Tips on finding a good mechanic for a performance build?

[Gibson]

A little while back I had a friend of mine who used to build race engines and drag a '72 C10 help me get my engine sorted on my '78 C10. He ended up building me a 350 (60 over) with a performance cam, aluminum heads, roller rockers and a Holley 650 double pumper. This was all new territory for me, and he pretty much did all the work (I'm just a tinkerer). The engine runs great, and we were about to move onto the rear end which needed to be rebuilt. We have the new gears and everything, we just haven't gotten around to installing them.

Unfortunately he is having some serious health issues and can't continue on the project. You guys got any tips for searching for a mechanic in my area that would be a good fit for this type of project? Should I go to a speed shop or something?

[77ChevySharkBite]

You could check into a speed shop but they might be a little pricey if you have a local machine shop that would usually bore and stroke a motor talk to them, and see what they say. that's just my .02

[piecesparts]

You have the engine and now you are going to the other end to do a setup on your gearing. To do the gear install, find someone that works on rearends for a living and are willing to talk about what they do. They would be the most knowledgable on this type of work. To set your self up to get the right combination in your search for performance, it is now time for you to start learning about RPMs, MPH, and gear selection. There was an article in a magazine a few years ago that gave some formulas that has helped me match up my engine, tranny, rear end, and tire sizes on several vehicles. If you use these, then you can pick your cruising RPMs for a speed and match up the tires and tranny to a good combo.

Start with:

MPH = RPM X Tire Diameter (divided by) Rear Axle Ratio X trans output ratio X 336


RPM = Rear Axle Ratio X MPH X Trans Output Ratio X 336 (divided by) Tire Diameter


Tire Diameter = Rear Axle Ratio X MPH X Trans Output Ratio X 336 (divided by) RPM


Trans Output Ratio = RPM X Tire Diameter (divided by) Rear Axle Ratio X MPH X 336

[Gibson]

Fortunately, I've already got the gears purchased. My buddy selected them. Now I just need someone to put them in.

Anyone know of a good speedshop in the Knoxville/Maryville TN area?

[king-918]

Originally Posted by Gibson

Fortunately, I've already got the gears purchased. My buddy selected them. Now I just need someone to put them in.

Anyone know of a good speedshop in the Knoxville/Maryville TN area?

Of you have every thing you just need to find a regular shop that can install. Maybe even a dealership

[riz]

Talk to other gear heads........ ask them if the yknow anybody. The more people you ask the better. I'm sure somebody in your area knows somebody who knows somebody....... good word of mouth is a solid way to find mechanical help.

Don't be afraid to talk to anybody you see with a nice ride.

RIZ

[Zebb]

I bet your buddy that helped you with the rest of it would have a name.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Zebb

I bet your buddy that helped you with the rest of it would have a name.

x2.... Start w/the guy that was helping you. Most likely he has peers that he would recommend. If that doesnt work, check out any/all car functions you can (cruises, shows, race track, etc...) for possibilities. When you find something, ask to inspect previous work/completed jobs.

[andrewmp6]

Yeah ask your buddy who he trust to do that work for you,If he says no one call around speed shops,Off road 4x4 type shops or even a big diesel shop can do it.

[Gibson]

Thanks guys! I'll check with him as soon as I can and then ask around at the local cruise if he doesn't have any leads.

[old Rusty C10]

every show I go to I have several people ask me about the paint. I constantly recommend my painter/body guy I even have a stack of his cards I give out when people ask Im sure others will do the same with motor work