Given the part of California you are in, $100 an hour is a reasonable rate. Where I am it runs right around $110 at dealers, private shops are a bit less, and I'm not even in that expensive of an area. So I'm guessing in the Hollywood area it is even higher.

Charging an hour to change the plugs on the Z is crazy but their hourly rate is on par.

I think it was just a case of they thought they could charge it so they tried.

Oh my God I'd have gone postal!!!

I really want to learn to work on my own Z and I just need to get the tools to do so but I figured let a professional get her up to par and then do the maintenance and other repairs myself. *#@*$$**&^@^!!!!!!

You can download the Factory Service Manual at:

http://www.xenons30.com/reference.html

That has everything you need to know, to do just about anything on your Z. You obviously need some mechanical ability, but even if you don't you have that, you have a great car to learn on.

You would probably surprise yourself at how much you can do on a Z. Between the FSM and a Chiltons or Haynes manual, you could learn alot on your Z because they're great to work on. The simplicity of design and engineering with these cars is one of the things that makes them so desirable, in my opinion.

A $100 lesson is cheap...download the FSM, and next time, give it a shot yourself.

By the way...nice avatar. I have a Dalmatian that I named after Sid Vicious.

How hard would you guys say it is to replace your radiator?

And thank you so much everyone for the advice and references, you guys kick arse and I look forward to learning a lot form you all and showing you my progress.

-Eli

By the way...nice avatar. I have a Dalmatian that I named after Sid Vicious.

Har, har.

Should have pictures up of my z as soon as I get it back from that bandit!

Radiator is MUCH harder than replacing the plugs on a Z, but it still rates about a 2.5 on a 10 point scale. There are four bolts, three hoses and nine phillips head screws. You will need a floor jack and jackstands or car ramps so you can get under the car. It's an hour job for me, but could be a bit longer for you.

OK after speaking to the mechanic again and a little calmer I'm trying to decide what to do. Heres the whole story: I bought my 1978 280z cheap like 600.00 cheap so I figured that it would surely need some work (although it did drive to my sisters about 45 minutes away without any real problems other than some shaking at higher speeds which I figure was due to alignment or the fact that only one of the tires has tread). Well upon starting it back up after replacing the battery it started to stall at most of the red lights I hit on the way to the mechanics. He then informed me after I paid him 90.00 for a thorough inspection that not all of the cylinders were firing. He then said I would need to replace the spark plug and after charging me another 110.00 he informed me that some or one of the spark plugs were wet and now wants another 150.00 to fo further testing to find out what the real problem is. Should I just pay the guy to identify the problems and then try and fix them myself?

My guess would be that his labor rate is $110/hour and he charges a minimum of 1 hour labor wise. Hardest thing about changing spark plugs is bending over to turn the wrench. I would do it yourself...

Sounds like your going to be paying that guy to explore...take it away from him and bring it to a "Z" specialist...a Z guy will know what you've got and where to dive in (and what it will cost)...

BTW...listened to some of your tunes...the hardcore synth reminds me a little of Skinny Puppy (that's a big compliment, I feel like I grew up listening to Annihilate...)

Changing spark plugs is the easist thing to do besides checking your oil. All you need is socket wrench and a spark plug gap measuring device. When I'm board I take mine out to check them. It can tell you alot what's going on with an engine. BTW find a reputable Z mechanic that won't rip you off. I'm sure there are many members that know of one in your area.

It sounds like you have very little experience around cars and few if any tools. If that is the case, you have two choices. The first is to buy a bunch of tools and learn how to wrench on your car. The second is to find a good mechanic who knows these cars inside and out. Just because a shop can fix a 1990 vintage car, doesn't mean they can fix a 30 year old Z car. Times have changed. I'm sure somebody on this list can hook you up with a local mechanic. Be prepared to spend some money on the car and please download and study the FSM as well as the EFI Bible. If you don't have the link, let me know.

Agreed^ Start buying some tools. Find a local Z enthusiast and trade beer for some good ole learning