3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

good mechanic in SF Bay Area

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-26-01, 03:14 AM
  #1  
Lives on the Forum

Thread Starter
 
rynberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Lorenzo, California
Posts: 14,716
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
good mechanic in SF Bay Area

Looking for a good rotary mechanic in the San Francisco bay area. At this point, I just want a potential purchase to be looked over (compression, etc.).

Searching through the posts, I've discovered M2 and Rick's Rotary, but wanted to know if any of the Mazda dealers in the area are acceptable or not. Please let me know. Thanks.
Old 12-26-01, 10:45 AM
  #2  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
Nameless's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 1,087
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A dealership can do the compression test. But that's about it. I wouldnt trust them with changing my oil.
It's probably best to take it to Ricks (a friend of mine has had good experinces with them), but it's all the way over in P-town (I think). Think about it this way, if the car makes it there from SF, it's got to be in pretty good condition.
Old 12-26-01, 11:00 AM
  #3  
OG

 
Johnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Pleasanton,California
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
The only dealer worth a darn is Sunnyvale mazda and that's because Ivan works there....

I am in Pleasanton...so I only go to Ricks..
Old 12-26-01, 01:29 PM
  #4  
Lives on the Forum

Thread Starter
 
rynberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Lorenzo, California
Posts: 14,716
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
thanks for the tips, I was thinking about taking it to Putnam Mazda, as they are the closest big dealer. I think I'll end up taking it to Ricks anyway.
Old 12-27-01, 12:11 AM
  #5  
OG

 
Johnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Pleasanton,California
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by rynberg
thanks for the tips, I was thinking about taking it to Putnam Mazda, as they are the closest big dealer. I think I'll end up taking it to Ricks anyway.
Rick and Dave are good guys...I'm there all the time...was there today in fact...call and make a appt...they are getting busy..they must have atleast 4 motors they are doing.
Old 12-27-01, 05:41 AM
  #6  
~~~~~~~~~~~~

iTrader: (5)
 
insomniac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I take my car to Mazda Master in Sunnyvale, and talk to Larry


www.mazdamasters.com
Old 12-27-01, 06:06 PM
  #7  
Junior Member

 
Dreamin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Diablo Import Service in Pleasant Hill... Doug Piper, head mechanic for M2 peformance quit and started his own shop.

925-676-2782
Old 12-27-01, 07:37 PM
  #8  
Lives on the Forum

Thread Starter
 
rynberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Lorenzo, California
Posts: 14,716
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts
thanks again for the tips, I am getting the car checked out sat morning at Ricks Rotary, if the compression and turbos check out, I will own my first FD, a red 95 with 54k on her. Kinda reminds me of my first RX-7, a red 79. Except a LOT more power. I'll let ya know how it goes.

BTW, good compression numbers would be anything over 7 kg/cm^2, correct? And the boost pattern should be approximately 10-8-10?

Thanks for the all the tips, I've heard that Sunnyvale mazda is decent from another source as well. They'll be a good backup to Rick's Rotary.
Old 12-27-01, 07:56 PM
  #9  
OG

 
Johnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Pleasanton,California
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
yes 7's is average and in spec...8's are great and 9's are well ...I'd be jealous. 10-8-10 would be correct...I've known Rick about 6 years now...he is really good and since you are in CV...that's not too bad of a drive. Hope the compression numbers are good...if not you could also talk the seller down about $4500...
Old 12-27-01, 08:50 PM
  #10  
Full Member

 
jumprdude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by rynberg
Thanks for the all the tips, I've heard that Sunnyvale mazda is decent from another source as well. They'll be a good backup to Rick's Rotary.
Give Ivan a call - 408-730-0567, he's the main rotary technician at Sunnyvale Mazda, he'll give you a complete rundown on the condition of the car and charge you way less than what a dealer would charge.

And, welcome to the RX-7 family!
Old 12-28-01, 11:50 AM
  #11  
Rotary Enthusiast

 
djantlive's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Putnam Mazda stinks. The only dealers that I have had decent experience with are Menlo Mazda in Redwood City and Diablo Mazda in Walnut Creek. Even with them, I wouldn't let them do any diagnostic work. Only things like brake job, changing belts or oil changes.
Old 12-28-01, 10:26 PM
  #12  
Frankie V

 
frankadelic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Mill Valley
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
shop

personally i've had fantastic service at mostly mazda (M2 performance home base) kyle really knows what he is doing and explains everything they are in concord (i live in marin but think it is worth it to drive there) give them a holler
Old 12-29-01, 01:43 AM
  #13  
Will Work for Ferrari

 
mightyslash's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: West Coast
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by jumprdude


Give Ivan a call - 408-730-0567, he's the main rotary technician at Sunnyvale Mazda, he'll give you a complete rundown on the condition of the car and charge you way less than what a dealer would charge.

And, welcome to the RX-7 family!
it's still expensive even though he charges less than a dealer
Old 12-29-01, 02:40 PM
  #14  
Full Member

 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by mightyslash


it's still expensive even though he charges less than a dealer
Ivan's a reasonable guy. He MIGHT just check out your car for nothing if it means he will get your business in the future.
Old 12-29-01, 03:10 PM
  #15  
Ghost Ride the Whip

 
1FooknTiteFD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Foster City, CA
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Ivan's autopalace is the shiznit!!!!

Take it to Ivan, he has the quickest turnaround time. If he says your car will take 2 days to do, it'll be out within two days, also if you get to know him, he explains what he is doing to your car and how things are going with it. i used to take my car to M2 and putnam, the guys at putnam are stupid and the guys at M2 are always busy and never return any of my calls. Take it to the autopalace: 408-730-0567
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rexhvn
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
0
08-19-15 02:59 AM
ncds_fc
New Member RX-7 Technical
1
08-15-15 10:06 AM



Quick Reply: good mechanic in SF Bay Area



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:53 AM.