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Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Sun Jun 20, 2021 9:15 pm
by Dave7CDMTYPER
My '01 GS-R is consuming a lot of oil, probably around 1 quart every 500 miles. It could be head gasket b/c it overheated one time. I don't know exactly what's going on. Hopefully it's in the cylinder head and not piston rings.

I am looking for a mechanic in Los Angeles, ideally in the San Fernando Valley. I know of one Honda shop, the guy seems pretty friendly and legit. But I wanted to check on here first in case anyone recommends a mechanic.

I want to get the engine in really good shape, using OEM parts. Including a valve adjustment. My plan is to make it a track car, but also daily driver sometimes. I am open to doing fun stuff like the 5 angle valve job or whatever, port/polishing the ports and stuff like that. I'd want to build it up more, but probably want to keep it CARB legal so it passes smog. I don't think the mechanic I know would be able to do the valve angle work, I think he would just fix it up.

If there is a mechanic that specializes in building Honda B-series stock and racing engines, that would be ideal. Then we could discuss doing some kind of build.

I have some Toda A2 cams, so why not throw those in there too?

Some day I want to learn how to do engine work, but it hasn't happened yet and I want to get her running great again sooner than later.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions, if any.

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:46 pm
by carpayments4life
Check Facebook for Integra car clubs in your area. Ask for recommendations, for a mechanic that they use.

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:30 am
by Outrun
Not sure if Alaniz Racing Heads is still around. I see him at some of the NASA events as a driver.

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 12:19 am
by Dave7CDMTYPER
carpayments4life wrote: Mon Jun 21, 2021 8:46 pm Check Facebook for Integra car clubs in your area. Ask for recommendations, for a mechanic that they use.
Thanks for that idea. I would do it but I don't have FB. :)

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 12:20 am
by Dave7CDMTYPER
Outrun wrote: Tue Jun 22, 2021 2:30 am Not sure if Alaniz Racing Heads is still around. I see him at some of the NASA events as a driver.
Awesome, thank you. I looked it up, and found an older thread which discusses other LA shops too.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/all-motor ... k-2578169/

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2021 12:15 pm
by cdang
Sounds like Tony Fuchs over at Mid Valley Auto is the guy you want to go to. I personally have never been before, but have heard nothing but good things about him and his shop. He's one of the OG Honda drag racers so he definitely knows his way around a B-series.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mid-valley-aut ... r-winnetka

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Sat Jul 03, 2021 1:24 am
by Dave7CDMTYPER
cdang wrote: Fri Jul 02, 2021 12:15 pm Sounds like Tony Fuchs over at Mid Valley Auto is the guy you want to go to. I personally have never been before, but have heard nothing but good things about him and his shop. He's one of the OG Honda drag racers so he definitely knows his way around a B-series.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/mid-valley-aut ... r-winnetka
Wow thanks for the recommendation man. I looked at their Yelp page, lots of Hondas. I will definitely consider Tony. :))

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:22 am
by Dave7CDMTYPER
Update: I just called Tony and I'm going to drop off the GS-R on Monday! I'm excited, she needs some love.

Might end up having to do an engine rebuild. I'm excited, b/c I want to take this car on the track.

Btw, we discussed oil. I told him I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic. He said that Hondas don't often like Mobil 1, and would recommend anything other than M1. I suggested Royal Purple, he agreed and also recommended Amsoil. So I may take that advice moving forward with both my gs-r and ITR. :thumbup:

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:25 am
by Dave7CDMTYPER
cdang wrote: Fri Jul 02, 2021 12:15 pm Sounds like Tony Fuchs over at Mid Valley Auto is the guy you want to go to.
Thanks again for the recommendation. :thumbup:

Re: Looking for mechanic in Los Angeles/SF Valley for engine work

Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:24 am
by coolhandluke
Dave7CDMTYPER wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:22 am Update: I just called Tony and I'm going to drop off the GS-R on Monday! I'm excited, she needs some love.

Might end up having to do an engine rebuild. I'm excited, b/c I want to take this car on the track.

Btw, we discussed oil. I told him I've been using Mobil 1 synthetic. He said that Hondas don't often like Mobil 1, and would recommend anything other than M1. I suggested Royal Purple, he agreed and also recommended Amsoil. So I may take that advice moving forward with both my gs-r and ITR. :thumbup:
Plenty run Mobile1. I've never been a fan since it isn't a true synthetic. Several here are Amsoil dealers (ex: VPR Motorsports = Type R Expo sponsor) and Motul is another option I've personally switched to in both my ITR (transmission and oil) and RS (all drivetrain fluids.) We Don't Lift sells Motul is has signed up to sponsor Type R Expo as well.

If one isn't tracking, I recommend Castrol dino oil. The key factor for me in choosing an oil is availability, as in, can I grab a liter to top off if needed on a road trip or track day. I now buy multiple 5L containers of Motul to solve for this.