Just wondering if anyone has heard of this place and their thoughts on it? Various people have stated the guy is a fraud.. others have stated otherwise. I’m making my rounds on forums trying to find out. Don’t want to give someone work that they can not handle.

otherwise.. what the recommended(trusted) East Coast FD shop?

 

I wouldn't go anywhere near them.

 

A few years ago before news of their misgivings became as widespread as it is now, I helped a friend do some work on a car that the previous owner had sent there and we were disappointed with the quality of the work that was done for how much was charged to the PO for labor. FMIC they installed would literally overheat on the highway in the fall in Penna, oil pan was leaking (after a rebuild), and heinously constructed wiring. I should also note that the PO was charged in excess of $13k for all of the work done. For that kind of money, I would expect much better. This does not even begin to address the business side of things, but I will let others that have direct experience advise you with respect to that.

Quite truthfully, save for one of the lead technicians from the now defunct "speed 1/kdr" who lives around here and runs a one man operation and does outstanding work, there isn't really any other shop in my neck of the woods that I would be comfortable leaving my car with. Some do quality work but have developed issues on the business side of things that makes me very reluctant to recommend them. Others will take your money and run, and you'll get your car back in a couple years in much worse condition than it was when delivered and your wallet will be much lighter (you also may not even have the parts you paid for).

With that having been said, having seen the quality of his work and how he runs his operation, Banzai Racing in Indiana would probably be one of the few places I could send it and be able to sleep at night. Will very likely be sending my engine there when the time comes.

I ended up doing almost all of the labor myself save for paint, fabrication and engine building (yet) because I can't/am not willing to pay someone else to do something that I can do, but that is only because I am willing to allocate the time to do so. It may be something for you to consider. $125-$150/hr shop rates add up to exponentially larger sums.

Anyway, hope that helps you make an informed decision. Hopefully others will chime in.

 

There is a whole thread about that shop on the forum here. Based on that thread and conversations I have had with local owners who took their cars there I would sell my car before I trusted that shop to work on it.

 

What do you need done?

 

Take it from me, I lost a lot of money from taking my car there,as did multiple other people, my car was there 10 months for a engine rebuild,a v mount and a new ECU. After 10 months I pulled the car and as of right now in 3 weeks I assembled the engine fully, and swung it into the car and have replaced the engine wiring harness they stole off the car. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else!!!!!

 

For other shops on the East Coast, RotorSports Racing Mazda RX-7 rotary engines and performance modifications shop is outside of Charlotte, NC. I have heard god things about them, and just bought a PFC from them (but haven't installed it yet).

https://pettitracing.com/ has been around for decades and i have several parts form them on my car.

 

Take everyone's bad experience as a VERY CLEAR sign not to go this shop.... Also if your going to drop big coin with a shop make sure it's on your terms.. You are giving them business not the other way around.

 

Too bad you guys don't live closer to TN....here's pic of the Thompson FD Garage serving middle TN owners.
We do everything BUT engine rebuilds (too risky).....instead we install Mazda crate motors for $8K plus any new parts required.
Almost never have a car for more than 4 weeks (don't take cars until there is an open bay).
Cars shown in pic are in for:
Red 93,,,,,AC / rats nest hoses / pulsation damper / odo fix / compression test
MB 93.....Single turbo conversion
Blue V8 track car....custom exhaust & host of mods

 

EVen pettit racing has been a little iffy in the past couple of years, unfortunately Cam is getting pretty old and really didnt take care of himself. Very unreliable as far as communication is concerned.

 

anyone ever go to or deal with eccentric motorsports in indiana