.

In fairness I can not yet say if I got a great deal, a fair deal, or got hosed. The person who called said there is a pretty long list of things they attended to. So, until I see the list and see how everything came out I can neither praise or criticize the shop. I am however going, OK how do I split the payment so that the spouse does not know what I just spent. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

Will be picking her up tomorrow.

[era vulgaris]

It's all about finding the right shop. Some places will hose you.
For example, I've got an RMS leak I've been nursing and I normally do all my own work and enjoy the process of learning how to do jobs I've never done on my car, but I'm slammed with real jobby-job work right now and just don't have the time for that big of a job. I called around just to get an idea what it would cost. Road Scholars in Durham said it would take ~15 hours labor and cost ~$1600. I called Black Forest Racing, and they said they could do it in a few hours for ~$300. Sold!
Someday I'll do that job myself when I have a weekend to spend on my first transaxle pull. But for the time being, calling around was worth it.