A respectable mechanic in Syracuse?

[lparsons]

Does anyone know of a respectable mechanic in the Syracuse area? I made the mistake last year of taking my 95 gt to Kost tire in Nedrow (on S Salina St) for brake work, and was really taken for a ride. Its just a shame that I didn't have my impact wrench before then, or I could have avoided the whole mess. Also too bad that I didn't know until 7 months later that you can report bad work to the DMV within 6 months for investigation.

I am now in need of a new clutch. I got an estimate from Pep Boys on Erie Blvd for $650 for parts + labor. I am also going to check with Courtesy Ford.

Any ideas? I live in the Nedrow area, but I don't have a hoist or any good way to support the engine to do the clutch myself. I don't want to chance it with my low-end (read: made in china) craftsman floor jack.

Of course, if there's someone in the Syracuse area who would be willing to assist me in doing it myself, I'd be more than happy to compensate...

 

[urban96]

i know of a shop that does decent work, ill PM you the number if you want

 

[lparsons]

Well, because of time constraints, I ended up taking my car up to a ford dealer. Particularly, Courtesy Ford in Mattydale. I've been there before, and I knew that their service department was open 24 hours during the week, so I figured it was worth a try.
I will say I am pleased with the work. The total for parts & labor was less than $700, coming in less than $50 more than Pep Boys, who wouldn't have been able to do it until two days later.
Also, I asked for them to replace the rear main seal while they were in there, and they said when they got to it, they found no reason to do so, and therefore did not (nor did they charge me for it).
I think for the time being they will continue to be my main mechanic for things I cannot do myself.

Oh, they also degreased my engine and engine compartment, and added a dye to help find the source of my oil leak. Though I believe I already know where it is coming from (likely the oil pan gasket).

 

[urban96]

wow i never realized getting the clutch changed cost so much

i wonder how much they would have charged to do my AODE-T5 swap

 

[lparsons]

I can't honestly say that I know the going rate for a clutch replacement, it doesn't seem like there are any shops in the Syracuse area that specialize in clutch / transmission work that I could find. As I said, I called Pep Boys first, they quoted $650 but couldn't get to it until two days later.
Then I called courtesy ford and they said $640 and would do it same day. Even though the dealer quote was non-binding (due to computers being down) I was willing to accept it as close and brought it there so I would have it sooner. For less than $700 I ended up with a Ford clutch installed by a Ford dealer. Something that may be worthwhile down the road since I don't want to ever do a clutch on this car myself. At least not anytime in the next 5-7 years (until I finish grad school) anyways...

 

[urban96]

theres a transmission place out here in cicero (just north of the city) called hytech transmissions or something like that. never brought any cars there for work tho