Looking for mechanic in Iowa
#1
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Looking for mechanic in Iowa
I have a 1985 IROC that I'm looking to do an LS3 swap with. Looking for a good shop/mechanic in Iowa to do the work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
#2
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Car: 1985 IROC-Z
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#3
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
I'm guessing options are a little slim in Iowa. They're known more for hog farmers.
There is a speed shop in Peoria, IL called Herring Performance that can do it. I have personal experience with them. And I would be willing to drop in a few times to answer questions or advise them where to find parts to complete your car. I've had my car 25 years and done the LS swap so I know my way around it pretty well.
I also heard about a place in Lafayette, IN called Hoosier Street Cars that is supposed to be good. They have a small shop and get cars in and out in 3 weeks max because they don't have any place to store things. You know what that means.... you get your car back in 3 weeks! That is rapid fire for most speed shops.
Another option is to send it back to Hawks Motorsports in North Carolina. They know 3rd gens inside and out so you literally hand the car off and don't worry about a thing.
The wiring is the only thing that requires specialized knowledge of the car. You can conquer that problem by having Pocket (a member here) make a swap harness that will just plug into your car. I would not, and I repeat WOULD NOT, allow most shops to figure out the wiring on their own.
There is a speed shop in Peoria, IL called Herring Performance that can do it. I have personal experience with them. And I would be willing to drop in a few times to answer questions or advise them where to find parts to complete your car. I've had my car 25 years and done the LS swap so I know my way around it pretty well.
I also heard about a place in Lafayette, IN called Hoosier Street Cars that is supposed to be good. They have a small shop and get cars in and out in 3 weeks max because they don't have any place to store things. You know what that means.... you get your car back in 3 weeks! That is rapid fire for most speed shops.
Another option is to send it back to Hawks Motorsports in North Carolina. They know 3rd gens inside and out so you literally hand the car off and don't worry about a thing.
The wiring is the only thing that requires specialized knowledge of the car. You can conquer that problem by having Pocket (a member here) make a swap harness that will just plug into your car. I would not, and I repeat WOULD NOT, allow most shops to figure out the wiring on their own.
#4
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Car: '89 Firebird
Engine: 7.0L
Transmission: T56
Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
Oh, and there's another option. One of the motorcycle shops in Peoria, IL is owned by a guy that is part owner of that big LS engine race shop in Georgia.
Ya, I know that is not helpful at all. I'm trying to remember...
Ya, I know that is not helpful at all. I'm trying to remember...
#5
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Car: '89 Firebird
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Transmission: T56
Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
Oh, I remember now. The owner of Integ in Peoria, IL can arrange for your car to be built by Vengeance Racing.
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#8
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Car: 89 Formula
Engine: Nada - v4.0
Transmission: Nada - v3.0
Axle/Gears: Nada - v3.0
Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
Hog farmers?!? Really?!?
What are you looking for and how deep are your pockets? You have Des Moines Customs, Karl Performance in Ankeny, Carnack Creations in Altoona, Stoner Customs in Hudson, etc., etc. I know a person in Des Moines that 'isn't a shop' but should be...since he's personally completed dozens of LSX swaps (n/a, supercharged, turbo, nitrous combos) in multiple platforms besides 3rd gens. He took delivery of a 69 Camaro form OKC on Saturday to do a LSX/T56 swap.
You have to remember, hogs are pretty low maintenance and they don't take long to feed...have to find something else to do with all you spare time!
What are you looking for and how deep are your pockets? You have Des Moines Customs, Karl Performance in Ankeny, Carnack Creations in Altoona, Stoner Customs in Hudson, etc., etc. I know a person in Des Moines that 'isn't a shop' but should be...since he's personally completed dozens of LSX swaps (n/a, supercharged, turbo, nitrous combos) in multiple platforms besides 3rd gens. He took delivery of a 69 Camaro form OKC on Saturday to do a LSX/T56 swap.
You have to remember, hogs are pretty low maintenance and they don't take long to feed...have to find something else to do with all you spare time!
#9
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#10
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Car: 89 Formula
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Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
Actually the latest fade is to put Hellcat motors IN the old tractors. Besides, them 'new fangled million dollar tractors' pretty much drive themselves with them there GPS and Nav systems. You know us stupid old hog farmers, we have y'alls government subsidy money, welfare, and food stamps to play with so we have money to burn and don't need to just sit around slopping hogs.
Back on topic...there's also a guy in the Quad Cities that has been doing swaps for years and has a shop. He hangs out on LS1Tech mostly but for the life of me I can't remember his screen name. IIRC he is Davenport.
The point I'm trying to make is to look around and ask around; shops are out there. It makes me laugh every time I read someone recommending a shop to someone when the shop is STATES away from where they live....and people wonder why you hear all the sob stories about people getting screwed left and right.
Now get back out there and get back to work so I don't have to!! ROTFLMAO!!
Back on topic...there's also a guy in the Quad Cities that has been doing swaps for years and has a shop. He hangs out on LS1Tech mostly but for the life of me I can't remember his screen name. IIRC he is Davenport.
The point I'm trying to make is to look around and ask around; shops are out there. It makes me laugh every time I read someone recommending a shop to someone when the shop is STATES away from where they live....and people wonder why you hear all the sob stories about people getting screwed left and right.
Now get back out there and get back to work so I don't have to!! ROTFLMAO!!
#11
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Car: 89 Formula 350
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Re: Looking for mechanic in Iowa
How far are you from Tipton?
The Auto Shop has a lot of knowledge on LS engines.
PM me if you want more information.
The Auto Shop has a lot of knowledge on LS engines.
PM me if you want more information.
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