After reading several posts here about the potential issues with AP1 valve retainers on the intake side valves, I decided to follow the suggestions and replace them with AP2 retainers. I ordered the retainers and cotters, and set up a service appointment at the local Honda dealership to do the work, along with a number of other things I needed to have done. Once they realized what would need to be done to replace the retainers, they quoted me around $2800 for the labor. They were going to have to have a machine shop do some of the work, so it was going to take about a week to get the car back.

So my question is, does a quote of $2800 for labor for changing out just the intake side valve retainers sound accurate? I have no idea what is fair, and I know I don’t have the tools or ability to do it myself so I’m going to have to pay someone. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

Sounds what would be expected from a dealer, they probably will remove the head which is totally unnecessary and make the cost go up like crazy.
Don't let them do it, if you are lucky they might actually succeed but at x10 the cost of an experienced S2000 mechanic.
Most probably they will mess it up though.

 

Be aware that there are varying opinions about whether to replace the retainers at all if they are not cracked. I have not done the job, but it would surprise me if it would take three hours plus parts. That price sounds CRAZY high to me. There is zero chance I would pay that kind of money. There is zero chance I would pull the head to replace perfectly sound retainers. I can see doing the job with the head in place. That is a reasonable decision. I'm not going to do it. But, sure, some will do it.

 

Run. Far away.

$550 covers parts and labor in my shop, while you wait 2 hrs.

At they price, they are removing the cylinder head and I promise you will have nothing but probelms from that point on.

The book states to pull the head, which is doing 10x more work than necessary.

 

OK, looks like I’m going to wait until the spring and then make a trip down to Long Island.

 

Best plan.

 

This is totally your route to go OP.

 

Consider you're over 250 in parts, that's downright GENEROUS.