Good Mechanic for 94 Q in Tampa Area

[I_build]

I have a 94 Q with 132,000 miles on it. I just ordered the under plenum kit, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, knock sensors & knock sensor wiring harness, PCV valve, & fuel pump from Joe @ Everything Nissan.

The quote I got from the dealer for labor is 1360$ provided I give them all parts (not including Fuel pump replacement.) From what I'm reading that quote is on the high side.

Im a DIY guy, but not sure if I should tackle this one (especially if I can find a good honest mechanic that will give me a fair price.)

If you are seasoned & experience with Q's and are in the Tampa Bay area please respond. Thanks.
Modified by I_build at 10:44 AM 3/17/2005

[Q45tech]

$1360 sounds very decent very fair from a dealer.

T3 would charge $500 for valve covers and $500 for plenum hoses plus another $70 [1 hour] for knocksensors [done at same time]......plus another hour if TCS equipt. Plugs changed at no charge when valve covers done but since you supply them say another $35 for lost revenue [margin on plugs] and another $70 for lost margin on hoses. ~~~ $1175-$1245 [TCS].

Not sure how much effort [if any] dealer does on cleaning up inside of valve covers it takes us over a hour for cleaning.

[I_build]

Thanks.... I was planning on moving forward with the dealer, but you helped me confirm the decision.

Hopefully there will be no gotcha's.

I'll be having the work done next week and I'll post back. Hoping that the knock sensors give me the boost in performace that I've read about, also not having changed the plugs in 60K... The plug change might help as well.... (In conjunction with the fuel pump) that's buzzing away... I just dream about the 40K days when I couldn't feel the engine and it was just smoooth power up the wazooo. (Just a little exited as you can tell.)

The CEL light went on just recently throwing codes for knock sensor & temp sensor and my powers significantly down......

[Q451990]

Hopefully they'll do a good job cleaning the plenum and runners... that helps as much as anything!

Heath

[maxnix]

Hopefully they'll do a good job cleaning the plenum and runners... that helps as much as anything!

Heath

If they don't, do it yourself or subcontract it out while it is dissembled.

[Q45tech]

Extras from the dealer are not usually included as the tech [making $16-$20 a shop hour] is inclined to do the minimum [his standards vary] and get on to something else to feed his family.

Why you try to get to the tech himself with a $20 or two to help him focus on giving you those extras.....while he has everything apart.

Why dealerships don't want you dealing with techs directly, you can get to them if you try........don't let the service writer see or he'll want his cut.

[I_build]

Should I just make cleaning the plenum & runners a prerequisite to the service agreement? Or is that starting off on the wrong foot... I'm particularly cautious when it comes to issues like this... I guess it's like making suggestions to a seasoned chef... he might decide to put special sauce in your food... but if it's as important as you have stated... I want to make sure it gets done...

[DAEDALUS]

Unless you negotiate something outside the job, and with the tech's full knowledge (not just the service writer's), the tech gets a fixed amount no matter how much extra work he does. Define "cleaning". Spritz it down with degreaser or scrub till shiny? Q45tech's recommendation is the cheapest and best way to get your Q the extra attention you want it to get. 5 years in a restaurant, never seen anyone get "special sauce"--at least not from the kitchen. Think of the cook as the tech and the waiter as the service writer. Always make friends with the cook!

[I_build]

Should I just make cleaning the plenum & runners a prerequisite to the service agreement? Or is that starting off on the wrong foot... I'm particularly cautious when it comes to issues like this... I guess it's like making suggestions to a seasoned chef... he might decide to put special sauce in your food... but if it's as important as you have stated... I want to make sure it gets done...

[I_build]

Thanks... I will try to get in and get the tech some extra money for the effort.

I'll post the outcome...

Just wanted to say that this site is awesome....!!!!! The money and headaches that this pool of knowledge and helpful people offer is GREAT.

You guys should be proud of yourselves.

[elwesso]

Actually what may go farther is to show up with donuts or a 6 pack... I kinda like his idea of subcontracting yourself out to clean them.... Then you can know full well that everything is cleaned to your level of quality....

if nothing else from cleaning all that gunk out of there it gives me a refreshing feeling... reminds me of those commercials for whatever soft drink it is. "yeah, its kinda like that"....

Whatever the case is, you get what you pay for... You pay for more, you get more (unless its a special case... i dont even know if T3 would clean everything to dennis quality without charging extra.... when i did the plenum i probably spent about 2 hours getting everything neat and tidy how I wanted it... And I was cheating using a parts cleaner and paint and varnish remover...

[Q451990]

i dont even know if T3 would clean everything to dennis quality without charging extra....

Actually they did an excellent job cleaning the rocker covers when they resealed mine. Obviously I was standing there - but I think it's standard operating procedure... They really are that good at T3.

Heath

[maxnix]

Should I just make cleaning the plenum & runners a prerequisite to the service agreement? Or is that starting off on the wrong foot...

Ask precisely what is included in the service, then negotiate to reach your intended goals if additional labor is needed.