Dirteater19

Hey everyone. I'm moving to the Destin Florida area (more like Eglin AFB actually) and will finally be reunited with my Vette come October after leaving it the states for a two year tour in Guam. Already been doing some research but would love to hear from you guys.

Looking for a good performance shop incase I ever need to take my car somewhere. My car is fairly tuned already with an A&A S/C, cam, full exhaust, full fuel system, and a lot of power. I checked both A&A's website and ECS's website for authorized installers hoping they might be a decent shop. Closest I could find to Destin was XXX Motorsports (A&A installer) in Pensacola. Anyone use them? I do a lot of work myself but always like to have a good shop for a backup plan, lol. Future work for the car might include new tranny and diff, new fuel pump (thinking of switching A1000 for Fore duel pumps) and possible engine rebuild with rods and pistons, ARP head studs and bolts all around, and LS9 head gasket just for peace of mind when I step on the gas.

I found Emerald Coast Cars and Coffee, any member here go to it? I plan on going to the first one to check out the crowd and cars so maybe I'll meet some CF members.

Also, and don't hate me, but a classic mustang is in my future, something 1967 or older. I've always wanted one and can finally afford it, so I'm checking out decent cars in the $20K to $30K range. Something that doesn't need a ton of work right off the bat, but I can still upgrade in area's like suspension, brakes, engine, and interior. I love working on cars so love having something to play with, I just don't do rust repair, lol. Anyways, if anyone can recommend shops with classic cars in mind, a good engine shop since I'll most likely pull and rebuild the motor, a good upholstery shop, and maybe body shop. Not sure if I'll need any of these shops since I don't know what car I'm getting yet, but I like to have places at the ready.

Anyways, thanks for any and all reply's. Love this community and can't wait to get back to the states for some cruisin again.

drew_c6

20 years ago, I did my Air Force Intel training in Pensacola and have been back to that area numerous times since with the last trip just being 7 or 8 months ago. The whole Destin/Pcola area is awesome - if you like warmer weather, beautiful beaches, and a fairly relaxed lifestyle, you'll love it.


I haven't been there in almost 15 years, but during one of my trips down there, I bought a brand new 2002 Trans Am WS.6 and dealt with XXX Motorsports a few times. "Back in the Day", they were one of the premier LSX speed shops in the area and I would have recommended them for both speed/mod work and window tints over any other. However, like I said, it's been a while and I don't know how their reputation has faired over the years.


With the introduction of the LS1 motor, the speed shops and number of insanely fast cars blew the hell up around that area. My suggestion would be to get involved in a LSX/Fbody/Corvette club and see where the locals direct you.


On a side note, there was, and I imagine there still is, a very large, active street racing community in that area. It became such a problem a number of years ago that they changed some of the street racing-related laws. If you get involved, be careful. The laws, the police, and the other idiots that don't necessarily know how to drive/control their cars will not work in your favor. Better yet, there are at least two 1/8 mile drag strips between Panama City and Daphne, AL. There used to be one in Holt as well, but I recently read it was closed. For road tracks, I think the closest might be all the way up near Atlanta.


Good luck and enjoy!

GaVette61

Lucky dog, have fun!

TxLefty

Was just thru that area in March with the Corvette Club. Nice enough area, tourist trap. I'm sure some of the Navy guys in Pensacola can give you some advice on a shop.

myredhead1

Was on the base last year with a civic leaders tour from Barksdale. We flew over on a refueler and spent the day touring the different areas on base. Growing up in New Orleans, we vacationed there every year. Beautiful area that I'm considering for retirement down the road.

LoganExplosion

It's really nice. White sand beaches. Shopping centers. Tourists. Beach traffic. Think there's a Vette car show there every year. Maybe Sandestin

cmonkey713

Great place on the Emerald Coast. There are two Cruzin the Coast shows a year about 40 miles East at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. There is also a big Corvette Club in the area, Emerald Coast Corvette Club which has about 100 members I am told. Look here on the Forum under the Southeast Region section for contact information. Living on the Emerald Coast of Florida is like living in paradise, you are a lucky guy.

Dirteater19

Awesome, Thanks for the help. XXX seems to have decent reviews. I do my best not to street race, too much on the line with my career, let alone my car and my life. Every once in a while some A-hole in a coffee can exhaust civic thinks he's fast and I'll do a pull to show him off, but usually the sound of the blow off valve will keep people at bay, lol. I was looking for a quarter mile track, I hate 1/8th milers. I'll see whats around. Thanks for the suggestion on finding a LSX or Vette group, I will definitely keep an eye out. I usually don't fit into corvette clubs being only 29 years old, lol.

Vet With A Vette

I was stationed there about 7 years ago. It is a very beautiful place. I would love to retire there some day.

I don't have any info on tuners in the area unfortunately.

Dirteater19

I actually did my tech school there 10 years ago so I'm semi-familiar with the area already, I loved it then and I think I'll love it now. Back then though I was so focused on tech school and didn't even own a car, I never got a chance to check out shops and the car scene. This time around will be a different story

Dirteater19

I sure hope so!

Dirteater19

Fantastic! I will check them out. Thanks!

Tally Ho

I've been here since November 2000. I retired from active duty in 2002 and landed a contractor job. Are you active duty? I'm involved with lots of the Corvette community here so I have an idea what goes on. We can take this to PM or email and I can go into more details with you. I think you'll like this area. Shoot me a PM.

jrose7004

We rented a house on the beach down there a year ago and the white sand and emerald green clear water can't be beat!

Dcasole

we go every year ...going next week ...it's my happy place
Dave