GTO Engineering ? | FerrariChat

GTO Engineering ?

Discussion in 'California (Southern)' started by Mirek, Dec 30, 2020.

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  1. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 20, 2019
    1,244
    Los Angeles, CA
    Full Name:
    Mirek
    Any experiences with GTO Engineering ? They are about 2 miles away from our house here in LA.

    Looks like a top flight outfit. Is there maintenance turn-around time reasonable or are they more into restoring cars ? 456M leaking some coolant.
     
  2. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
    I know a lot of people who love them. As a relatively new owner (2 years) Ive done the minor stuff myself so I have no personal experience. Ill either take my car to them or Francos in the Van Nuys.
     
  3. srslusso

    srslusso Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2005
    874
    Encino,Ca.
    Full Name:
    Steve S.
    GTO Engineering is great ! Eric Sander has years of experience working on Older Ferraris and still can repair cars not just replace parts !
    Honest He is my friend but he was a former ferrari master mechanic one of the 28th in the USA when the title meant some thing at auto gallery Ferrari.
     
    jm348 likes this.
  4. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
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    Oct 20, 2019
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    Mirek
    I appreciate that feedback. They were recommended to me at one of the Malibu shows recently.
     
  5. dinoart

    dinoart Formula Junior
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    Oct 30, 2004
    755
    Westminster CA
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    David
    Eric is great but it's pricey. If not for the bill I would bring all my cars there even I m an hour away.
     
  6. jlonmark

    jlonmark F1 Rookie

    Mar 29, 2005
    3,173
    Beverly Hills, CA
    Full Name:
    Jay
    Hit up Carl at Black Horse, right around the corner from gto!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  7. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
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    Oct 20, 2019
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    Carl is the man and where I always go but was just asking as they seem to have a good reputation oversees.
     
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  8. jippiejake

    jippiejake Formula Junior

    Nov 6, 2012
    977
    Venice Beach
    Full Name:
    Mike Kerns
    Don't forget Gran Turismo in West Los Angeles..
    Also very good and very reasonable..
    From a basic brake job to a full restoration on a vintage Ferrari..
    Ask for Giovanni..
     
  9. XLNLIFE

    XLNLIFE Formula Junior

    Oct 5, 2005
    808
    SOUTHERN CA
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    JEREMY :
    TestShoot likes this.
  10. RWP137

    RWP137 Formula 3

    Apr 29, 2013
    1,588
    AZ
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    Rick
    Best tech in the west imo.
     
  11. 360Tom

    360Tom Formula 3

    May 9, 2013
    1,386
    Burbank, CA
    Full Name:
    Tom
    Damian is amazing and will have your car back to you quick. He;s been working on my cars for 6 years now. A really great guy
     
  12. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
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    Oct 20, 2019
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    Mirek
    Those are strong endorsements and greatly appreciated.
     
  13. Tony91505

    Tony91505 Formula Junior

    Apr 13, 2005
    416
    So cal
    Full Name:
    Tony
    Damian is the best, been taking care of my fcars for about 15 years.
     
    Modenafan likes this.
  14. kenb

    kenb Rookie

    Jun 29, 2014
    27
    malibu, ca
    Full Name:
    ken b
    Here is the bill from them for my 328,which had full service at Salt Lake City Ferrari 5 years ago...
     

    Attached Files:

    Mirek likes this.
  15. jlonmark

    jlonmark F1 Rookie

    Mar 29, 2005
    3,173
    Beverly Hills, CA
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    Jay
    Ouch! Would have hate to see how much if it were a TR with engine out
     
  16. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
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    Scott
    Eric Sander at GTO is absolutely 100 % professional as is Carl Steuer at BlackHorse
    If they cost more it is because the issue is being found sooner from decades of skill backed by experience -
    IMHO, These are the two top vintage techs that I would take my car too
     
    Mirek likes this.
  17. Mirek

    Mirek Formula 3
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    Oct 20, 2019
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    The 456M is with Carl (once again) as we speak for some improvements/repairs.
     
  18. kenb

    kenb Rookie

    Jun 29, 2014
    27
    malibu, ca
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    ken b
    #18 kenb, May 6, 2021
    Last edited: May 6, 2021
    No past issues with my car as you can see on the FULLY detailed service receipt I included.

    Carl is currently a one man operation as I was told by him in April 2021 and looking for a new location... for whatever it's worth to you.
     
  19. elevenrecords

    elevenrecords Rookie

    Sep 22, 2013
    16
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Billy Z
    Tell me more about Francos in Van Nuys? I just moved pretty deep into the valley, and might want to find a mechanic closer to my new place. I have an '87 328 GTS...

    Thanks!
     
  20. cls

    cls Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2007
    1,663
    Los Angeles/Montreal
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    Chris
    Francos was responsible for Sammy Hagar joining Van Halen, so there's that.
    Otherwise, Franco is an old italian man who has spent his life working on Italian cars. Damian (his son) has pretty much taken over the business and he's a great guy to deal with. They're a good choice for a 328.
     
  21. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
    Ive yet to have any personal experience with him but I’ve heard (like CLS confirms) good things thus far. I actually should call them today and make an appointment.
     
  22. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
    How is Franco’s responsible for Van Hagar?

    Do tell!
     
  23. cls

    cls Formula 3

    Jun 12, 2007
    1,663
    Los Angeles/Montreal
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    Chris
    Franco was Eddie's mechanic for a long time. Someone recommended Franco to Sammy Hagar, and that's where they met and bonded over cars. Eddie was driving his Miura which also is the engine noise on Panama.
     
  24. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
    Thanks. I did see where they had a tribute to Eddie on their website. Tried calling them today for an appt but the line was always busy.

    off the record (pun intended) Alex VH is a total Porsche guy as well as a totally nice guy.
     
  25. TheBluesMan

    TheBluesMan Rookie

    Dec 16, 2018
    22
    Santa Monica
    Full Name:
    Ira Boren
    I trusted my 599 to them several times. The work was always much more than estimated. It was never done 100% correctly and ultimately they over filled the oil on an annual service which caused a massive messy problem which was corrected by the Ferrari dealer at a great expense. No one from their company in Los Angeles or London would return my calls or correspondence, which then led to litigation.

    By the way, Eric Sanders, the head mechanic posts his own Google positive reviews for work done there. Slightly biased?
     

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