Southern Calif. Mechanic ?
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7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South Bay, Los Angeles
Southern Calif. Mechanic ?
I have finally been able to get that 993 I always wanted but now I am looking for a good mechanic in the South Bay area of LA to help me make it last. The dealerships or OK, but it seems like an assembly line with no personal attention. Any suggestions ? either good or bad.
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Originally Posted by Father of 3
Callas Rennsport in Torrance. Lots of RLers in the South Bay, maybe they will chime in as well. Welcome to Rennlist.
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From: Solana Beach, CA
5th Callas....before he will do anything to your car...
his techs give the car a "physical". Once that is complete, Tony will take you through the "physical" printout and give you a very thorough explanation of the condition of your car. It doesn't get much better than Callas Motorsports in Torrance. 
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From: Solana Beach, CA
Benchmark prices....
Point 1: Go to PEP Boys or some other thrid rate repair shop. Note their labor prices per hour. You'll be surprised, probably $85 an hour, possibly upward. And remember you'll probably have to bring the car back 2 or 3 times to get it right. I know because I have a fleet vehicle and they force me to go to 3rd rate shops for repairs.
Point 2: Price VS Value...price becomes somewhat secondary when you want the job done right the first time and not hacked up.
Callas Motorsports you get what you pay for, isn't that refreshing. To let you know how popular Callas Motorsports is...they seldom advertise and rely on word of mouth. Also note that Tony Callas did some major national racing in the 993 car, Callas Reiser Racing http://www.reiser-callas.com/ . They did quite a bit of winning too, campaigning against some other better financed teams. If you want track prep done...this is an excellent spot.
I attended a porsche club technical session at Callas earlier in the year dedicated to the 993 car. I learned more in that 2 hours than I have at any other technical session.....there were lots of Rennlisters there, the inimitable Chris Walrod, Slap Shot, J. Gordon Sr, Father of Three,....we were all amazed.
In conclusion, The following week I had Callas do the "physical" on my car. As mentioned above, very thorough and comprehensive. I had them fix some minor items for me...fortunately my car was in good shape.
Callas was the shop that pointed out to the session that VarioRam vacuum line that collapses sooner or later. I had mine replaced. We should all be so luck as to libe in the SoCal South Bay and have Callas Motorsports in the neighborhood.That is it for now.
Point 2: Price VS Value...price becomes somewhat secondary when you want the job done right the first time and not hacked up.
Callas Motorsports you get what you pay for, isn't that refreshing. To let you know how popular Callas Motorsports is...they seldom advertise and rely on word of mouth. Also note that Tony Callas did some major national racing in the 993 car, Callas Reiser Racing http://www.reiser-callas.com/ . They did quite a bit of winning too, campaigning against some other better financed teams. If you want track prep done...this is an excellent spot.
I attended a porsche club technical session at Callas earlier in the year dedicated to the 993 car. I learned more in that 2 hours than I have at any other technical session.....there were lots of Rennlisters there, the inimitable Chris Walrod, Slap Shot, J. Gordon Sr, Father of Three,....we were all amazed.
In conclusion, The following week I had Callas do the "physical" on my car. As mentioned above, very thorough and comprehensive. I had them fix some minor items for me...fortunately my car was in good shape.
Callas was the shop that pointed out to the session that VarioRam vacuum line that collapses sooner or later. I had mine replaced. We should all be so luck as to libe in the SoCal South Bay and have Callas Motorsports in the neighborhood.That is it for now.
Last edited by Martin S.; Sep 5, 2005 at 02:44 PM.
Seriously, they are very busy and he will find out what kind of client you will be when you visit him.
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Solana Beach, CA
Interview for his services???
That's funny; I never felt that way.
I have heard Callas Motorsports has about all the clients they can handle. Good for him and his techs. That tells you something.....I take it as a good sign. They must be doing something right.
I have heard Callas Motorsports has about all the clients they can handle. Good for him and his techs. That tells you something.....I take it as a good sign. They must be doing something right.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: South Bay, Los Angeles
Thanks for all the help, with all that said Callas must be the right place to be. I'm calling to schedule my "physcial" this week.
I agree with Martin about the importance of the qualtiy. I think it's much more expensive going to the wrong place (and the required returns) then to go to a qualtiy shop the first time. Beyond that, I'm not willing to place my car in the hands of some hack.
I agree with Martin about the importance of the qualtiy. I think it's much more expensive going to the wrong place (and the required returns) then to go to a qualtiy shop the first time. Beyond that, I'm not willing to place my car in the hands of some hack.
Race Car
Joined: May 2003
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From: SoCal
There're MANY very good Porsche independent shops in the SoCal area.
Don't limit your options! Have some very minor work, e.g. oil change
brake service, done first to do an initial eval. Don't "jump in head first"!
Beware, that prices are NOT always correlated with quality work,
or perceived quality, as many may or may not have learned.
Check here ( www.systemsc.com/Dealers.htm ) for other possible choices.
Don't limit your options! Have some very minor work, e.g. oil change
brake service, done first to do an initial eval. Don't "jump in head first"!
Beware, that prices are NOT always correlated with quality work,
or perceived quality, as many may or may not have learned.
Check here ( www.systemsc.com/Dealers.htm ) for other possible choices.
Last edited by Lorenfb; Sep 12, 2005 at 02:24 PM.