Mechanic Recommendations?

[jeffs]

Well, I guess I feel like a real seven owner now as I'm having my first mechanical problem, the engine (intermittently) doesn't want to go above 4800rpm.

 

My plan was originally to just take the car down the Lotus dealership in Hopewell for routine stuff as I've been really happy with them in the past, but I'm wondering if for something like this a mechanic with some Caterham experience might not be a better place to go.

 

Anyone have recommendations for the northern NJ area?

[mrmustang]

Well, I guess I feel like a real seven owner now as I'm having my first mechanical problem, the engine (intermittently) doesn't want to go above 4800rpm.

 

My plan was originally to just take the car down the Lotus dealership in Hopewell for routine stuff as I've been really happy with them in the past, but I'm wondering if for something like this a mechanic with some Caterham experience might not be a better place to go.

 

Anyone have recommendations for the northern NJ area?

 

Bruce's Speed Shop on RT46 in Rockaway had worked on my 7 when I was still living there. In fact I just had my FIA up there this past winter, for me to drive the 148 miles each way means I trust him with my life. Shop number is 973-664-0192. Just beware, he has a waiting list, but to me, he is worth the wait. Also beware it is his way or the highway, if you want something questionable done (IE: cheap rubber brake lines when he suggests steel braided for example), he'll probably not take your car in his rotation. He is anal when it comes to this stuff.

 

Bill S.

 

PS: Tell him mrmustang sent you, then tell him I said he does not look a day over 80 :rofl:

[Croc]

I have a suspicion that Bill is setting you up with the looks comment - my type of humor! :jester:

 

 

There are a couple of options locally around NJ:

 

1) Blubarisax goes to the Radical dealership on Rt 17 at Ramsey - given what they have put up with on his car there is not much they do not know about sevens. They have rebuilt his 2 or 3 times now.

 

2) Ralph at RS Motorsports (exit 2 off Palisades Parkway) is an old time Lotus mechanic and would be perfect for a Caterham. He has looked after Redgoose's current and prior Caterham from time to time. Ralph is nicely old school.

 

3) Bill Thomas of WTR Roadsters in Frenchtown owns his own crossflow Caterham but works on all range of cars from Lotus Exige/Elise to classic British cars and would also be a good option to consider.

 

4) Wil DeGroot of Exoticars in Milford deals with my car from time to time when I am submerged at work and need to get something done. Your described ECU/electronic problem is not really his specialty though.

 

 

As for Sports & Specialist in Hopewell, I would trust them to work on my Caterham. They known their way around current model Lotus and it is no real distance from that to a Caterham. I know happy customers who get their modified Exige's serviced there.

Edited April 10, 2013 by Croc