Installing performance mods.
05-28-2004, 10:35 AM
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Installing performance mods. If I bought a new torque converter and gears off the web, could I just take it down a local garage to have it installed? Or do I usually need to go to the garage first, say I want a new higher stall TC and 3.73 gears installed, and they'll order the parts and then install it?
Also, can anybody recommend a good garage for installing performance mods on Firebirds thats local to the Annapolis, Maryland USA area? Would it better to go to the dealer instead? I know the dealer will try to put a hole in my wallet, but at least I can be reasonably sure that the dealer knows how to work on my car (knock on wood!).
Thanks!
Also, can anybody recommend a good garage for installing performance mods on Firebirds thats local to the Annapolis, Maryland USA area? Would it better to go to the dealer instead? I know the dealer will try to put a hole in my wallet, but at least I can be reasonably sure that the dealer knows how to work on my car (knock on wood!).
Thanks!
05-28-2004, 11:06 AM
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I'm sure they'd be pleased to buy the parts for you and
mark them up like usual. They will have their favorites,
which may or may not be the best for you or what you
want. Everybody wants your wallet, the dealership's
shop rate may be $120 and Joe Shadetree may be $60.
Question is, who is screwing up less often and standing
behind the work, more honestly? Got to go by referral
there, like find some local car clubs, hang out a couple
of times, share a couple of beers and hear the real
skinny. Everyone's your buddy before you start the job,
nobody wants to know from nothin' when the check's
been cashed.
I use a dealership for my work but they have a special
"speed shop" that caters to 'Vettes and Camaros and
other GM performance. Most don't touch this stuff.
Plus if they do touch it, they might rat out your
warranty. That's one reason I go where I go, is they
will (if you negotiate it) continue coverage on the
parts that are still GM, at least, if they got to do the
install labor & thus "know it's right".
A GM tech does not necessarily have the same level
of experience with setting up rear ends as a full-time,
driveline-only shop mechanic. Mr Goodwrench spends
half his day changing oil, rotating tires and inspecting
fan belts. But Mr. Goodwrench has layers of recourse
sitting over his head, while Cooter's garage, Cooter
can tell you to go pound sand any time he feels like
you're a customer who's worth losing.
mark them up like usual. They will have their favorites,
which may or may not be the best for you or what you
want. Everybody wants your wallet, the dealership's
shop rate may be $120 and Joe Shadetree may be $60.
Question is, who is screwing up less often and standing
behind the work, more honestly? Got to go by referral
there, like find some local car clubs, hang out a couple
of times, share a couple of beers and hear the real
skinny. Everyone's your buddy before you start the job,
nobody wants to know from nothin' when the check's
been cashed.
I use a dealership for my work but they have a special
"speed shop" that caters to 'Vettes and Camaros and
other GM performance. Most don't touch this stuff.
Plus if they do touch it, they might rat out your
warranty. That's one reason I go where I go, is they
will (if you negotiate it) continue coverage on the
parts that are still GM, at least, if they got to do the
install labor & thus "know it's right".
A GM tech does not necessarily have the same level
of experience with setting up rear ends as a full-time,
driveline-only shop mechanic. Mr Goodwrench spends
half his day changing oil, rotating tires and inspecting
fan belts. But Mr. Goodwrench has layers of recourse
sitting over his head, while Cooter's garage, Cooter
can tell you to go pound sand any time he feels like
you're a customer who's worth losing.