Posted by Paul (in NY) on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 17:29:32 :
In Reply to: Looking to FINALLY install a Diesel and need help / advice.. posted by Doinco on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 23:37:18 :
Doug;
Historically documented on the last two Cummins swaps, a budget of $8500.00 appears reasonable. This budget price includes engine, transmission, T case, Cummins adapters and 'Everything' needed to have a running/driving Cummins. On top of that the budget also includes Saginaw Power Steering and Helitool 4 wheel disk brakes with Hydroboost Booster. Also included is full instrumentation, wiring and if your frugal and lucky you can squeeze a knock off Milemarker hydraulic winch setup to drive a MU-2. The above budget price is based on you, the owner, doing everything. If you have to hire out work, the price will climb.
This $8500.00 budget will work for Power Wagon, WC or M37, been there and done it. I understand that you dont have the time to the swap. But the above figures give you a reasonable close figure of Parts Cost. There is no labor figured into the $8500.00 budget.
Of course, since you plan to have the swap done for you. The cost will now include all parts and labor for the job. For a quick rough idea, take the above mentioned $8500.00 and subtract that from the cost for the job your quoted. That will give you a very rough idea of what portion of the swap is labor. You can then decide which way you want to go.
I also would want to see actual examples of their work. Look over customers trucks well, in over and under. If you see any cheap, shoddy workmanship you can bet you will find it on your truck they do also. Consider a payment schedule. They complete x work, they get money. Complete the next stage, they get money. I would never pay the entire shot upfront.
Paul