I've already got prices from SC for a SC V, shipping, etc. as well as a referred shop in my area to do the R/R. Called the shop this AM and talked to the owner. Told him what I wanted to do, blah blah blah. He indicated he has never done a Allison swap but has done lots of work via SunCoast, knows Joe, etc. From talking to him he seemed very competent ...said he would have to talk to SC to see what's involved, etc. before he could give me a labor quote.

I want to have it installed via a recommended shop for warranty purposes ...
How much would be considered "reasonable" for the install ...including fluids, etc. so I have something to compare when I do get the quote?

I know the shop doesn't have a Tech II ...I assume this isn't required (resetting TAP cells) but helps?

Proper install will include resetting the taps.

Depending on labor rate, expect a charge of 6-8 hours of labor

350-500 plus fluid is fair.

Thanks Eric. That's what I was looking for. Fluid was another question the installation shop had. Does SC require a specific fluid? Mobil 1, Transd, OEM?

That shipping is a killer! :( I have thought about a visit to Mike L as well but I am assuming once I figure in time-off from work, 1000 miles each way, fuel, etc. I'd be just as well off having it installed locally. Maybe wrong ...

Eric is right on the money for the time........

I had mine R & R'd and I did the SC-III Kit myself.........

I got billed just uner 5 hours...........$340.00 and I supplied the Fluid, etc........

T:D NY

Proper install will include resetting the taps.

Depending on labor rate, expect a charge of 6-8 hours of labor

350-500 plus fluid is fair.
I thought you said 4hrs. Took me more like 4.5 IIRC and you were bagging on me...

Shipping will be about $250 each way! Joe threw a curve ball at me and still trying to digest it. he said I could save some $$ and have the stage 4 installed in my tranny. However I would think there isn't a huge amount of money to be saved, if any based on the shipping diff. between the V tranny and level 4 kit ...and with the level 4 there would be more labor involved as it would have to be installed which would offset any savings in shipping. In the end I "think" I'd be better off just doinng the complete tranny swap (stage V) ? Is my thinking correct?

John, not actual time, thats closer to 2 hours..or less

I think having the kit installed would be cheaper. But hard to say. Figure 4200 range installed w/ fluid. Thats a fair price

You gain the warranty with the complete unit thats nice. Your not far off on shipping, its 3xx range round trip to MI, your farther by far

Any fluid will be fine, Dex III to fancy synthetic

A throrough line pressure test after install is a very good idea too, I'd bet Joe would like to have it as well?

Eric, your probably right in the kit would be cheaper. I was thinking I'd only be saving shipping of the tranny 1 way with the kit and would still have to send a core (duh) :) However I might still rather pay shipping to get the warranty ...lots of dollars to dish out with no type of warranty. With my luck it's go tiCensored s-up the 2nd day installed.

If you can send me the core, and not tell Joe, I'll pay shipping both ways, but you gotta pay the core charge... Shhhhhhhhhh

tophog, also keep in mind if the shop doing the work has never done an allison (which you indicated) it may be worth the peace of mind to have it already buttoned up by Joe and staff. Not that a competent trans shop couldn't handle it but I'd definitely consider this (it's the reason I didn't get the kit). Now if Eric or Mike were doing it I'd say save the money and go with the kit.

When I did mine a year ago it was right at $600 with fluid and tax for R&R. I also asked Joe about fluid and he said regular Dexron III was his recommendation.

You'll enjoy it!

sp33d, thanks. Joe said with the kit I'd probably save around $800 ...and went on to say how competent the installer is he referred me to is, etc. The big thing is warranty for me ...if no warranty with level IV kit then the V is a no brainer for me. I took chances when I used to play blackjack a lot in Reno ...and lost my asCensored s ! :) I'm getting the itch ...just want to know what I'm up against before I decide to sell my wife. :)

:) I'm getting the itch ...just want to know what I'm up against before I decide to sell my wife. :)
I think what you meant to say was ....Just want to know what I'm up against before I decide to PAY SOMEONE TO TAKE my wife!:muahaha::lol::rippedhan:thumb:

No, I meant "sell" ...but I didn't say how much. Just looking to cover cost of fluid :)

BTW, the shop that's going to do the install is charging me $520 for R/R. Price also includes fluid (Dextron III) which Joe recommended and said synthetic was the customer's option. Soooo, any reason why I should run Mobil 1 or another synthetic vice Dextron III? I also opted for the deep pan ... PML brand from what I was told.