waynema

iTrader: (1)

Just got the thermo spacers installed, the shop charged my $180 for a 2 hour job. NUTS!

Could somebody tell me why gaskets costs more to install? Did I get ripped off?

01tl4tl

Well- it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to do normally- and if the intake had gasket stuck to it really bad, or the bolts were stuck or broke, or it was the first one they had ever done and you paid for the learning time........

$90 an hour is close to dealer rates- but in LA who knows- what does the sign showing the labor rate say? Did they quote you less than they charged you? Gave no estimate?
Whats the rest of the story?

Pizza4Everyone

what does thermo spacer do?

Orgasm_Donor

i payed only 40 for my install...took him an hour to do it. didnt even have to take off the intake manifold all the way.

speedbawlinTL

I'm pretty sure you got ripped off... it took me about an hour or two to install mine on my own... almost as easy as the intake was to install

www.outlawengineering.com and trying a search will give you all the info you need on them... they're worth the $100, but anything over $50 for an install, you might as well do it yourself

waynema

iTrader: (1)

They normally charge $40 an hour, but they said gaskets are charged differently, they quoted me $180 before the install. This is not the first time they did it, they said they charged the previous person $180 for the job too.

I guess I need to start looking for another mechanic that don't charge based on "different parts".. sigh

speedbawlinTL

that sucks bro... don't want to try doing some work yourself? it'll save you money and the rewarding feeling you get when you're done is awesome

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

How many miles do you have on your 06?

I've got an 06 with low mileage and the gaskets looked like new when I took it all apart.

The installation was really easy and even taking my time, it took less than 2 hrs to install. If those guys had done it before, it should be even less.

I've never heard of anyone charging more when gaskets involved but I try and do everything myself, so maybe that's normal.

rodneyc77

iTrader: (1)

it took my guy 25 minutes to do.... the simplest install ever...

03TL_S

it took us less than 37 minutes to install the thermo block spacers on my TL.
that shop ripped you off

waynema

iTrader: (1)

ouch, thanks guys, im never going back again!

ussi

iTrader: (1)

not autowave was it?

mattbizkit

i bought the spacer kit, now for a dumb question. I plan on doing it myself but was wondering about the old gasket. do you have to buy a new gasket to or just use a permatex silicone gasket maker. please let me know in a hurry i'm itching to put them on.

Juno

No, you use the gasket that comes provided with the kit. The point is to NOT use the stock gasket, as that transfers heat really well and is thus what we are trying to avoid by using the thermoplastic one they provide.

You can always use the old gasket as a paper weight, or maybe a tray to serve crackers on.

waynema

iTrader: (1)

nope

01tl4tl

go back to the shop and tell them what you learned here- and that you will be posting the biz name to warn others~

Pizza4Everyone

i asked auto mechanic and they say thermo spacer really won't help on performance. it's waste of money.

01tl4tl

Your 1 mechanic versus the thousands of aziners and others who understand heat transfer and its effect on engine performance- its the best 100 bucks you can drop on your car

csmeance

In essense, it will not help in perfomance increases on a dyno, but it will reduce the amount of power loss from excess heat that can transfer over. TO prove this, DYNO a TL right after it warms up to operational temps, then drive the TL had for about 30 minutes and redyno it, it will yield a little less power, do the same with the spaces and you will notice less power loss or not power loss.

mattbizkit

well i just installed the thermo spacers on my 07 tl-s. first of all easy job, i'm no mechanic by any means but this was one easy install. i can't really tell any difference in anything except maybe just a bit better response in mid-range rpm. it might be helping but the type s feels good just the way it is. just my opinion.