tza0001

iTrader: (2)

I recently relocated to Philadelphia and I am looking for a shop that knows about rotaries. I live on the mainline so if there is anything around here it would be awesome. Things that need to be done on my car are not complicated but I just do not have lots of free time to do them. Here is what needs to be done in the next couple of months:

- Oil change (coming soon)
- Change the air solenoid valve (I have a P2259 CEL and need to be fixed to pass emissions)
- Motor mounts
- BHR midpipe
- Ignition upgrade

Any help is appreciated.

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

Call Dave @ Speed1 in Allentown.

Rotor Gunnin' it

you could probs do the midpipe, oil change, and ignition upgrade yourself and save yourself money, especially with the midpipe and oil change. all you would need is some jacks and a few tools. and the ones i mentioned dont really need a rotary specific mechanic to do them. motor mounts probs not either, but the solenoid idk. good luck with your mods man.

-Dave

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

Thanks a lot guys. Definitely everything could be done without a mechanic Free time is my problem right now.

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

Another decent shop in the Lansdale area is R/T Tuning but they don't specialize in rotaries. I'm sure they could handle your list though.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/RT-Tu...10830775640729

Hell, I could handle your list, but like you said, its hell trying to find the time.

There's got to be a ton of decent jobs in the immediate vicinity of the city but I don't know go into the city that often -- actually try to avoid it.

Blue_05

Where are you located? town specific? I live in Lansdale (right off the turnpike exit) and I'm looking someone with knowledge of our engine. My step-dad has his own shop, he never worked on a rotary in 25 years until now.,; we're learning together. But I would also like to have someone I can go to with a good deal of knowledge in rotary engine specifics.

I stopped over at North Penn Imports, Mazda(originally)/VW dealership on rt 309 in Colmar/Hilltown; I'm not gonna talk smack...but I will say that I didn't even finish my conversation (had a few questions and didn't ask them all) and I would not feel comfortable leaving my 8 with them.

I know of a place in Dresher by my wife's office; can't remember the name, I gotta take a ride down. They don't specifically handle rotary engines but they are import tuning specific.

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

You're at the best place for finding answers.

Jose13b

jPR black wood NJ

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

I'm in Pottstown.

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

Blue 05 what do you want to do to the car?

jfxp

iTrader: (2)

^ This.

tcole6

^ this this

lepichichi

iTrader: (10)

JPR in nj is pretty good but if you dont want to take the trip and want to stay local in philly, contact this guy.

http://www.facebook.com/Mecatech13b?ref=ts

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

Didn't you run into problems with a porting job from JPR... or was it just the RB flash?

Does Mario do work out of the shop listed as his place of employment or on the side?

REV-N-HIGH

iTrader: (1)

JPR, you could probably meet him at Rotor fest tomorrow at ATCO raceway.

Blue_05

Nothing specific just yet, eventually I will. I was really just trying get a contact for in the near future. I intend on starting to mod early next year.

lepichichi

iTrader: (10)

never had a porting job or flash In my 8 (I wish) and Mario works at a shop and also from his house.

ShellDude

iTrader: (12)

Hrm... obviously confusing you with someone else.

rx8drivers

I'm on the main line too, did you find anyone local to work on your car? JPR seems like the best option from this thread.

Noob question: What work are you comfortable with getting done at non-rotary specific local shops? For ex. I'm looking for oil changes, spark plug, coil replacements, headlight replacements etc. DIY is not an option for me.

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

^Sorry for my late reply, but life has been very busy. JPR seems to be the one. As far as your question, to be honest I am not very comfortable with letting a non-roatry shop to work on the car. I prefer taking it to the stealership rather than going to a general mechanic. A few times I took the car to a non-rotary shop (for oil changes mainly) I had to give them explicit instructions. So I told them not to turn off the engine until it is warmed up and to be cautious not overfilling the engine with oil. Before moving up here, I used to take the car to the stealership. The experience I have with the stealerships I have been is quite good. I just buy the parts online (you can find them in better prices than what Mazda charges) and I just pay for their work. However, I will check out JPR soon as I want to do some upgrades on the car.

Kuyanator

What dealer... er, stealership have you dealt with in Philly? I have worked with Pacifico at the airport and Kennedy in Plymouth Meeting, but only for oil changes and parts respectively. I'm going to have to go back soon; my clutch pedal is making a clicking noise when I shift. Pacifico is the closest dealership to me. So far they've been cool, I get a free car wash for every visit Can't really speak to Kennedy's service except they are a tad expensive, even to dealership standards, but they do have parts in stock frequently.

But if you or anyone else has any other suggestions as far as good dealerships in / near Philly, I'd appreciate the heads up.

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

^ I recently moved in Philly so I have never used a dealership up here. My experience with dealerships so far has been great. I never had any major car issues though other than replacing an O2 sensor and CAT. I am taking my car this coming Tuesday at Kennedy mazda as this is the closest one where I live. I will keep you posted with my experience. I want them to check a few more things on the car (motor mounts, CAT) other than doing an oil change so we'll see what happens Next month I am taking the car to JPR to install some goodies, so I will update on JPR as well.

Chrishoky

iTrader: (9)

Kennedy is solid. They do good work but it there labor cost is high.

tza0001

iTrader: (2)

^I got the car back from Kennedy mazda. I had a very positive experience with them. They did exactly what I asked them to do, which was surprising. I was getting a P2259 code (secondary air valve solenoid). I deleted the code with my scangauge and asked them to change my solenoid. They asked no questions about it and they did not charge me with running diagnostics. Other dealerships have been reluctant to do what I tell them to do and they always charge me $50 for diagnostics. I also provided the part which kept the cost of my visit low. I thought that labor cost was normal. Just out of curiosity I asked them how much the passenger side motor mount costs (I will need to change it soon) and they charge 3 times more than Mazmart. I guess the price is normal for dealerships

rx8drivers

Thanks for all the replies. My 2 cents: I've been using Pacifico and Kennedy for a while now, both are expensive, but i have not had any problems with their service. Never used a local shop for any work on my car.