Originally Posted By: CKN
Originally Posted By: anl0109
Originally Posted By: coachditka
Here is the estimate from the Subaru shop.
Wow, those are high numbers. I hope there are more cost effective alternatives that will do quality work. That includes machine shop.
One thing that was usually beneficial to me is working with a shop that allows me to provide my own parts. (That way you will hopefully wind up with better parts and pay less than some shops would charge for lower quality parts.) For example, Amazon sells a new Gates kit with w/p for 50% less than what was in that quote. Also, using Fel-Pro parts for some gaskets and bolts is a good alternative to OEM if you are looking for good quality and some savings although I realize that you may be inclined to use as many Subaru as possible. Here are some other savings ideas (some expire soon):
-Spend $100 on ACDelco items via Amazon, get $15 off (many timing parts are identical to Gates and OEM)
-Use code BF15 with spwestore.com and get extra 25% off (OEM parts discounter I like to use)
-Save 20% and get $20 gift card on AutoZone online orders of $100
-Use code BFRIDAY20 to get 20% off $100 at jcwhitney.com (I bought Gates kit for my '02 Forester there)
-Check out the BITOG Product Rebates, Sales and Promotions topics for other ideas
Last but not least, check to see if any cash back web sites like Ebates, Topcashback, Befrugal, etc can offer something when you shop online. That 5% cash back is not a deal-breaker but can help a bit when the bill is several hundred dollars.
Hope this helps a little.
I don't see how any shop will warranty the rebuild using parts sourced from so many vendors. If he has an issue with the rebuild...good luck with a warranty.
I have learned my lesson letting a shop install parts I source. That's why I'm in this situation. I supplied the Gates timing kit I got from Amazon to the shop and that's what broke. If the shop had supplied the parts, I would have no issues, the shop would be 100% on the hook for the failure.