South RX-7 Forum Serving Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi

Rotary Mechanics in San Antonio, TX

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-22-10 | 10:51 AM
  #1  
ChromeThunder's Avatar
Thread Starter
Huh, Whats Next?

iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
TX Rotary Mechanics in San Antonio, TX

I own a 93 FD with bad engine coolant seals, so I am looking for reference/guidance to find a rotary shop or mechanic here or around the area to have my engine rebuilt. I recently relocated to San Antonio, TX and have not met any other 7's owners. Any advice will be highly appreciated.

Thank You
Old 01-22-10 | 01:52 PM
  #2  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Arrow

Call here: http://www.rx7.com/
Old 01-22-10 | 02:56 PM
  #3  
wReX's Avatar
Does not drive a WRX!!!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio
Welcome... glad there's a new FD in town, not very many around.

First thing get on the local RX forum... http://alamomotoring.com/

SA - http://re-tuning.net/

Austin - http://www.mzmperformance.com/services.phtml

I've had some work done at both and the service has been outstanding. Josh(RETuning) will take a lot of time to answer questions, explain things and help any way he can, awesome. MZM built my engine and has been around for years.
Old 01-22-10 | 07:06 PM
  #4  
DarrenTRS's Avatar
Jolly Green Giant

iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Originally Posted by wReX
Welcome... glad there's a new FD in town, not very many around.

First thing get on the local RX forum... http://alamomotoring.com/

SA - http://re-tuning.net/

Austin - http://www.mzmperformance.com/services.phtml

I've had some work done at both and the service has been outstanding. Josh(RETuning) will take a lot of time to answer questions, explain things and help any way he can, awesome. MZM built my engine and has been around for years.
+1 for Josh at RE-Tuning, A very honest and trustworthy dude, he's always level with you on any problems or anything he see's so no need to worry about him BSing you and does great work.
Old 01-26-10 | 03:06 PM
  #5  
ChromeThunder's Avatar
Thread Starter
Huh, Whats Next?

iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Thanks to all for the quick replies;

Some of the guys replied to a thread I started on the forum. Yesterday I called MZM Performance.com & RE Tuning.com . I should say that MZM suggested for me to get a new reman engine from Mazda ($5K+ which I dont have...) and when I asked about his prices for a rebuild he said it will be much more than that. He was never able to give me a straight price or even an aproximate. So I just said "Thank You very much & good day" and hung up. They are probably good but man that was not a good first impression.

Called RE-Tuning (Josh) realy nice guy, he was very helpful over the phone with any question I threw at him. I just visited his shop today to check it out and looked really good (a few FC's around=good sign). I will most likely end up taking my car to him this weekend or next. his prices were much better than the other guys. I'll let you guys know how it went.

Again, thank you for your help so far.
Old 01-26-10 | 04:18 PM
  #6  
RedBaronII's Avatar
Spanking Pcars
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: DFW area
Cool

Originally Posted by ChromeThunder
Thanks to all for the quick replies;
Some of the guys replied to a thread I started on the forum. Yesterday I called MZM Performance.com & RE Tuning.com . I should say that MZM suggested for me to get a new reman engine from Mazda ($5K+ which I dont have...) and when I asked about his prices for a rebuild he said it will be much more than that. He was never able to give me a straight price or even an aproximate. So I just said "Thank You very much & good day" and hung up. They are probably good but man that was not a good first impression.
Called RE-Tuning (Josh) realy nice guy, he was very helpful over the phone with any question I threw at him. I just visited his shop today to check it out and looked really good (a few FC's around=good sign). I will most likely end up taking my car to him this weekend or next. his prices were much better than the other guys. I'll let you guys know how it went.
Again, thank you for your help so far.
Me think, this is a way of saying, "we don't know how to rebuild an engine, we only know how to replace them and in the end, it will cost you more money due to problems, compared to buying new and having it installed by us".
Old 01-26-10 | 11:28 PM
  #7  
wReX's Avatar
Does not drive a WRX!!!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio
Originally Posted by RedBaronII
Me think, this is a way of saying, "we don't know how to rebuild an engine, we only know how to replace them and in the end, it will cost you more money due to problems, compared to buying new and having it installed by us".
Actually... they are some of the best builders/tuners in the state I would say, MZM has found/fixed screw ups on my car which other 'big rotary shops/tuners' have made. That plus they really take care of their customers... they always get work done in a timely manner and keep customers updated w/ calls/emails. They've got a really nice/clean shop, in-house dyno, etc

While you do pay a little more of a premium, they suggest a reman because in the long run it can be much less hassle for both them and you. They built my engine, ordered a reman which had ALL brand new housings/rotors/irons, they tore the reman apart and race ported it, cut it for 3mm seals, etc... still running strong after 5-6yrs of abuse.
Old 01-27-10 | 04:00 PM
  #8  
RedBaronII's Avatar
Spanking Pcars
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: DFW area
Cool

Be that as it may, it doesn't matter what I think or what you think of them, what matters is, what the OP (a possible NEW customer) thinks of them and he didn't get a good impression.

posted by ChromeThunder:
"So I just said "Thank You very much & good day" and hung up. They are probably good but man that was not a good first impression."
Old 01-28-10 | 10:13 AM
  #9  
ChromeThunder's Avatar
Thread Starter
Huh, Whats Next?

iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
RedBaronII you are 100% correct. Being new to the area and a possible new customer I was expecting a bit more from them. Please don't get me wrong wReX I am with you, of course going with a reman engine from Mazda is the way to go. If I had $6K to spend on my car it would have been fixed as soon as the issues started but unfortunately I am on a budget and my only option is to rebuild right now. MZM seems to be a reputable/quality shop and I may do buissiness with them some day but right now thay are out of my reach. I just wanted to at least get an aproximate price for their rebuild services instead of a "It will be much more than that".

Thanks for all your opinions, please keep em going. Anyone else with experience with RE-Tuning?
Old 01-28-10 | 10:33 AM
  #10  
Pedro Racing's Avatar
Junior Member

 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
mech

check with Donnie Ahr!!
Old 04-22-10 | 09:14 AM
  #11  
ChromeThunder's Avatar
Thread Starter
Huh, Whats Next?

iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Guys...
Beleive it or not I droped off my car at RE-Tuning on 29 January. Among bad turbos and after getting new housings, till this day the car is still at the shop. I was told the goal is to be done by the end of this week. Will see! Cant wait
Old 04-22-10 | 01:44 PM
  #12  
DarrenTRS's Avatar
Jolly Green Giant

iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 509
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Originally Posted by ChromeThunder
Guys...
Beleive it or not I droped off my car at RE-Tuning on 29 January. Among bad turbos and after getting new housings, till this day the car is still at the shop. I was told the goal is to be done by the end of this week. Will see! Cant wait
Hope all goes well, that is one beautiful looking FD.
Old 04-23-10 | 02:04 PM
  #13  
swilson@assetworks.com's Avatar
Old and In the Way
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 668
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I had a very good experience with Josh and RE. My 3rd gen had a badly leaking two bolt flange on its T04S and he and his crew swapped to a new turbine housing, also modified it and the down pipe to a V-band flange. The price for the work was more than fair... Great communications and updates on progress. Highly recommended. Hope your work turns out to be worth the wait. My car was only in the shop for two weeks (one of which I was out of town on vacation.)
Old 04-23-10 | 06:15 PM
  #14  
Rx7_Nut13B's Avatar
Red Neck Tony Stark - C2
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
I have built a few engines for people in the SA Austin area, most of the time they bring the short block to me, but on one occasion I came from Houston picked up the car brought it back to my place, pulled the motor, ported it, reinstalled it, and delivered the car back in less then 2 weeks.

I have many happy customers on her.
Old 04-25-10 | 01:41 PM
  #15  
duo2999's Avatar
Pabs
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 777
Likes: 0
From: Tekisasu
wow there is actually a shop for rotaries in san antonio?
Old 04-25-10 | 09:12 PM
  #16  
7beast's Avatar
Full Member

iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: houston, tx
if you are willing to come to houston there is a few good guys down here
Old 04-25-10 | 09:32 PM
  #17  
Rx7_Nut13B's Avatar
Red Neck Tony Stark - C2
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
<--------

Just pulling my own chain
Old 04-25-10 | 10:19 PM
  #18  
TwistedRotors's Avatar
Compression Tester Guy
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Chuck (RX7_Nut13B) is the man!! He does really nice work.
-John
Old 04-26-10 | 11:49 AM
  #19  
oppa637's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 6
From: Houston
yea, chuck can get it done
Old 04-26-10 | 02:06 PM
  #20  
philiptompkins's Avatar
Rotary Freak
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Yup, Chuck's done a few engines for me AND our badass 24 hour of lemon's car motor.

If its just the coolant seals it shouldn't be a huge deal as all your hard parts should be OK.
Old 04-26-10 | 07:59 PM
  #21  
ChromeThunder's Avatar
Thread Starter
Huh, Whats Next?

iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
TX Update!!!

Ok guys here is the latest...

Today (Monday) just got back from RE-Tuning and talked to Josh. To my surprise there was another FD in there being worked on while my car is still collecting dust and my short block is still on the stand without any peripherals on it. Am I being impatient or is this OK? I really don’t know want to think.
Money is not an issue and Josh has always taken the time to explain everything for me but I am feeling left out.

I has been 3 mths and they received the last seal needed on the 16th Apr.This means that in 10 days my engine was sandwiched back together and the time chain was installed, thats it. I work a full time job with a family of 4 and my 7 is my daily driver to and from work. Imagine how painful it has been to rely on my co-workers for the past 3mths to get to work and back...

The last promised day is and I quote Josh "No later than Thursday or Friday". So, I hope it is ready this time for real. Cant wait to drive my 7 again...

BTW, Thanks for all the input guys
Old 04-26-10 | 08:49 PM
  #22  
RedBaronII's Avatar
Spanking Pcars
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: DFW area
Cool

Time wise, your engine could be installed and running in less than a day, so give him till Thursday.
Remind him of his verbal agreement with you and state your issue about your daily transportation situation.
I hope you haven't paid him in full yet and do so via CC, so you have some recourse.
GL


Originally Posted by ChromeThunder
Ok guys here is the latest...

Today (Monday) just got back from RE-Tuning and talked to Josh. To my surprise there was another FD in there being worked on while my car is still collecting dust and my short block is still on the stand without any peripherals on it. Am I being impatient or is this OK? I really don’t know want to think.
Money is not an issue and Josh has always taken the time to explain everything for me but I am feeling left out.

I has been 3 mths and they received the last seal needed on the 16th Apr.This means that in 10 days my engine was sandwiched back together and the time chain was installed, thats it. I work a full time job with a family of 4 and my 7 is my daily driver to and from work. Imagine how painful it has been to rely on my co-workers for the past 3mths to get to work and back...

The last promised day is and I quote Josh "No later than Thursday or Friday". So, I hope it is ready this time for real. Cant wait to drive my 7 again...

BTW, Thanks for all the input guys
Old 04-27-10 | 01:06 AM
  #23  
Rx7_Nut13B's Avatar
Red Neck Tony Stark - C2
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,828
Likes: 1
From: Houston Tx
Time chain???????????????????
Old 04-27-10 | 02:11 AM
  #24  
wReX's Avatar
Does not drive a WRX!!!
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio
See my post from Jan, exactly why some recommend remans. Don't have to worry about wasting time breaking down the old engine to find out what parts are good or not, plus the time of having to hunt down seals, housings, rotors, etc. My car is the other FD over there and has been in and out for awhile getting ready for track events so he definitely did not just drop your project to work on another.

Most shops take time, always try and work with them before dropping off the car to get all the needed parts and then schedule a block of time that they can dedicate to your car. I've spent practically a year trying to plan things out and gather everything; I'm the same way as you, hate having the car sit around the shop while waiting on parts.

It's alright to come on here to vent but be sure to let Josh know about your situation if you haven't already. Also ANYONE on this forum will tell you having an FD as a daily driver is not ideal. Really the first mod anyone should do to their FD is buy an additional vehicle/beater, lol.
Old 04-27-10 | 11:55 AM
  #25  
fc3schick87's Avatar
Rotary Addiction
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: san antonio TX
Originally Posted by ChromeThunder
Ok guys here is the latest...

Today (Monday) just got back from RE-Tuning and talked to Josh. To my surprise there was another FD in there being worked on while my car is still collecting dust and my short block is still on the stand without any peripherals on it. Am I being impatient or is this OK? I really don’t know want to think.
Money is not an issue and Josh has always taken the time to explain everything for me but I am feeling left out.

I has been 3 mths and they received the last seal needed on the 16th Apr.This means that in 10 days my engine was sandwiched back together and the time chain was installed, thats it. I work a full time job with a family of 4 and my 7 is my daily driver to and from work. Imagine how painful it has been to rely on my co-workers for the past 3mths to get to work and back...

The last promised day is and I quote Josh "No later than Thursday or Friday". So, I hope it is ready this time for real. Cant wait to drive my 7 again...

BTW, Thanks for all the input guys
sounds all to familiar.... did you already pay him?


Quick Reply: Rotary Mechanics in San Antonio, TX



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:51 PM.