How much $$ should a shop charge to change the plenum gasket? And does anyone know of a good shop to do it in NNJ?

 

Most shops just charge an hourly labor rate regardless of what they are doing. Around here, it can vary anywhere from $60/hour (locally owned general service shops) to over $90 hour (specialty shops and dealerships). I'd figure 4 hours for a shop to do it depending on their level of skill and what else you want done while they have the intake off (other preventative maint), plus parts, disposal fees, etc. I've seen guys post that it cost them $400 or more, and have seen guys post that they paid as much as $700. That's why I just did it myself. This job is a huge money saver if you do it yourself, and really not that hard if you just take your time and be very thorough.

 

I only have general knowledge of my trucks engine, and I did my with no problem. It really is better to do it yourself and save some cash. But it is one of those long hour jobs, which is why the shop would charge you out of your a$$. Around 8 hours for me, with drink and food breaks in between. There is DIY links all on DodgeForum that explain the procedure, just be sure you get a new plenum plate from www.hughesengines.com and it will rid of ever having to do it again, unless you got a new manifold, then most dont have that gasket. Save yourself some money, live and learn, and try it one weekend.

 

Thanks guys, I'll look for the DIY link to see how much is involved

 

is this everything i need?

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...d&partid=22761

 

No, this is what you need. And a torque wrench. http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...2&partid=22220

 

To be a little more exact, you need an in/lb torque wrench with a range up to at least 84" in/lbs on the top end.

You will also need injector o-rings and a new waterpump bypass hose. Good time to put in a new thermostat too for preventative purposes.

 

To be a little more exact, you'll also want to grind off the tab from the thermostat housing, so you don't have to take half the engine apart to replace it if you ever have too. You'll also do yourself a world of good to get at least a haynes manual or download the FSM from the Merry Christmas thread in the FAQ/DIY section.

 

flat rate for an intake manifold gasket is 4.6hours, + 0.4h w/AC, +0.4h w/airpump.

 

Your at a dealership, right helms? What would you guys charge someone?