My local race shop is pretty great

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
10/13/2017 at 18:15 • Filed to: None

Today I got the owner to tell me all about his VW bus restomod, and other projects (caged Hayabusa go-kart, anyone?). We then proceeded to draw up rough drafts for multiple Miata fabrication ideas, from rear-mounted spare tire carrier a la FJ Cruiser to skid plates, pod style rally lights, and tons of other potential modifications. I want to work here.

Funny thing is, first time I visited 425 Motorsports, the salesman helping me out came across as pretty pushy, just trying to get a sale. Bit condescending too, as I didn’t know a ton about the types of belt I wanted (pull-up? Pull-down? Whaaaa). Almost decided to go elsewhere after that visit, but gave them another chance... Definitely the right choice. The owner has been there every time since then, and has always been the one to help me out, whether it’s going outside and showing me the right way to wrap my shoulder belts or just shooting the shit for an hour when I swing by after work. The other techs and salespeople I’ve met here have been pretty cool aswell. Knowledgeable about racing, from the local grassroots scene, to the big leagues, and they know exactly how to outfit you and your vehicle for any of it.

Me, carrying in about ten steering wheels after I’d finished testing them in my car - “don’t worry, I put most of the wheels back. These don’t have security tags, right?”

The front desk employee - “thanks! Oh and if you see an LS crate engine on your credit card statement don’t be alarmed. In fact, I’d like to personally thank you for the .donation to Project Sleeper-Sable” (but actually, one of the employees is building a sleeper Mercury Sable. Doesn’t get more sleeper than that)

Somehow I’ve managed to find an incredible race shop/fabricator for all my parts needs, a great performance shop for tuning and mechanical work, and an equally wonderful upholstery and collision specialist all in the last year. All staffed by enthusiasts, and craziest of all... They’re all charging well under the average price for this area, despite some stellar work and good reputations. The performance shop charges $65/hr. That’s insanely cheap. Anyways, if you need stuff done, or want to sit in seats before buying them, stop by and 425 Motorsports. Awesome crew

(edit) found a picture for the Owner’s Porsche, which is currently on Bring A Trailer. Anyone want to spot for some cash..? GLWS

DISCUSSION (18)

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:23

You need to do the pod lights.

AestheticsInMotion > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
10/13/2017 at 18:30

It’s happening. Near the end of my fabrication priorities list, but it’s definitely happening. No light bars will be touching my car

AM3R, lost another burner > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:31

$65 an hour? That’s dirt cheap IMO! Definitely get some big stuff done if the labor is this affordable.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:34

That Viper is pure car porn.

AestheticsInMotion > AM3R, lost another burner
10/13/2017 at 18:35

65/hr or 85/hr if I bring my own parts, which is still phenomenal. This is definitely where I’ll get my engine rebuilt, and turbo components thrown on.

First time I had them do work, my total ended up being $100 LESS than what they estimated. How often does that happen..?

AM3R, lost another burner > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:39

Wow, I wish I was local. Even the most simple of BMW indy’s charge more than $85 an hour around me.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove
10/13/2017 at 18:43

It is a customer car, for sale. They generally have two or three cars inside, all of which never fail to elicit strong desire. Found the listing on Craigslist, unfortunately there are no pictures! https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/d/2001-dodge-viper-acr-low/6339092758.html

I’ll make it up to you with another client car that they spent about two months working on....

Kinja'd!!!

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:46

How do you sell a Viper without posting pics? Kinda crazy. Also, isn’t $40k a bit much for a car they pretty much admit is a salvage?

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 18:47

Also, I’m not really into BMWs, but that build is pretty awesome.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove
10/13/2017 at 18:49

I have no clue what the market is like for these... Sounds like the shop has nothing to do with the ad, they just take a small cut from the final sale, and get to show off a cool car for awhile!

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 19:29

That LT4 in the race car is almost as crazy as their labor. We are just a dealer and it is $140/hr. If I was custom fabbing shit I think I would be up there, but then there are a lot more hours in custom work.

Sounds like a really good shop. I wish we had one here.

AestheticsInMotion > CaptDale - is secretly British
10/13/2017 at 19:55

Yeah, $100-150 is what I’m used to seeing. I’m genuinely wondering if the owner is a billionaire who started this shop as a labor of love. Wouldn’t be too crazy around here. He mentioned a few recent major projects “being done at a loss” and between the low hourly fees, and insanely high rent it’s hard to imagine how they’ve been here so long, and seemingly successfully.

The LT4 was in a 240z, full on drift build. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of those fall into your lap?

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 19:59

Maybe a 240SX? Is it not the red thing next to the viper?

I would much prefer a twin charged LS9

That would be crazy if that is just his passion. I want to do that!

AestheticsInMotion > CaptDale - is secretly British
10/13/2017 at 20:03

D’oh. You’re totally right. Hmm... I’ll take either... Miata needs a new heart.

Right? Between a gorgeous Microbus, ‘67 Beetle, Porsche 356, 80's 911, slantnose, and a garage full of bikes and modified Japanese/American cars... Something doesn’t add up!

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 20:05

Well while the LT4 would be nice, it just is not enough motor for my Goat goals, but in the MIata would be wild.

Yeah, that doesn’t add up to just a successful shop owner.

AestheticsInMotion > CaptDale - is secretly British
10/13/2017 at 20:12

Would work for the Sprite ;)

CaptDale - is secretly British > AestheticsInMotion
10/13/2017 at 21:38

No I want a S2000 motor in that

Discerning > AestheticsInMotion
10/14/2017 at 08:37

LT4 in an S13. Interesting...