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Where is your favorite smog shop?

PostPosted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 5:09 am
by ChuckB
My 993 is due for its first smog check since I purchased it. Normally I take my cars to the first smog shop I come across. This time I'm being a little more cautious and want to make sure the 993 is taken care of.

I did a search of the forum and the only shop I could find that was mentioned was South Cal Smog on Ruffner st. I'm in the college area but willing to drive a little ways if necessary.

Any other recommendations?

-Chuck

Re: Where is your favorite smog shop?

PostPosted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 4:03 pm
by Kim Crosser
I have used South Cal Smog several times for our Porsche and BMW. They have been fine. They seem to know how to do Porsches, they are usually prompt and the price seems good.

Re: Where is your favorite smog shop?

PostPosted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 9:16 pm
by Mike
My favorite is a Smog shop (Just Smog near Mission Gorge and I-8) located just round the corner from Performance Independant Porsche in Mission valley.
My 911 passed on the 4th test today, whew...
The smog shop is not so remarkable but its proximity to Performance Independant Porsche is a BIG PLUS.
After each fail 5 minutes later I was back without an appointment at Performace Independant Porsche, even so the owner Mark was right on it.
Short story is after adjusting the a/f he replaced an O2 sensor and it passed with very clean numbers.
86 911 120k miles.

Mark is a fantastic mech and charged me nothing for the labor and interuptions.
I didnt even have an appiointment but he worked on the car or gave me the tools and supervision to do it at his shop.
I can't imagine any car shop or shop of any kind being as helpful as Mark at Performance Independant Porsche in Mission Valley.
I've been going to Mark for 10 years but had not seen him since my last smog 2 years ago when he helped me tune it to pass last time.
What service just OUTSTANDING!  :bowdown:  :bowdown:

Again never charged me a cent for labor and treated me like I was his favorite customer!
To show my gratitide to Mark I treated him and his 3 employees at the Performance Independant Porsche to a BBQ lunch from the place next door.
I got off cheap and the BBQ was pretty good too! :D :D :D

Performance Independant Porsche (619) 563-5927 open Monday thru Thursday.

Re: Where is your favorite smog shop?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 03, 2013 8:19 pm
by ChuckB
Thank you for the replies. I didn't realize that was my first post!

I'm hoping to get the car smogged this weekend and will report back where I go.

Every time I go to Home Depot I always drool as I drive by Performance Indepedent Porsche. I have never really heard anyone mention that shop. In my short period of ownership I have been using Black Forest. But PIP is much closer to my house and always stuffed with cars on the lot. I'm glad to know that they have a good reputation.

Re: Where is your favorite smog shop?

PostPosted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 6:33 pm
by efhughes3
Your '96 is the toughest year to smog. '95 being OBD1, and the DME change in '97. I'd set yourself up for success by getting to a repair shop that can check prior to make sure your readiness flags are all set. I'd also make sure the car is fully warmed up on your way there, and if you have to wait-don't. Find out from them when is the best chance for you to drive in and get right on the dyno is best.

I love my 95. :D