Decent Mechanics

[89GTA]

Is it just me or are they becoming darn near impossible to find? I own a *gasp* 89 GTA (you never would have guessed that's what I own, probably... )

I still haven't bought the cat's I need to pass inspection, because I'm in limbo of who in the world I am going to pick/find to install them. Unfortunately, I think I'm leaning towards Midas. It seems like every mechanic I can think of, I think of bad experiences I've been told. If I want to go to one mechanic, I better be prepared to see my car going sideways around a turn when I get there. Or if I goto another one I have been thinking about, I need to prepare to be talked down too.

I can do some small stuff, but welding, adding headers, valve covers, etc. are out of my league.

Anyone else have this problem?

[N20LT4Bird]

where are you from? I know "decent mechanics" in central new york. yes, they are hard to find, but they are out there.

[Kevin - Blown 95 TA]

Lots of us have had this problem. There are good, honest, well trained mechanics out there, but they are hard to find and may not necessarily be good at your particular car. It's a lot harder to be a good tech today since you have to deal with more complicated systems than before. Anyway, this is why so many of us are DIYers. That's why forums like this are so great - the more experienced guys try to help the less experienced guys who want to learn how to fix their own car.

As far as replacement cats go, Walker & Brown are two good replacement brand names. They build/rebuild to OEM sepcs. Many of the aftermarket manufacturers do not. They tend to skimp on the precious metals that act as the catalyst because their replacement converter, by law, does not need to last as many years as the original. I forget how long original emissions equipment is supposed to last (10 yrs?), but its warranty is extended over the rest of the car in most cases.

[89GTA]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm in PA btw. You know, that place that has the worse roads in the entire country, but yet the highest taxes. We actually have had "speed bumps" on the highways...

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I know what you mean about those PA highways...yeesh!

I know a couple decent places in North Jersey. Found both with help on the CamaroZ28.com board while searching for a gear installer. Do the rounds on boards asking for opinions and state the area you're located at...You may be surprised the answers that come up.