Return fuel system install cost?

[G3RSTY7]

Couldn't find a sub section for fuel delivery. Do we know what the average shop time/install cost is for a return fuel system with ethanol sensor and wideband? I brought my supercharger kit to a shop he quoted me $1500-$2000 on the high end to install the rest of the blower, fuel system and oil cooler. I hadn't heard anything for a while then when I finally hear from the mechanic days later he tells me we're way overbudget currently at about $3200 and we haven't even started up the car yet.. how pissed should I be? Definitely concerned if I'm already at $3200 and we haven't even found out if the install was even done right. Chaps me more I wanted to do it myself so if anything goes wrong I'll be better to troubleshoot it but wanted to have my car done in time for a show--which didn't happen...

[MikesZ]

Not sure what shop rates are but it took me and my brother about three 8 hour days to install Top gunz supercharger kit, aeromotive fuel pump with rewire a z1 motorsports oil cooler kit and a boost and afr gauge all in my drive way. Just waiting for a fuel return kit from cj motorsports so I can finish the tuning. It didn't feel like $3,200 worth of work to me.

[solidus]

If they're at 3200 and have'nt even started the car what exactly cost 3200.00? I mean at 120hr which is a standard rate here that's 26hrs. The supercharger should'nt take all that and the oil cooler and fuel return easily fits in those numbers. Unless you are having them tune the car too complete with software, I'm missing something.

[Spooler]

I was quoted 28hrs to do a flexfuel return fuel system with content gauge, twin pumps, etc.

[solidus]

The hardest part of my return system was running the return line past the tank. I guess if you include cleaning tools, reading instructions and stretching for sitting in the seatless passenger choking on gas fumes it might add up to that many hours especially including nausea breaks.

[bcfromfl]

Originally Posted by solidus

The hardest part of my return system was running the return line past the tank. I guess if you include cleaning tools, reading instructions and stretching for sitting in the seatless passenger choking on gas fumes it might add up to that many hours especially including nausea breaks.

Oh boy...I'm not looking forward to this...

[redondoaveb]

I had my sc kit, a2a kit, cjm s1.se fuel return system, cjm billet hat, walbro 485, fuel pressure gauge, injectors, csc, clutch and flywheel installed for less than $3,200.00.

That was for a running car minus the tune.

[G3RSTY7]

Thanks guys. I've seen a lot of variation in what people have paid for the install so at this point best case scenario I end up paying $3200 for a working car, I'll be disappointed but will just leave it at that and move on and probably just look for a new mechanic. If at the end he ends up tacking on another hundreds (hopefully not thousands..) of dollars I'm going to go nuclear. My biggest concern is that somebody at the shop didn't follow CJM install directions, replaced some AN fittings, next thing you know then they need to replace the fuel line etc when it could have all been settled with a simple call to CJM since I've heard such great stories of them helping you through the install--and now I'm footing the bill. Really upset I'm paying the price of an install that is what people are paying to do twin turbos, and I was all set to just do the supercharger install myself but wanted someone *experienced* to do the return fuel system. Hopefully the motor works well--they asked me if they could take it for a spin when install was done (which I thought would be an obvious HELL NO to anyone knowledgeable of tuning running new boost on a base map) but guess I'll know when I get the car back and the engine is knocking and ticking.. Really about to just go there and tow the car back home to finish the job but they've already hacked up the fuel system so much I'd be back at ground zero. Sorry for the venting, should have got twin turbos now (pricewise at least). That moment when you realized you done f*d up, thousands of dollars over budget after doing research and buying the right parts for two years and the car hasn't even been attempted to start up yet.

[redondoaveb]

Originally Posted by G3RSTY7

Thanks guys. I've seen a lot of variation in what people have paid for the install so at this point best case scenario I end up paying $3200 for a working car, I'll be disappointed but will just leave it at that and move on and probably just look for a new mechanic. If at the end he ends up tacking on another hundreds (hopefully not thousands..) of dollars I'm going to go nuclear. My biggest concern is that somebody at the shop didn't follow CJM install directions, replaced some AN fittings, next thing you know then they need to replace the fuel line etc when it could have all been settled with a simple call to CJM since I've heard such great stories of them helping you through the install--and now I'm footing the bill. Really upset I'm paying the price of an install that is what people are paying to do twin turbos, and I was all set to just do the supercharger install myself but wanted someone *experienced* to do the return fuel system. Hopefully the motor works well--they asked me if they could take it for a spin when install was done (which I thought would be an obvious HELL NO to anyone knowledgeable of tuning running new boost on a base map) but guess I'll know when I get the car back and the engine is knocking and ticking.. Really about to just go there and tow the car back home to finish the job but they've already hacked up the fuel system so much I'd be back at ground zero. Sorry for the venting, should have got twin turbos now (pricewise at least). That moment when you realized you done f*d up, thousands of dollars over budget after doing research and buying the right parts for two years and the car hasn't even been attempted to start up yet.

When it's all said and done, car is fully tuned and you take it for your first drive, the smile you'll have on your face will make up for what you're putting up with right now.

[Infidel]

Originally Posted by G3RSTY7

Thanks guys. I've seen a lot of variation in what people have paid for the install so at this point best case scenario I end up paying $3200 for a working car, I'll be disappointed but will just leave it at that and move on and probably just look for a new mechanic. If at the end he ends up tacking on another hundreds (hopefully not thousands..) of dollars I'm going to go nuclear. My biggest concern is that somebody at the shop didn't follow CJM install directions, replaced some AN fittings, next thing you know then they need to replace the fuel line etc when it could have all been settled with a simple call to CJM since I've heard such great stories of them helping you through the install--and now I'm footing the bill. Really upset I'm paying the price of an install that is what people are paying to do twin turbos, and I was all set to just do the supercharger install myself but wanted someone *experienced* to do the return fuel system. Hopefully the motor works well--they asked me if they could take it for a spin when install was done (which I thought would be an obvious HELL NO to anyone knowledgeable of tuning running new boost on a base map) but guess I'll know when I get the car back and the engine is knocking and ticking.. Really about to just go there and tow the car back home to finish the job but they've already hacked up the fuel system so much I'd be back at ground zero. Sorry for the venting, should have got twin turbos now (pricewise at least). That moment when you realized you done f*d up, thousands of dollars over budget after doing research and buying the right parts for two years and the car hasn't even been attempted to start up yet.

Don't go looking for my story to read...you'll get sick to your stomach. Hope the guy's name ain't Bobby.

[phunk]

Installation time will depend largely on the installers experience specifically regarding a fuel system in this exact vehicle. Ive never dedicated my time start to finish on installing one (its always been mixed in with other work), but I think I could do a full kit in 6-8 hours. I expect that someone who knows fuel systems but not the 370z fuel system will take 3-4 more hours. Someone who isnt familiar with AN fittings and fuel system layout will probably double or triple the time second guessing everything.

BUT, there is more to consider. If you are doing a fuel pump wiring/relay kit at the same time.. there is another 2-3 hours for a clean install. A flex sensor will take a couple hours to sort out in the plumbing and then probably 90 min to wire up.

Quoting and billing labor on these cars is very difficult. I have had to do it on and off for years. Experience working on Zs will first make a shop feel confident they can do the job quicker, thus quoting lower. Even more experience working on Zs will make a shop realize that no matter what everything takes forever and they will bill accordingly to not shoot themselves in the foot.

[bcfromfl]

phunk...would you recommend that someone with no experience at all with fuel systems to defer the install to a reputable shop? Or is it reasonably straightforward for a newbie, just requiring patience and time? Do your kits have fairly detailed instructions?

I'd hate to tear into this, then discover halfway in that I'm over my head...then have to arrange for a flatbed to get it to a shop!

[7ssain]

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

phunk...would you recommend that someone with no experience at all with fuel systems to defer the install to a reputable shop? Or is it reasonably straightforward for a newbie, just requiring patience and time? Do your kits have fairly detailed instructions?

I'd hate to tear into this, then discover halfway in that I'm over my head...then have to arrange for a flatbed to get it to a shop!

The hardest thing i would say is the in tank modification.. i dont know if Charles offers this or not but if u can get someone go do it for u the rest is easy .. just running the lines and connecting stuff together.. Charles does provide a well written installation guide though if u want to do it urself.

[bcfromfl]

When you say, "tank modification," what does that mean, exactly? If I understand correctly, there is a kit that I could purchase fully assembled by him (with upgraded wiring) that, along with the top hat, essentially drops in and replaces the stock unit. Do I have that right?

[phunk]

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

phunk...would you recommend that someone with no experience at all with fuel systems to defer the install to a reputable shop? Or is it reasonably straightforward for a newbie, just requiring patience and time? Do your kits have fairly detailed instructions?

I'd hate to tear into this, then discover halfway in that I'm over my head...then have to arrange for a flatbed to get it to a shop!

It depends mechanical aptitude and confidence, and on how genuinely interested you are in learning how the fuel system works. It is very straight forward in general, as a fuel system is much like any type of plumbing where fuel just needs to make it from point A to point B and move in the correct direction through components.

There are instructions for the in-tank / fuel pump housing modifications, but for the rest of the kit there are no instructions at all. There are a few photos available to inspire possible hose routing, but there is no explanation or instructions at all for AN plumbing, hoses, regulators, or general fuel system routing etc. So there needs to be at least a vague familiarity with fuel systems.

I have never heard of a customer not being able to finish one, but I would highly recommend getting yourself somewhat familiar with fuel systems in general before starting, and it will reduce your down time while having to figure it out while the car is in pieces.