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.

[Amphicar770]

Like I said, I will reserve judgement until I see the list. A few things I know they did beyond the alignment and timing.

I did speak to them a few times. It was almost a week before it got into the shop at all. A second delay came as they were backed up with other work and I gather had a resto project tied up in the alignment lift getting belly pans or something.

Installed new turbo tie rod kit that I provided.

Indicated that the level of front and rear were not right and had to adjust torsion bars to bring back to spec (something like that anyhow).

Found exhaust leak(s) so removed those tins and installed new exhaust nuts.

I apparently did not properly tighten my new Tangerine Shift Adjuster tight enough on the shift rod so the rod popped out and they had to reinstall and adjust. Probably had to remove the console for that.

Had them check and correct as needed adjustment for things like thermostat, clutch cable, brake adjustment , etc.

Tightened up a bunch if loose "stuff".

They did call and let me know that the aftermarket rear sway bar ends were hitting the shocks. That also explained the mystery clunk that I never figured out. A bit of work there as he was going to remount it further back which I suspect involves dropping the muffler as well.

He also did indicate that after doing alignment they drove it but after everything like the new trailing arms settled they had to redo it. Did I get charged x2 for the alignment, don't know yet. Hope not as you would think they would have made sure everything was tight and settled prior to the alignment. If so, I guess that is a few hundred right there.

On a plus side, I am confident that they really do know the 914 and have a lot of experience with them. Don't know the labor rate but it does "feel" like a lot of hours. I'll share the details tomorrow when I know more. My 911 colleague joked that that is about the price of an oil change and air filter at Manhattan Motors.