Most of you have gathered from my previous posts that I am collecting parts for my Stage III. So far this is what I have:

VTEngines Built Short Block
(They've had the block for 3 weeks. Should be seeing it returned in a few more weeks).
-Cometic MLS Head Gasket, Valve Cover Gasket, Spark Plug Well Gaskets
-New Oil Pan Gasket
-New Idler Pulley
-New Tensioner Pulley
-New Crank Shaft Sprocket
-New Thermostat / Gasket
-Mitsubishi Manual Transmission Fluid

Clutch Masters Stage 4 Modular Clutch (Received from HRC)

390cc/min Injectors (Received from HRC)

Turbo XS HPBC (Waiting for Delivery, should be here tomorrow)


Well, I know that I don't have all the equipment to install this motor myself or the experience. This week I took a walk to my mechanic that I have been dealing with for the past 3 years who does excellent work. He has done alot of work for me in the past (replacing a head gasket, installing a new altenator, aligning my wheels - wasn't easy to find a shop that would even attempt aligning 18" wheels on a lowered car. Most of the shops aroud here only have equipment to align 17" wheels. My wheels had to be aligned the old fashion way - not with the electronic equipment.).

Anyways, I went into his shop and asked him if he would perform the engine swap and mentioned that I would like to help. I wanted to be invovled in the Stage III build and since the car isn't so stock anymore it might be beneficial to have me around (since I installed the kit). I told him that I would sign any waiver he prepared so that he wouldn't have to be worried about legal issues or with me getting hurt and suing him. I also mentioned that I do not want to help because I am only looking for a discount.

His response: "not a problem". He also said that since I would be doing half of the work (working along side with him) that he would only charge me half price. Keep in mind that he quoted me around $1,000 to $1,500 for the engine swap. That means I could be paying around $500 to $700 for the work which I think is a great price.

It's nice to know there are still good mechanics around.


Just thought I would share,
Kurt

Looks like you have yourself a slick motor coming your way and a great mechanic. For sure two things hard to find. I wish I could have found that last year. However today I have a great mechanic. And I think the decision to work with him is a great one. This way you learn how things work and where things could go wrong. (Let hope they don't) But it's the point of no return in my book. Had I gone this route I'd done the same thing. All good..


http://www.cardomain.com/id/jasvbts2k2
"The ONLY Honda I'd mod would be ASIMO"

wow what a good man!

http://www.hadesomega.info -car specz and movies 95 Eclipse RS | 76' 280Z | 89' MR2 | 99 Neon | 91 Zephyr
Who sez FF can't drift?

KTECLIPSE

Hey man... im from NJ as well and I was wondering who this mechanic is... I need to get my wheels aligned and I have a lowered car on 18" as well. I am lookign for a good mechanic as well... prices arent even an issue as much as finding a guy who will actually be willing to do the work i need. If you could recommend him to me I would really appreciate it.

DSMeclipse - You have mail.

Also with this mechanic, you don't have to worry about leaving your car there and it getting beat on by the employees. All of his employees are older (in their 40s) and have better things to do. Althought, I have taken them for some rides because they were curious.

I really wanted to be invovled in the install but was a little worried about no being able to complete the job myself especially since this car is my primary vehicle to and from work. It gives me a real good opportunity to learn - that's what I really wanted.

--Kurt

>Also with this mechanic, you don't have to worry about leaving
>your car there and it getting beat on by the employees. All
>of his employees are older (in their 40s) and have better
>things to do. Althought, I have taken them for some rides
>because they were curious.
>
I know what you mean. I know for sure at my place no one messes with my car cause it's garaged. And plus the guys that work there they all have cars faster than mine, so why would they want to?

See it in the corner?




http://www.cardomain.com/id/jasvbts2k2
"The ONLY Honda I'd mod would be ASIMO"

Thanks a lot man

Jasvb TS2K2,

That's pretty sweet. It doesn't get any better than having a garage full of DSMs.

I was always worried about leaving my car at the mechanics but he always takes good care of it. He knows I'm a fanatic and humors me by parking it in two spaces where I wouldn't get door dings.


--Kurt