is this the normal rate for a shop to do a spring and rear swaybar install on a MCS?
I paid like $400 for a full coilover install on a Miata and I thought that was extravagant.
what would be a reasonable $$ to pay for such install? I may need to shop around a little more.

 

You shouldn't pay more than $300 for the whole thing. And that's in LA!

 

I did my springs myself in 2.5 hours, and that was the first time I ever did mini springs. I'd say it would take a shop no more than 1.5 hours for springs and less than an hour for a sway.

Why don't you just do it yourself anyways?

 

I don't have any tools.. Don't really have a place to work..
But at this point, I'm seriously considering to buy a floor jack, some jack stands and do it myself.

 

I paid $400 for the springs & the installation (parts & labor). My sway bar alone was about $100 installation (done at another time).

So if you can get the springs and rear swaybar installed for $300 to $400... that sounds about right.

Regarding hours.... it is NOT a 9 hour job.

 

My mechanic went by 'the book' and charged me for 4 hours labor...

Was about $400...

- - m

 

wow $400

Drive up to Pittsburgh, I'll do it for you for $250

 

It'd be a bit of a drive for you, but I'd check with Eric at Helix up in Philly. Just think of it as a long distance comparison run!

 

I did this on a garage floor with jack stands and no spring compressor.

Took 2 of us 2 hours tops.

Any competent shop with a lift and the right tools should be able to beat my time, no problem.

I will admit that I was lucky and both sides in the front came right off.

Some cars the strut removal on one side or the other in the front can be challenging.

Bill

 

right now, i'm considering traveling upto Philly (helix13) for the install.. very competitve pricing. The guy I talked to, didn't catch his name, but was very nice and explained stuffs in good detail.
Might also do a pulley/injector/ecu upgrade while up there. No wonder people love them.