Need everyone's opinion

[WWhittle]

I have a buddy that is considering going on his own and opening a performance shop. I personally think that there is a need in the lowcountry area. This particular person is very picky, does very good work, has alot of racing experience, etc.
He would be capable of working on every aspect of a performance car from motors, to suspension, to wiring, cages and everything else. And of course all the little jobs (exhaust, installing NOS systems, etc) He would also go to the track with people to make sure things work, etc.
I really think that this would work good in our area.

Please give me your opinions, suggestions or whatever you think is relevant.

[Darryl Buckner]

If its the person I am thinking, that you are refering to, he would be pretty good, that is for sure. I just don't know how good a performance business would be, with the current economy. Performance cars, are generally the first things to get cut out of the budget. Maybe he could do general repairs and stuff also, to help keep the business going, until he had the clientel to support an all performance shop. The economy is starting to turn, but we still have 6 months to a year to deal with this stuff, and I am afraid it will never go back to the way it was a few years back. Sometimes you just have to do it, no balls no blue chips!

[Mike]

Maybe wait until after the election, make sure the RIGHT party gets put into office.....:hide:

[WWhittle]

If its the person I am thinking, that you are refering to, he would be pretty good, that is for sure. I just don't know how good a performance business would be, with the current economy. Performance cars, are generally the first things to get cut out of the budget. Maybe he could do general repairs and stuff also, to help keep the business going, until he had the clientel to support an all performance shop. The economy is starting to turn, but we still have 6 months to a year to deal with this stuff, and I am afraid it will never go back to the way it was a few years back. Sometimes you just have to do it, no balls no blue chips!

yes, you are thinking of the right person.

i agree the economy sucks right now, but i personally think there is still a need. i feel like a man could make a living and if he was smart about how he ran his business, it could turn into something more later. He could, and would, do general repairs when starting up- i just think you have to be careful that you don't end up with the reputation of a "general automotive repair" business when you ultimately want to deal exclusively in the performance side of automotive.

Is it just me, or does everyone else feel like there is a need for it in this area?

If you wanted to get all new suspension put on your car, have the car scaled out, and a nitrous system installed and then go to the track with the guy to make sure it all works.........who do you go to around here?

Or you blow a head gasket on your hotrod and you can't fix it yourself?

Or you want to swap motors in your car? Or just want some exhaust put on? Or you just built a new car yourself but need someone to wire it? The list goes on and on.

[Bradleyrj]

I dont know... I mean here in Myrtle there a few guys who do performance work and I wouldnt let any of them wash my car much less work on it. I think we can all agree us "car guys" are a different breed. Having someone that can do some specialized stuff, Chassis, custom work, custom suspension stuff. It might work, I dont know. I think if the economy was better and there were still lots of people paying to have cars built. I'd say go for it. I think the economy is such now that anyone that is building a car..is doing the work themselves. Just my opinion.

[WWhittle]

I dont know... I mean here in Myrtle there a few guys who do performance work and I wouldnt let any of them wash my car much less work on it. I think we can all agree us "car guys" are a different breed. Having someone that can do some specialized stuff, Chassis, custom work, custom suspension stuff. It might work, I dont know. I think if the economy was better and there were still lots of people paying to have cars built. I'd say go for it. I think the economy is such now that anyone that is building a car..is doing the work themselves. Just my opinion.


The first part of what you said is why i think there is a need. I think there are some clowns around, but nobody that actually does "good" work.

The last part of what you said has plenty of truth too.

When you add the two together, that is what makes it a tough decision.

[LXtasy]

I think there has always been a need in the area. BUT in my opinion, the shop needs to be more than just a one kind of car place. i.e just mustangs or just f-body's or just import. Of course, the shop should have people/technicians that know more than just fuel injection or plugging it into a computer and tinkering around.

Of course an on site dyno is a must for tuning purposes.

I also think that the shop should have people that know how to build custom items besides a roll cage. I.e. custom subframe connectors, motor plates-mid plates, transmission crossmembers, turbo/sc piping, custom suspension components etc.

Having the ability to powder coat parts is a good idea as well, but custom parts and customer parts.

Things that I say would help a Performance shop in Charleston is a combination of the following if not all.

1. Automotive knowledge
2. Performance knowledge
3. CUSTOMER SERVICE
4. Fair/competitive pricing
5. LOCATION-accessiblity
6. Events coverage (displays with customer/shop cars both racing and on display and even at carshows, sometimes it has to be done)
7. More than one brand loyal
8. More than "mail order and install" shop


Of course IMO, all of this does not come overnight. But with knowledge, willfullness, and a staff that is willing to stand out from being someone besides a wrench turner will help big time.

Last thing, NO HACK JOBS! At the same time taking care of customers vehicle as if it was your own.

[LXtasy]

Oh and why in the world is this in PICTURES and VIDEOS? I see no picture or a video. :D

[chrisheltra]

Things that I say would help a Performance shop in Charleston is a combination of the following if not all.

1. Automotive knowledge
2. Performance knowledge
3. CUSTOMER SERVICE
4. Fair/competitive pricing
5. LOCATION-accessiblity
6. Events coverage (displays with customer/shop cars both racing and on display and even at carshows, sometimes it has to be done)
7. More than one brand loyal
8. More than "mail order and install" shop

I agree with all this but would also add this

9. More high profile 1/4 tacks in the area (which we dont really have)

I hate to say it but a shop like what your talking about is dedicated to the hardcore racer and I just dont see the need or "fan base" around here.

Then there are the street racers who might patronize said shop.

Would I like one in town? Yes! But I would wait until they built a reputation to use them.

[Darryl Buckner]

I am not saying I wouldn't like to see one in this area. What I am saying is, I believe general automotive repair, would be the bread and butter. I mean Gerald does pretty good on the side, with transmissions and rearend jobs, and he offers a fair price, and is very good. But he wouldn't quit his full time job, because sometimes he is real busy, and sometimes he is dead for a month or so. And Hal is right, you would have to be multibrand, Ford or GM only, and you are done. I see the market around here, like Wes does, and as a business owner, times are tight for everyone. I can honestly say, I wouldn't want to be starting a business right now, but he has my support if he wants to give it a try...:bigthumb:

[WWhittle]

I think there has always been a need in the area. BUT in my opinion, the shop needs to be more than just a one kind of car place. i.e just mustangs or just f-body's or just import. Of course, the shop should have people/technicians that know more than just fuel injection or plugging it into a computer and tinkering around.

Of course an on site dyno is a must for tuning purposes.

I also think that the shop should have people that know how to build custom items besides a roll cage. I.e. custom subframe connectors, motor plates-mid plates, transmission crossmembers, turbo/sc piping, custom suspension components etc.

Having the ability to powder coat parts is a good idea as well, but custom parts and customer parts.

Things that I say would help a Performance shop in Charleston is a combination of the following if not all.

1. Automotive knowledge
2. Performance knowledge
3. CUSTOMER SERVICE
4. Fair/competitive pricing
5. LOCATION-accessiblity
6. Events coverage (displays with customer/shop cars both racing and on display and even at carshows, sometimes it has to be done)
7. More than one brand loyal
8. More than "mail order and install" shop


Of course IMO, all of this does not come overnight. But with knowledge, willfullness, and a staff that is willing to stand out from being someone besides a wrench turner will help big time.

Last thing, NO HACK JOBS! At the same time taking care of customers vehicle as if it was your own.


This shop would actually meet all of your criteria with the exception to a powder coating booth and probably not (i think) a dyno right out of the gate.

[WWhittle]

Oh and why in the world is this in PICTURES and VIDEOS? I see no picture or a video. :D


i'm not sure how the hell i did that- someone please move to General Discussion

[badgt]

Wouldn't make much of a difference to me whether there was a performance shop here or not, I buy my performance parts through work at cost and install it all myself. For someone who may not be able to do it then yes it would probably be pretty successful. There are in fact tools in this town that couldn't install a cold air intake if it wasn't for a serious sit down and read of the directions. Other then gear swaps, I wouldn't honestly have a use for one. If he's that good though then I may have to take a look if he opens up. Also I do know of some other people planning on opening up a couple different performance shops in charleston, so we may be flooded in no time with shops.

[WWhittle]

I agree with all this but would also add this

9. More high profile 1/4 tacks in the area (which we dont really have)

I hate to say it but a shop like what your talking about is dedicated to the hardcore racer and I just dont see the need or "fan base" around here.

Then there are the street racers who might patronize said shop.

Would I like one in town? Yes! But I would wait until they built a reputation to use them.


don't forget that there is a whole other group of racers (hardcore grudge racers, street racers) that you probably don't even know about. a shop that will offer their services to these people behind a closed door also goes a long way.

And i wouldn't say it would be only for "hardcore racers". How about the highschool kids that need their flowmasters and vortech's installed-

[badgt]

I don't want to burst your bubble but just graduating from highschool, I don't know of any kid there, unless they had big money, that didn't install there own stuff, successful or unsuccessful as they were, they still did it.

[WWhittle]

i will put it to ya'll this way-
i am paying Sheppard Race Cars (one of the best there is) a shitpile of money to build my new car from a shell to an Outlaw Radial Car, complete with painted cage, interior, everything ready to race.
If this person had their shop open now and running the way it has been discussed, i would feel just as confident dropping my car off to him and getting the same quality of work.

[WWhittle]

I don't want to burst your bubble but just graduating from highschool, I don't know of any kid there, unless they had big money, that didn't install there own stuff, successful or unsuccessful as they were, they still did it.


you aren't gonna burst my bubble-
maybe i should rephrase. who is going to fix the highschool kids installs that they phucked up trying to do it themselves?

[badgt]

in your case yes he would bring in the bucks, if I was going to build a protube chassis car or even have a cage installed I would take it to someone. However being a bolt on shop is not realistic, the labor costs involved to the customer would not be worth it in there eyes. Hardcore drag/Road course i'd feel more comfortable taking it to a shop but anything outside of that, I.E. bolt ons, superchargers, etc. most people I know would put it on themselves. Not trying to be a dick but trying to be realistic for your friends sake :).

[WWhittle]

Wouldn't make much of a difference to me whether there was a performance shop here or not, I buy my performance parts through work at cost and install it all myself. For someone who may not be able to do it then yes it would probably be pretty successful. There are in fact tools in this town that couldn't install a cold air intake if it wasn't for a serious sit down and read of the directions. Other then gear swaps, I wouldn't honestly have a use for one. If he's that good though then I may have to take a look if he opens up. Also I do know of some other people planning on opening up a couple different performance shops in charleston, so we may be flooded in no time with shops.

out of curousity- do these other people that are thinking about opening shops have enough financial backing or personal finances to make a true run at a successful business? it's alot easier to be fly by night than it is to build a successful business. the automotive industry has it's bad wrap because of the fly by nighters.

[WWhittle]

in your case yes he would bring in the bucks, if I was going to build a protube chassis car or even have a cage installed I would take it to someone. However being a bolt on shop is not realistic, the labor costs involved to the customer would not be worth it in there eyes. Hardcore drag/Road course i'd feel more comfortable taking it to a shop but anything outside of that, I.E. bolt ons, superchargers, etc. most people I know would put it on themselves. Not trying to be a dick but trying to be realistic for your friends sake :).

Tell Amazon, Modular Powerhouse, Fastlane, CPR, ProDyno, LS1 Powertuning, etc that there is no business for "bolt ons". I would be willing to bet that 80-90% if their work is "bolt ons". That's just a few examples of shops around our region- the same goes for shops across the country.

Actually i know for sure that 100% of Modular Powerhouse and Amazon's work is bolt on and tuning.

[badgt]

Interesting. Well whatever works for them, I just don't see the sense in taking your car to a shop to have them bolt on something that would take your 30 minutes and soda to do yourself. It's all about having the name out there though, people in freaking canada know of amazon, the good and bad of it.

As for the people they don't mess around. They have backing if they require it.

[minytrker]

This is a good question. I asked myself all the same things when I desided to quit a easy salery job and just do LS1 Power Tuning full time. I think alot of it will depend on how good of business person they are and how well they get there name out there. I don't know how big of market there is for what your talking about on just racecars. I just know from the GM side since we do mostly GM only we dont get that many request or even calls for that kind of work (tube chasis, full cages, 10.5 tire cars). But on the other hand we are not known for that kind of work either.
Doesnt Camtek do everything you just listed?

[1iron]

I sure could use someone to straighten my junk out.


Paul

[slow04]

I sure could use someone to straighten my junk out.


PaulI thought your "junk" looked pretty good!:cheers

[LXtasy]

As far as powdercoating, Not really meaning a full out PC booth. Just a small oven and a powdercoating gun. I.e. for small stuff such as control arms, link bar brackets etc.

I think it could work in the area. BUT, advertising would be key, but locally and regionally.

[chrisheltra]

Then there are the street racers who might patronize said shop.

don't forget that there is a whole other group of racers (hardcore grudge racers, street racers) that you probably don't even know about. a shop that will offer their services to these people behind a closed door also goes a long way.

You are correct about the whole street racing scene that I dont know about that is why I included the line above in my first post.

Actually i know for sure that 100% of Modular Powerhouse and Amazon's work is bolt on and tuning.

Im not sure about MP but I know for a fact that ATS does more than just bolt ons. Not saying I would ever use them just wanted to let you know.:bigthumb:

[1iron]

I thought your "junk" looked pretty good!:cheers

The tune is screwed. I hope to run today to datalog some more runs and then maybe see if Chris Tuten can make the thing run. I have a way to go on tuning. Its a mess.


Paul

[DolSVT00]

If the guy could tune domestics and imports GOOD I know he could make some money......................

[WWhittle]

You are correct about the whole street racing scene that I dont know about that is why I included the line above in my first post.



Im not sure about MP but I know for a fact that ATS does more than just bolt ons. Not saying I would ever use them just wanted to let you know.:bigthumb:

What does Amazon do other than bolt-ons? Last time i checked, they don't do any motor work- they sub it out to a Ford tech up there that does it at night. They don't do cages- they had a guy that was doing them on the side in a couple of cars but he is out on his own now. They aren't capable of any type of chassis work, even something as simple as scaling a car. They don't do any transmission work, not even changing input shafts, they send that out too. He does do simple wiring, but woopty do, so do i.
So what does he do other than "bolt-ons" and tuning?

[LXtasy]

Sponsors every single message board known to mankind to prevent the negative side of business.

[chrisheltra]

Well I guess in that aspect you are correct he does send some of his work out to get done, but most engine builders at least for our trucks dont do all their own work either. I know of two motors that they have assembles and installed into customers truck one of which was not happy with his experience. Any who I wish you friend/acquaintance the best and hope to hear good things.

[clubracergt1]

Everyone keeps talking about drag racing. I am curious if this unnamed individual may also dable in the art of making cars turn corners as well. With the popularity, and affordability, of auto-x around here, and with Roebling being so close, alot of people would be interisted in vehicle handling. Instead of just going fast in a straight line. Just a thought.

~Shaun

[chrisheltra]

with Roebling being so close

~Shaun

How close is close I have no idea where its at. Might be fun to go though.

[LXtasy]

Roebling Road Raceway
1135 Roebling Road
Bloomingdale, GA 31302


From GOOSE CREEK, SC
Total Estimated Time: 2.0 hours 21 minutes Total Estimated Distance: 145.00 miles

[WWhittle]

Everyone keeps talking about drag racing. I am curious if this unnamed individual may also dable in the art of making cars turn corners as well. With the popularity, and affordability, of auto-x around here, and with Roebling being so close, alot of people would be interisted in vehicle handling. Instead of just going fast in a straight line. Just a thought.

~Shaun


Previous experience with road race cars- no. True understanding of suspension and how it works- yes. Ability to install, modify, tweek- yes. Intelligent enough to learn more if there was a need- yes.

That is an interesting point and probably would be worth someones time to become road course savy.

[WWhittle]

How close is close I have no idea where its at. Might be fun to go though.


i would love to try it too- i haven't ever had anything to take to a road course though.

edit: i take that back- i did have a 2007 Vette that probably would haev been fun on a road course but i wouldn't have been willing to beat the shit out of it.

[chrisheltra]

i would love to try it too- i haven't ever had anything to take to a road course though.

edit: i take that back- i did have a 2007 Vette that probably would haev been fun on a road course but i wouldn't have been willing to beat the shit out of it.

Yeah I think it would be fun and I bet the L would probably do decent. I just hate to eat up tires and breaks like that.

[Darryl Buckner]

This is a good question. I asked myself all the same things when I desided to quit a easy salery job and just do LS1 Power Tuning full time. I think alot of it will depend on how good of business person they are and how well they get there name out there. I don't know how big of market there is for what your talking about on just racecars. I just know from the GM side since we do mostly GM only we dont get that many request or even calls for that kind of work (tube chasis, full cages, 10.5 tire cars). But on the other hand we are not known for that kind of work either.
Doesnt Camtek do everything you just listed?

Even his business has changed. He not only does race cars of all types, but choppers from scratch, and alot of paint, body, and airbrushing. I think he is up to 2 or 3 down draft paint booths now..

[WWhittle]

Even his business has changed. He not only does race cars of all types, but choppers from scratch, and alot of paint, body, and airbrushing. I think he is up to 2 or 3 down draft paint booths now..

that's why i think it is a good time for someone else to make a move- Camtech is moving in another direction, it's an opportunity for someone to fill his shoes.

either way- i appreciate everyone's input- i have told him what all of you guys think and i am sure it will weigh into his decision.

[Bradleyrj]

IF he does do it.. I think his bread and butter is gonna be bolt on stuff. Both import and domestic. I also see an opportunity for some chassis work as long as its affordable. The chassis stuff is the one thing I don't feel comfortable tackling myself. Only because I haven't had the practice I need to feel good about the welds.

[1998ta__1991rs]

is there anyone around here that can build and certify chassis in house?

[LXtasy]

Not really. there is a guy in Walterboro that can certify it though