My red iroc has 54700 miles now because I drive it everyday and the original paint is faded from sitting outside. As far as my dark red iroc is concerned, anyone know how to work on TPI engines in South CALI? let me know so I can get it smogged. then I can stop driving my red one with the low miles. I don't want to go over 60K on my red iroc. also does anyone know a good paint shop in southern CALI? thanks

See the "SoCal Thirdgen Friendly Companies" sticky at the top.

Dyno Don is the top TPI guru around here:

Don Lorentzen
2831 White Star Ave #A
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 630-1502
Engine rebuilding, Trans rebuilding, Subframe Connector welding, Exhaust specialist, Rear end specialist, Custom chips, Carb/TBI/TPI.


He and I are responsible for most of the fast tuned ports around here.

As such, he's VERY busy and there is a long wait.

What is it you need done?

To tell you the truth I don't know what is wrong with it. the check engine light stays on after I had it rebuilt. There is no horsepower. I had more HP before it was rebuilt. . Also I have headers now. I am not sure if the shop installed them right. I don't care how long it takes to fix. if I towed it over to Dons shop and left it there does he charge storage fees? I don't want to take it back to where I had the engine rebuilt, it seems they didn't know what they were doing. thanks JR

I was also thinking of installing a crate motor ZZ5 or 383. but I don't know about hooking up the computer. sorry I don't know about mechanics I never learned.

It appears "emissions" isn't the central topic here, but since I'm in roughly the same spot as you are regarding how to respond to addressing an aging engine and emissions, I'll reply with what I'll do.

A good "long block" seems the most cost-effective way to have a new engine. West Coat Engines has 335 HP 5.7 roller block 50-state smog legal engines for less than $2K, warrantied for 5 years and 50,000 miles. (http://www.westcoastengines.com)

Their recommended installer in Huntington Beach is Topline Performance on Autopark Drive. Cost for installation is about $1,200. They also know how to work with TPI and ThirdGen electronics and build hot rods and racing transmissions. Since I live in Huntington Beach and have been to this shop, I'll go there when it's time.

For starters, the timing is off.

I am sure there is a long waiting list to get into Don's, he is good and it is worth the wait if you have the patience IMO

I have no doubt Don is good but keep in mind he is pricey, I was quoted over $1200 just for a set of headers. YMMV.

The good news is OC is full of a good fabricators and mechanics.

Have to disagree. You can't beat Don's prices. There is a wait, but if there is an emergency, Don does his best to work you in.

Wow!
I have to challenge that statement....
You asked for a price on headers then you asked for special modifications, and then more special requests for changes and what you requested needed to be installed on the car so that added Labor...
Did you think all those special requests were free?

Hi Don, agree to disagree. Hey we're in OC that adds 30% right there

Why don't you start working to diagnose it yourself? What trouble codes are reported?

There's a lot of resources here, so getting things back in working order is quite possible on your own. That being said, Don definitely knows TPI in and out, and if you're out of resources/time/patience, it's possibly worth waiting in line. His headers also get good reviews if that's what you're after, which is something I may have to put an order in for before too long.

WOW!!! You mean I could have got the air tubes, coating inside and out, fabbed on the car and installation for free? I guess next time I'll fabricate my own headers.

Ahhh yes the hyperbolic world where there is no medium between free and a comically high price.

You have p.m.