Like the title asks, anyone have a recommendation for a good independent Porsche guy in/around/near Austin, TX?
When I first got mine, I got some recommendations from the dealer for indys in Austin. I guess they took one look at me and either figured I was cheap or that they didn't want to deal with me!
I have gone to TPWS on N. Lamar exclusively, but my last experience with them did not go too well so I am looking at trying another shop in town the next time I need work done. They did my clutch, IMS retrofit with the LNE bearing, and RMS very well - months ago and well before my last experience with them. Matt and Franny own the shop, but I recommend you ask for Daniel to do your work if you go there (he is one of their techs, not an owner). I think he has had the most experience with the water-cooled cars. If you want more detailed info on my experiences (mostly good), PM me. Bottom line is - I think they are experts in the air-cooled cars and from what I hear the best in town for those, but I am not convinced that they are experts on the water-cooled cars and I'm not sure they desire to be. These are just my opinions.
The other shops that that were recommended to me by the dealer were (I have not used them yet though):
European Import Car - [phone removed]
Northwest Imports - I was told to ask for David - [phone removed]
On another forum, I ran across a thread and below are some of the shops mentioned and mechanics discussed (but it was an air-cooled discussion). Everything below is directly from that thread:
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"TPWS* - Austin's* Independent Porsche Specialists
http://www.moorespeed.com/index.html
http://www.colvinautomotive.com/
http://www.nwimports.com/
"
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"Danny Blalock of Silent Automotive, 4139B Felter Lane, Austin, TX, 78744
Danny focuses more on repairs.
However, if you need anything from general maintenance to
full blown engine rebuilds you should consider him for
your needs.
Full Disclosure:
Danny is a deaf mechanic and interfaces with his clients
through email and texting and I have been working
with him on Boxster and 996 engine rebuilding for
a couple years. I have introduced him to several of his current clients.
He works on several of my personal cars and projects.
He can be reached via dan2blalock at hotmail dot com"
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"Scotts ******** [phone removed]
his specialty is 3.2's. He has been my mechanic for 7 or 8 years, built my 88 3.2 as well as my 89 911 . Builds Porsche track cars as well as does track support. This is all he does, Porsche only.
David Moore does high end exotics,Ferrari's, Porsche race cars especially! John Dwyer would be the Godfather of Porsche mechanics ! He has been everywhere and worked on everything.Amazing guy ! "
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"If you go to Colvin ask for John Dwyer. Moorspeed services may early cars and maintain the Peter Kitchack (SP?) collection. Matt at TPWS supports many of the club racers in town. They all know their way around the air-cooled cars."
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Hope this helps.
I bought my 77 Carrera from Matt at TPWS on Lamar in '02. He's damned good with a wrench and has even recommended/implemented some unique alternatives when I had an ignition problem on the car.
I have had nothing but good experiences with him over the last 8 years. I guess the fact that my car is not in his shop very often is the best reference I can give him.
Rob
