Z Shop near Charlotte, NC?

[havejordan]

Hi All - new to the boards.

In two weeks, I will become a proud owner of a '91 TT. It's nearing 290k miles, but the engine block was replaced by the first owner well into that mileage, and she has been owned and cared for by the second owner (a trusted family member) in VA for the last 12 years.

I live in Charlotte, NC, and I've been searching through the boards for a good recommendation for a shop I can trust for regular maintenance and repairs (and potential future mods) without getting completely gouged.

I plan to learn how to do some of my own maintenance along the way, but with my current lack of experience and apartment-living, I'd like to start off with a professional until I can get a better garage set-up.

Any CLT/NC area Z-owners with good local experiences? Thanks!

[Ace2cool]

Unfortunately us east coasters are pretty limited as to shops that specialize in Z's. As far as true Z specialists, you're pretty much region-locked to Z1.

[havejordan]

Thanks for the reply! That seems to be the case.

Would you trust any local shops for a timing belt/120k type of job, or would you make the trip to Z1?

[DCaff300ZX]

Thanks for the reply! That seems to be the case.

Would you trust any local shops for a timing belt/120k type of job, or would you make the trip to Z1?

Unless a shop insists they've done a LOT of Z32 TB's without issue I'd pass on them, if the TB is installed incorrectly it can destroy your engine or at best cause problems that cost time/hassle (re-install) and money. If no Z32-specific shop exists in your area, then Z1 seems the logical choice.

[Woodnutz78]

Yugo Bernie is in Alexandria, VA, I believe. Not sure if he’s closer to you than Z1, but from what I hear, he’s the man for Z32s. I haven’t used him, and I’m going to be taking on my 120k service over the winter, but he’ll be where I go if it goes south. You’ll have to google to get contact info.

I’m cautiously optimistic that I can handle it - I’ve done my fair share “typical diy mechanic” stuff on my other cars. And while it doesn’t replace true mechanic experience, I have a mechanical engineering background - i.e., I appreciate the importance of proper torquing. There are also excellent write-ups online. I believe there’s one linked in the “Everything you need to know....” section here. Furthermore, I’ve accepted that I’m probably going to break something in the process and there’s a good chance the car will be on jacks for a while.

[Woodnutz78]

...FWIW, I trust myself more than local shops. Granted, I’m in diesel truck country here, and Zs aren’t all that common. But, still... I won’t risk paying someone to screw up my car.

I definitely sympathize with your situation - sucks when you don’t have the space/tools/whatever to work. Good luck to you!

[DCaff300ZX]

I've read input about Yugo Bernie in the past and it's all been good, so although I have no experience with him I think I'd check him out as it may be a viable option.
Hope this helps!

[havejordan]

Thanks for the tips!

Yeah unfortunately I locked into a 12-month lease a couple of weeks before finding out the car was available - so I'll be stuck in the parking garage life for a bit. I've been a long-time enthusiast from afar but didn't have the funds to get my hands dirty with a second car during college, so now I'm looking forward to ownership.

Once I make it through the 6 hour drive from the D.C.-area next week to pick it up, I'll be more confident knowing I can make the haul to Z1 or back north to Alexandria to Yugo Bernie for any big jobs.

[Ace2cool]

Bernie is OG for Z32. He knows his stuff. Had no idea he was in VA. For some reason, thought he was way further up north.

[itsa300zx]

Yugo Bernie is in Alexandria, VA, I believe. Not sure if he’s closer to you than Z1, but from what I hear, he’s the man for Z32s. I haven’t used him, and I’m going to be taking on my 120k service over the winter, but he’ll be where I go if it goes south. You’ll have to google to get contact info.

I’m cautiously optimistic that I can handle it - I’ve done my fair share “typical diy mechanic” stuff on my other cars. And while it doesn’t replace true mechanic experience, I have a mechanical engineering background - i.e., I appreciate the importance of proper torquing. There are also excellent write-ups online. I believe there’s one linked in the “Everything you need to know....” section here. Furthermore, I’ve accepted that I’m probably going to break something in the process and there’s a good chance the car will be on jacks for a while.

Agreed 100%, If you are going to drive 4-5 hours to Z1; might as well drive 5-6 hours away from them and visit Bernie Biliski. I avoid Z1 as much as possible JMHO.