Massachusetts Shops for work etc

[rich2342]

Hey folks,


I am in the Woburn area. Does anyone know of any shops that are GM/Vette based that can perform various installations and maintenance or upgrades?


I know there are places out of state, but not at the level yet. For now, probably basic modification installs maybe engine repair(leaking LS3).


Any reputable names would be great!

[Tomsusername]

I'm actually in the Woburn area too, and wondered the same when I first moved here.

If you're willing to go south to Bridgewater, Slowhawk Performance has a reputation for being one of, if not, the best LS-tuner in Mass. The shop seems to churn out reliable high-powered Camaros and Vettes like hotcakes. The owner also owned the company that did maintenance at my old office. His daily was (and still is, I think) a 79 Trans-Am with a Procharged LS3. Very cool guy, with a no-nonsense attitude towards his work.

For shops North of Boston, the best I've found is ACE Performance in Tewksbury. Their base is the BMW crowd, but the range of jobs and cars they tackle is impressive. They're also one of the few shops around that does track day prep and chassis setup, alongside engine mods and dyno tuning. Though not GM-specific, they've modified a number of LS-powered vehicles. Personally, they're the only shop within 30 miles that I trust to work on my car.

Other good shops I've found include Enhanced Street Performance in Sterling, Tailored Chassis Solutions in Millbury, and SMG Motoring & Dyno Tuning in Mendon. Though, those might be just as out of the way as the out of state shops.

I hope that helps.

[Happy_Dan]

Really can't help since I really do my own work as much as possible. But for bolt on Mods type of stuff, be nice to have a MODS day one of these days. Charlie and Bee can tell you I have the garage that can support it and it's always fun.

[rich2342]

Good to know guys.. Thanks for the responses.


Right now, I am debating on doing some hotchki's spring and don't trust myself with only a driveway jack and instructions


I have a feeling a simple install and they will charge me 3-4hrs of labor.



In the next few months I am thinking about gears and that is such a precise job, you can't just leave it to anyone.



I want to do a Cam and headers, But I highly doubt I can pass MA inspection.(And wondering how others have with new stricter inspections)


In regards to shops I haven't heard of ACE but maybe I will give them a call. I had a bad experience with ESP a while back with them experimenting a tune on another car of mine.



Dan thanks for the offer.. That would sound good to me.

[Rich2010]

I’m cammed and catless and pass the plug in test. Just have to find a place that doesn’t care about the noise and smell. Slowhawk(Don) did my cam and gears/clutch. Top notch and quick turn arounds. 100% recommend

[Tomsusername]

Originally Posted by Rich2010

I’m cammed and catless and pass the plug in test. Just have to find a place that doesn’t care about the noise and smell. Slowhawk(Don) did my cam and gears/clutch. Top notch and quick turn arounds. 100% recommend

^+1^

I'm LT's and "high-flow cats " as well, but my car isn't throwing any codes. Knock on wood, but it's passed inspection 4 times so far, and I don't even "know" anyone at the shop. I think as long as there's no check engine light, and the car isn't obnoxiously loud, (I use pipe clamps to keep the NPP valves closed, just to be safe), passing is possible... depending on the shop.

[Rich2010]

Originally Posted by Tomsusername

^+1^

I'm LT's and "high-flow cats " as well, but my car isn't throwing any codes. Knock on wood, but it's passed inspection 4 times so far, and I don't even "know" anyone at the shop. I think as long as there's no check engine light, and the car isn't obnoxiously loud, (I use pipe clamps to keep the NPP valves closed, just to be safe), passing is possible... depending on the shop.

I zip tie my NPP closed for inspection. This year the guy was real cool and asked me to take them off and make some noise once the inspection was done.

[Tomsusername]

Originally Posted by Happy_Dan

Really can't help since I really do my own work as much as possible. But for bolt on Mods type of stuff, be nice to have a MODS day one of these days. Charlie and Bee can tell you I have the garage that can support it and it's always fun.

By the way, I would be very cool with this. Don't have any mods I need help with right now, but due to doing most of my own maintenance and repairs over the past 2 years, I've gained a good knowledge of how the 5th gen goes together. I've also accumulated some of the more oddball tools that the average person doesn't have, and have all the shop files for these cars. If you'd ever like to do this, I'd be happy to lend a hand.

[Slowhawk]

Emissions is not much of a problem. For work we only do lsx vehicles and have for 20 years.

[rich2342]

Originally Posted by Tomsusername

^+1^

I'm LT's and "high-flow cats " as well, but my car isn't throwing any codes. Knock on wood, but it's passed inspection 4 times so far, and I don't even "know" anyone at the shop. I think as long as there's no check engine light, and the car isn't obnoxiously loud, (I use pipe clamps to keep the NPP valves closed, just to be safe), passing is possible... depending on the shop.

Interesting...



Now they video the inspections so it's much harder to roll in there inconspicuous.


They have to check underneath for Cats, seen them jack up my dd sedan to do so. Can't imagine if Im rocking LT's with HFC they wouldnt bust me.



Open to suggestions for future inspection. I think I am due in May. Mods not done yet.

[rich2342]

Originally Posted by Slowhawk

Emissions is not much of a problem. For work we only do lsx vehicles and have for 20 years.

Appreciate it.. I will have to give you a call in the near future. I would like to do a small cam/LT's



Maybe some gears first.

[chevy 3]

Dan has a great spot for a moe day. Would love to come over dan and maybe have a beer and lend a hand if need be. Springs are t that big a deal.

[Evil-Bee-NH]

Originally Posted by chevy 3

Dan has a great spot for a moe day. Would love to come over dan and maybe have a beer and lend a hand if need be. Springs are t that big a deal.

Agreed Dan's spot is a great venue for mods and beer. I can even help reach those annoying spaces that would otherwise make a contortion specialist proud.

[Happy_Dan]

Always welcome guys. Garage is heated with a lift.

For more extensive work like heads and cams, Don at Slowhawk is the best by far and well worth the trip