Speed shops-rant
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Speed shops-rant
I think they hire these guys straight from Taco Bell!! I call to a well known speed shop around the corner from me yesterday to get prices on some 400 parts. Guy gives me prices for 402 BB parts. I explain 400 S.B. parts. "All we have is a 426 strkoer" he replies. Then goes on to tell me they have the rods and crank I need..and the block! I ask how much for a rotating ***'y. "We don't sell it-you need a stroker crank to build a 406....How 'bout a 383"?
He asked what year car it's going in like it matters...
Next! How do places like this stay open?
Maybe this should be in C4 gen-Doh!
He asked what year car it's going in like it matters...
Next! How do places like this stay open?
Maybe this should be in C4 gen-Doh!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,952
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From: Little Rock Arkansas
The secret is finding a GOOD speed shop that has been in business awhile and has a good reputation. I managed a speed shop several years ago before moving into the machine shop and I can tell you that we were on top of things. Knowledge is power only if you use it... I would rather spend 20% more in a reputable speed shop than with Jeg's or Summit, just my $.02. Like I said, the secret is finding one... If you go into one and they ask you the same question Auto Zone or O'Reilly's does: "What year and make," then you should run far-far away.
-Jeb
-Jeb
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
its really tough for dumb goofballs like me who have the universe yet to learn about. i know barely enough to be dangerous and definitely dumb enough so that its hard to discern between the real men from the make-believe.
so what happens? mistakes - sometimes fairly costly ones. but its more than worth it in the long run.
so what happens? mistakes - sometimes fairly costly ones. but its more than worth it in the long run.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I don't expect these guys to know everything, as they are young, but basic knowledge of a motor size should be required. Sad thing is I'm friends with someone who manages their other store and approached him with it-He said get over it, probably won't change. Too bad. I'd love to own a biz like that--
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 93 ragtop
Well actually the year would make a difference as to it being a crank for a 1 piece seal or 2 piece, I believe.
Race Director
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From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
I feel your pain, brotha'... I went into a local speed shop here in San Jose looking for some header bolts. The guy wanted to know what brand of headers - I thought because he was just curious as there were other Vettes in the lot - so I say, "Exotic Muscle." He starts tapping away on the keyboard and then says, "Hmm...no we don't carry Exotic Muscle."
NO SH*T!!!!!!! I bought them from EM! I just need *BOLTS*!
NO SH*T!!!!!!! I bought them from EM! I just need *BOLTS*!
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by Perfusion
I feel your pain, brotha'... I went into a local speed shop here in San Jose looking for some header bolts. The guy wanted to know what brand of headers - I thought because he was just curious as there were other Vettes in the lot - so I say, "Exotic Muscle." He starts tapping away on the keyboard and then says, "Hmm...no we don't carry Exotic Muscle."
NO SH*T!!!!!!! I bought them from EM! I just need *BOLTS*!
NO SH*T!!!!!!! I bought them from EM! I just need *BOLTS*!
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Although no one asked, here goes anyway....
Early Hemis:
241 ci Dodge Red Ram
331 354 392 ci Chrysler Firedome & Desoto (can't remember what they called their version)
I feel fortunate, speed shop-wise. Our local one, Hot Rod Barn, is a little one man operation run by a young fellow (30) who really knows his stuff. If he doesn't know, he'll find out. His Dad ran it before him. Aside from all the good help he's given me, it's just a fun place to hang out, exchange lies and bench race. It's a hot rodder's general store kind of place.
Early Hemis:
241 ci Dodge Red Ram
331 354 392 ci Chrysler Firedome & Desoto (can't remember what they called their version)
I feel fortunate, speed shop-wise. Our local one, Hot Rod Barn, is a little one man operation run by a young fellow (30) who really knows his stuff. If he doesn't know, he'll find out. His Dad ran it before him. Aside from all the good help he's given me, it's just a fun place to hang out, exchange lies and bench race. It's a hot rodder's general store kind of place.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by Perfusion
- so I say, "Exotic Muscle." He starts tapping away on the keyboard and then says, "Hmm...no we don't carry Exotic Muscle."
:RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,954
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From: Obama=death for America
Just putting it out there that if anyone is near the S.W. area of Florida, I know of a speed shop that will do your car from beginning to end. Many shops will only build you an engine and then you must find someone competent to install it or do it yourself. This guy will take your car and give it back only when everything is 100%. He's been in the engine building business for almost 20 years and is incredibly knowledgeable and is extremely competent. If you're interested in having him do some work for you, send me an email and I will send you his contact info.
He will also build you an engine if that is all you want. He built my 383 and my avatar is his doing.
He will also build you an engine if that is all you want. He built my 383 and my avatar is his doing.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lahaina Hi
I went into NAPA the other day and asked for a Volks wagon radiator for a 1973 beetle.
After 2 day's he called me and said they don't make them anymore???????what????
He still did not get it.
Maybe a 1969 383 roadrunner came with a 273 slant 6 in it ???
After 2 day's he called me and said they don't make them anymore???????what????
He still did not get it.
Maybe a 1969 383 roadrunner came with a 273 slant 6 in it ???
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by REDC4CORVETTE
I went into NAPA the other day and asked for a Volks wagon radiator for a 1973 beetle.
After 2 day's he called me and said they don't make them anymore???????what????
He still did not get it.
Maybe a 1969 383 roadrunner came with a 273 slant 6 in it ???
After 2 day's he called me and said they don't make them anymore???????what????
He still did not get it.
Maybe a 1969 383 roadrunner came with a 273 slant 6 in it ???
uhhh yeah, those take Rapidfire #5. Beetle, too!. They all do...Won't fit the rare slant 6 with the lean burn system
