Labor Rates for Stage 2 Upgrade

[S4_ATX]

I have a 2020 RS3. Currently bone stock. I recently got a quote from a Unitronics dealer in my area to upgrade my car to stage 2.

Here are the specific parts I want them to install.

APR Downpipe/mid pipes
APR Intake Filter
APR Dogbone Mount
APR 2.5 TFSI EVO Turbocharger Inlet System
Unitronics Stage 2 ECU Tune
Unitronics Stage 2 TCU Upgrade


The labor came out to $1,820.00. I could likely do some of this myself however I don't want to risk messing something up on my brand new car.

Is this too expensive for labor on this job? Or does this seem about right? Seemed odd that the car would require an alignment after this?

invoice.jpg

[Clod]

Adding all that stuff will probably deem your warranty void anyway. If you are technically savvy not sure why you wouldn't try.

[Mr Nice]

Pay someone to do the downpipe, the rest is easy.

[Eightyeight]

Are they really charging $210 in labor to just change your spark plug? That seems outrageous

[MikTip]

Dealerships charge $160 an hour...

[johnruan]

They charge $150 to install Unitronic stage 1 might as well get the uniconnect cable and tune it yourself. You could install or uninstall even upgrade stage 2 without paying the shop. I think you could do data logging with the cable.

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[Spinnetti]

Wow. seems like a lot to me, but I do it all myself. Downpipe is a bit of a pain doing in the driveway, but rest is easy. Spark plugs are egregious - they must laugh all the way to the bank when a customer comes in. Usually a good independent shop is a lot cheaper.

[rodacollier]

Looks pretty reasonable to me for a professional job.

I’m sure they have a building, special tools, technical training / experience, and insurance to pay in addition to just labor costs. I bet they spend more time doing the job than the estimate so might inquire on what happens with any overage.

Alignment is needed because the right way to install the downpipe is let to let the front subframe loose/down and the front axle comes out.

Not a fun job for anyone with big hands.

If you have an issue with the car later, I’d much rather have to explain to Audi that a professional shop has worked on it and not yourself with the help of a few friends.

[17A3]

I paid 1,400$ tax in (Canadian dollars as well so like this comes to what $50 USD lolll) for a full stage 2 tune, dp, intake, spark plugs, coil pack, exhaust. inlet pipe, turbo muffler delete.

[2380S4]

That seems on the high side.. I just got 4 quotes for a DP alone it ranged from $365-$800.. The book is 6 hours although most shops should be able to nail it down in 3 maybe 4 hours. The dog bone mont is simple while doing the DP, not sure $140 is acceptable.. To do the inlet they have to move some of the items for the ignition install so $210 seems high as well..

As stated above I would have the DP down and the rest you can do your self it’s straight forward and there are numerous install guides to walk you through it.

I am having the shop do the DP and dog one mount should be about $500ish give or take a few $$’s.. The rest I am doing myself including the intercooler.

[NoggieRS5]

Jeezus, that's expensive! I think the downpipe and inlet are toughest ones to DIY. I looked at the installs on YouTube and it's tough. The only dogbone mount that needs a shop to do is the ECE Dogbone Mount and that's what I have :/ My car jerks a ton in between shifts. Always afraid of something snapping with all that jerk.

[S4_ATX]

Thanks for the info everyone. I figured these labor charges were on the expensive side.

I’m going to get a few more estimates from a few dif shops in my area.


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[hev702]

Looks expensive to me.

Had a downpipe, intake and inlet put in for 400.

- - - Updated - - -

And for the flashing itself, I always paid $50 for the labor.

[hpclayto]

For those who’ve DIY’d their downpipe, did you replace the bolts for the prop shaft and dog bone? Was watching humble mechanics video and he said to get new ones. It’s the only time I’ve seen that mentioned or suggested, wondering if it’s really necessary.

[nikuhina]

2015 S3

Had downpipe purchased and installed at 034

900 for DP
500 for labor
~$1550-1600 after tax

FWIW a local guy said he could do a DP swap for $100 (he’s got a lift)