Flat rate book hours for changing out 3.9L long block engine in 1998 Dodge Dakota

I don't know how long the book says it should take but for an average engine swap one could safely estimate about 8 hours give or take the skill of the person doing it.

I agree from my own experience, but I need to know what the flat rate is because I'm not planning to do it myself - although I am considering it. I've done a few engine swaps in the past. Not a big deal. But if I have to pay $85/hr for someone else to do it, I'm trying to get some idea of what is a fair rate. I already had one estimate from a local garage. They agreed 11.5 hours, then they tacked on 2.5 hours for power steering, 1.5 hours for AC, etc... By the time they were done, the price was $1950, which is ridiculous.

Flat rates in Montgomery AL for doing an engine swap with everything provided range from $75-$115/hr depending on the shop. So your $85/hr is not a bad rate but then if it were my truck I would no base my decision on the flat rate but the quality of the work the shop does.

Hi Cory, thanks for your answer. What I'm actually looking for is the "number of hours" the book says it takes to do the engine swap. And, while I'm at it, is it normal for them to add on extra time for Power Steering, AC, Water Pump, etc.?

Hey, I am an ASE Master engine technician, and in regards to your questions as to whether or not it is normal to charge extra for those "add-on" services, the answer is absolutely NO! The hang-on items, i.e. alternator, power steering pump, AC, etc., are all taken into consideration when estimating labor time require for any job. If you were to look up the time required in a Labor Guide, all of those other itmes would be considered as part of the repair and or swap. Whomever you are talking to about your engine swap is padding the estimate. Find someone else.