Any reccommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am looking for not just a shop that sells bolt -on stuff at retail. I would like a shop that produces show quality results, one that is qualified to change your cams and do your timing belt in one fell swoop.

I've had a hard time trying to find shops like they have in Cali.
Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Rampage Performance # 718.396.1300

 

Claws Motorsports, exit 25 on LIE. 718-539-7066, ask for Jimmy or Mike. I work there on Fridays, but actually noew I'm taking a few weekes offf

 

is DRT down there, can't really say anything about them, just remember reading an article

 

http://www.drtracing.com for honda tuning and installs....and rampage for the dyno time. rampage also does much turbo stuff and really produce as well.

you have rampages number(raz is the owner)
drt's number is 718-397-8586(ralphy is the owner)

tell them jeff taylor sent you....or Lip

 

Lip, let me get this straight......so would you recommend DRT for TODA installs?.....i mean as much as i would love to do it....i would be more comfortable if a pro will install it for me....

 

not to hate or anything..but few month back i called ralphy up for price inquiry cuz greg (frog) refer 'em to me...but after talking to him..i feel like all he cares if MONEY and not my car. Atleast make me feel good about going there and not just not making me feel like you want money.

Jeff-

 

He built my motor. i'm using spec C's

 

i understand that. i know how he comes across. The problem is...he knows he's good...he puts out. Its not the prettiest place either. Its hard to find someone capable these days and someone that builds good motors. Not sure the extent of what they all have had done...but ask Steve Sakai, Greg, Christian, Leo, Vtecgsrman(charlie), Kilohead, Manchester honda cars..bla bla bla... myself if any of us have used Ralphy for his services or tuning.

Ralphy comes across that he can do whatever you want...but speed is money. You get the right parts...pay him the labor etc and off to the track. Not many people can say they've built a car running on the street running 10.70 @140mph. sorry if it sounds like i'm defending him...just stating what i know and what i know of him

 

as lip said - use DRT. what is the definition of a professional? to me - someone who knows more about a subject than i do, and does it for a living.

the job has been his (ralphy's) profession for almost 20 years, since he was 16, does this qualify?

if you want something done exactly how you intend, either spend the $ or do it yourself... but he is good..

HTH

 

No..money is not the problem i'm trying to say. What i'm saying is that I don't like the feel of talking to a guy that's gonna tune my car and all he talks about is MONEY MONEY MONEY. I called up Rampage, AXZ, and Performance Factory and they all seem like they want to help out instead of just asking for money. I have no doubt about DRT's quality and I prolly will have my engine rebuild there at the end of the year..but i just don't like feeling all weird you know?

 

hehe.. i understand.. but from his perspective, prolly based on his location, he gets wacky dudes who try to lowball him, plus most internet ppl arent normally very serious (you know this just from dealing with ppl when trying to sell parts, seems 50% flake out!) so imagine how it is on a larger scale...

he does come across cocky... try him in the afternoon, he is sometimes better then in the morning.. lol

 

haha....this means after lunch for us...like 3pm after he had some rice

 

I installed the cams myself

 

Ralphy is pretty cool. I go in there on occasions and ask for tips here and there and he's always helpful, no matter how trivial my questions may sound. I had him install a clutch and flywheel for me one time and got my car back the way I gave it to him.

 

and this is why is has to focus on money rather than hand holding.. people always looking for free advice...

and im sure you never took a bolt or two before either.. lol..

just playin..

 

ha ha funny.......

 

i personnally go to RPM in queens village... imo they are a real good shop and really know what they are doing... i dont have their # by me (i got pissed at my phone before and threw it somewhere) so if someone has the #

 

RPM's number is 718-740-3277

Ask for Tommy.

RPM's are my peeps...from Thailand

 

If Ralphy seems arrogant or all he cares about is money, it is because he is too busy to chat. He should just put "By Appointment Only" on his door and Website. I would have to say that 70% of the jobs Ralphy does are project cars. Granted you can just drive up and get a clutch, intake or cam sprockets put in an hour. But Ralphy really shines when you hand over your keys and he says he'll see you in a couple of weeks. You can be sure that you'll get Ralphy's personal care and expertise. And when you pick up your car, you'll be proud to slap a DRT Racing decal under your hood.

So if he was rude to you, don't take it personally. He gets a hundred calls a day from guys wanting advise or trying to get a better price. If you were smart, you would go visit him at the shop, talk to him personally about your project. Show him that you are serious and aren't one of the hundred guys that call him all day. Everytime someone calls he has to put down his tools and that slows down his production. Time is money, and when your taking up his time your costing him money. It is a very small operation, usually no more than three guys working. When I go visit him at the shop, I make a point to always answer his phone. I do it just to make his life easier.


[Modified by Christian, 11:47 AM 7/22/2001]