install costs (exhaust, coilover adjustments)

[pismojeff]

asked for a quote at the local Audi dealer. they have a little aftermarket shop that is on location. quotes were as follows:

1. exhaust install (catback): $180
2. coilover adjustment: $180, alignment: $289

do these sound reasonable? just don't want to get jerked around since it is the dealer but want them to do the work since they will be handling any warranty work as well

[ngng]

exhaust install shouldn't be 180...maybe 75-100? you can DIY too, it's simple.

coilover adjustments for $180!!!? damn. alignments should be ~200?

[b6onboost]

Alignment is $109 at dealers around here.

[pismojeff]

yeah, can't DIY since I have no equipment/lift

wondering if the alignment includes corner balancing? don't know much about it but wondering if that is why it is so much...

[Ill 3.0]

for equipment all you need is a floor jack, stands, breaker bar, PB blaster and socket set.

[ngng]

hmm you're in oregon? hit up matrix

[pismojeff]

yeah, way over in Bend... about 3 hours from Portland

[NYCS4Avant]

Local dealer charges $149 for alignment. $180 sounds steep. Keep in mind that a properly fabricated Cat-Back exhaust should be a simple install. I'd say $100 sounds about right.

[aaaudiprotein]

Alignment price is HIGH, catback is a bit high, coilovers is pretty good.
But considering that Audi is doing that, that seems cheap (for their prices).

[pismojeff]

Alignment price is HIGH, catback is a bit high, coilovers is pretty good.
But considering that Audi is doing that, that seems cheap (for their prices).

that is what I was worried about. pretty new here and don't have any "friends" at local shops so I have no idea who to take it to! thanks

[joeycuccaro]

Prices seem a bit high...

I doubt that alignment includes corner balance...

Adjustment, Alignment, and Corner Balance usually run around 350+

[pismojeff]

ok, i will definitely negotiate with them if I have to. how much is corner balancing usually? most people do this or not?

[joeycuccaro]

ok, i will definitely negotiate with them if I have to. how much is corner balancing usually? most people do this or not?

If you want to optimize your investment in the coilovers then do a corner balance. Like stated above you can get all three done for $350+ depending on the shop.

[pismojeff]

If you want to optimize your investment in the coilovers then do a corner balance. Like stated above you can get all three done for $350+ depending on the shop.

gotcha, thought CB was for Cat Back... duh...

[joeycuccaro]

gotcha, thought CB was for Cat Back... duh...

Haha sorry i should of used corner balance. My fault.

[EYE4SPEED]

Go to an indy and get it done for a bill or less. If it was a Mustang or something, just take it to a Muffler Man or Midas - had some Flowmasters installed there. I'd be a little cautious taking my Audi to those shops...

However, I did take my A4 USP to one and had an APR exhaust installed; they did it for two cases of beer - seriously. Worked find, except I had to take it to a custom fabricator to re-fit it so the tips wouldn't stick out so much (granted the UPS bumper is shorter than the regular A4).

[nadroj81]

Check your regional forum for a good audi independent shop. Those prices are way to expensive. I got a 4 wheel alignment for 125 using a Hunter machine. Exhaust is max 2 hours (if you have downpipes), C/O install can be 4-5 hours, So maybe 350ish.

Easily done in 1 day.

[nadroj81]

here are some quick audi/vw shops in your area...
Young's Ole Volks Home (541) 382-4763 and Steve's Place (541)
741-1842, Aaron's Autowerks at (541) 383-5015

[pismojeff]

awesome. thanks for the info. i just need to talk with someone here who recommends one of these places. this was the official quote from the Audi dealer:

"If the exhaust is a bolt on , and requires no modification the labor would
be $180.00 cat back.

The coil over adjustment for ride height is apprx $180.00 maybe less if we
don't have to redo more than twice.

I can do a street car corner balance for apprx.$300.00

Doing a corner balance is work time involved and could be more."

[channad]

exhaust install, I've gotten a quote of $80

he said it's 4 bolts and easy. hardest part is the stock exhaust is one big piece.

one dealership quoted me $300 to install the same exhaust.

People on this board have done the exhaust install by themselves, and it's taken about 30 minutes or so

[MOFSTEEL]

I did the exhaust install on a driveway with some Rhino Ramps.
Have a friend help you out. It's easy.

[ginkof]

do the catback yourself.. all you need is common hand tools... a pair of extra hands... and a 12 pack for you buddy.

Coilover adjustment isn't hard at all... its a bit easier with a lift but i wouldn't pay that much for an adjustment.

Are you talking about an alignment for your wheels? That is absolutely crazy! Any local shop to me will do it for $70-90... i went to firestone several months back and they have an unlimited alignment program you can buy for $180. You can have your car aligned as many times as you want while you own the car for the initial flat rate! The crazy part is there are no catches to it. I actually got my car aligned today since a had a spare hour. Its been there 3 times in the past 5 months... and i could go back tomorrow if i wanted to. And yes i can take it to any firestone dealer nationwide.

[40valve]

Like everyone said, exhaust is not hard at all. Have a buddy there to help with alignment.
Also, fire it up with the exhaust off. You'll never forget that sound!
Same goes for ride height. Not hard at all.

I just got something from my local Audi dealer and they were offering alignment for something a little over $100. I have a buddy at the shop that can do it for $60.

[oatzel]

I did the exhaust install on a driveway with some Rhino Ramps.
Have a friend help you out. It's easy.

yup, only hard part is making sure the stock exhaust doesn't kill you when you take it out. that thing is heavy. i actually used two floor jacks to help support it

[pismojeff]

yeah, the guy said "that is our shop price. we can't negotiate that price" on the alignment... that was $289

now looking for anyone in town with a modified Audi so I can ask where they take it to get work done

we have a couple Les Schwabs in town but I don't know if they are trustworthy or not. I know they could probably do all of the work

[nadroj81]

yeah, the guy said "that is our shop price. we can't negotiate that price" on the alignment... that was $289

now looking for anyone in town with a modified Audi so I can ask where they take it to get work done

we have a couple Les Schwabs in town but I don't know if they are trustworthy or not. I know they could probably do all of the work

Drive by those shops and see what kind of cars you see outside....

[Rommulus]

Hit up username JWerner. He is from your neck of the woods and has a pretty sick B6. I'm sure he could steer you in the right direction for a trustworthy shop!

[Buegie]

i went to firestone several months back and they have an unlimited alignment program you can buy for $180. You can have your car aligned as many times as you want while you own the car for the initial flat rate! The crazy part is there are no catches to it. I actually got my car aligned today since a had a spare hour. Its been there 3 times in the past 5 months... and i could go back tomorrow if i wanted to. And yes i can take it to any firestone dealer nationwide.

Really? That sounds awesome, I'll have to check it out

[pismojeff]

just an update guys. got a quote from a local shop: "Ride height, corner balance and alignment. $260.00"

wow, all that for less than an alignment from the dealer!

[whartung]

for equipment all you need is a floor jack, stands, breaker bar, PB blaster and socket set.

I didnt know you needed PB blaster.... what for?