SF Bay Area Shop Recommendations?

[Bgaamedos]

Hey -
Was hoping to get some recommendations for trusted shops and mechanics in the Bay Area? Looking for a Holley Sniper EFI conversion from original 2 barrel carburetor on a 1971 Bronco.
Also wanted to consider new mnanual transmission to replace the 3 on the tree.
@904Bronco @DirtDonk @jamesroney you all seem to have made some Bay Area recs in the past. Appreciate the recs and suggestions, thanks

 

[jamesroney]

Well, you are in luck.

There is a fairly new shop in Fremont that opened two years ago. It's called Wyatt's Rides, and the owner is a long time Early Bronco mechanic. You can Google him, but he grew out of his Blacow Drive address and the website is not a priority. Truth be told, he painted my 71, and restored my 75. But he is doing a LOT of LS swaps in Camaros, and has done no shortage of work. Although he will probably try to talk you into an Edelbrock ProFlo 4 efi system. (I would...)

Of course his shop is completely full, and you would need to get an appointment. And he is going to drive you absolutely insane, because he won't do anything 1/2 way. And it will cost twice as much as you expect, but you will be 10 times as happy.

For general 4x4 work, there's a few Jeep guys out there. But for Bronco work, you can trust him. (and of course he knows how to reach me for gear, axle, and engine work.)

 

[Bgaamedos]

@jamesroney Thanks so much for the recommendation. I am trying to learn, total amateur.
Why the Edelbrock proflo 4 efi instead ?
And when you say he knows how to contact you for gear work, you mean he leans on your expertise when needed for bronco questions?

 

[jamesroney]

@jamesroney Thanks so much for the recommendation. I am trying to learn, total amateur.
Why the Edelbrock proflo 4 efi instead ?
And when you say he knows how to contact you for gear work, you mean he leans on your expertise when needed for bronco questions?

Something like that. Everybody knows that since I retired, I won’t work for money. But for some reason, I am a sucker to help a friend in need.

I do a lot of gear swaps and trans builds. And engine builds. But only for fun. And sometimes for beer.

ProFlo4 seems to have the best out of box performance, and support for tuning. Obviously, if Edelbrock were great, it wouldn’t be “4”. Same with Sniper “2.” Would be be a 2 if the sniper 1 was bulletproof.

As with any relationship, he would say he leans on me. But I would say i lean on him. There seems to be no shortage of leaning.

 

[904Bronco]

I wish I could offer you a solution for all of your bronco needs... I have leaned away from the aftermarket EFI makers and stayed with the 96-01 Explorer EFI. Yes that can be limiting. I did a Sniper 1 install on a Trans Am with a 455 and it was a nightmare getting support from Holley. I did a Holley Terminator set-up on an LS powered Landcruiser which went smoother, the real hiccup seemed to be getting the ECU to power up the Alternator.
I have a place in Morgan Hill that I might be able to recommend, but I would need to check in with the Owner to see if he does this work...
Andrew Norton, Baja Broncos is good in Petaluma, Ca but I suspect his schedule is buried with work. James does great work too, (Not blowing smoke up anything James ) but he stays busy in retirement like I do.

As far as a transmission swap, you are probably looking at a 5-spd kit from one of the local Bronco Vendors. There are some other options, but then you end up hunting down the various pieces needed. I will offer my services on your transmission swap when you get there... With my own current project heading to paint in a week, an opportunity is coming for me to catch up on my other projects... And then I would have time to work on "side work". Let me know. Doug

 

[jamesroney]

If Captain Conn is offering to do work, then I recommend him without hesitation.

I’m surprised he has time available. That window hasn’t opened for many years…

He is far more detailed and meticulous than I am. (But I’d let him change my oil, or maybe air up my tires.)

@904Bronco any chance your buddy in Idaho is working on a TKX with 4x4 output? That would be handy in a Bronco.

 

[ba123]

If you go Megasquirt 3 using any for EFI stock or aftermarket manifold you want, I'd be more than happy to share my knowledge and help you when I can...depending on where you are. I had to learn it myself and it would be a shame to waste all I've learned on only myself.

I honestly think that's the best way to go and what I did...kinda.

I think the way MS3 is set up with an unlimited number of options is it. I'm sure I could get you running pretty decently and you should have no problem.

 

[Bgaamedos]

Really appreciate it as I am learning the best approaches. I reached out to Brian at Wyatt’s - sure enough he recommended the Edelbrock ProFlo 4! -And you are right, he is busy now but would be open to it down road - said he has done a ton of the Edelbrock's with good outcomes, I did not ask him why it took 4 iterations for them to get there haha.

@jamesroney I will give you beer even without an engine build or gear swap, just keep me posted if there is a local meetup and your preferred brew - happy to just learn from the experts over suds, suds for advice or expertise is a great deal

@904Bronco I did reach out to Andrew from bajabroncos in Petaluma. He is buried in work and way backed up. I asked him for recs and he said "Doug Conn" so he sent me right back to you
I will 100% take you up on a transmission swap if you are available. Seriously!

@ba123 yah, from my understanding the learning curve is super steep and given my amateurish status I would be nervous about actually being able to dial it in but if you could dial it maybe that is an option

all three of you thanks so much. I am in Burlingame if its helpful to know distances here
keep me in mind or reach out, much appreciated

 

[ba123]

FYI, James is in Fremont, I'm in Los Gatos, and Doug is in San Martin (or somewhere near there, I think-sorry Doug if I got that wrong).

And I've thought about getting James a sign that says, James "Will Work for Guinness" Roney but I have not.

 

[jamesroney]

. I am in Burlingame if its helpful to know distances here
keep me in mind or reach out, much appreciated

You just missed the Bay Area Jeep Association takeover in Alameda brewery last week. I drove my JK, but it’s hard to tell which ones mine.

I try to get over your way at least once a month. I found a breakfast spot in half moon bay that’s pretty good. My Jeep/Porsche buddy lives in San Carlos, but I don’t hate him for that.
I have another of my first Broncos living up there. It’s Bahama Blue on 35’s. You might have seen it around.

I kinda owe @ba123 a favor, since he gave me a couple tix to next weeks Giants game.

I’m sure we will all be at the Wild H roundup next month for sure.

Best of luck with Brian. I saw him today and dropped off some ‘Cuda parts to be blasted. He mentioned you. We both thought the pro-flo4 was a strange coincidence. We did not rehearse it.

And yes, I’m running short of trailer beer, so I might have to do something productive to earn more.

 

[904Bronco]

@904Bronco any chance your buddy in Idaho is working on a TKX with 4x4 output? That would be handy in a Bronco.

There has been talk about that, but nothing to the market yet... But there is a TKX that works with a High Boy divorced transfer case

 

[904Bronco]

Really appreciate it as I am learning the best approaches. I reached out to Brian at Wyatt’s - sure enough he recommended the Edelbrock ProFlo 4! -And you are right, he is busy now but would be open to it down road - said he has done a ton of the Edelbrock's with good outcomes, I did not ask him why it took 4 iterations for them to get there haha.

@904Bronco I did reach out to Andrew from bajabroncos in Petaluma. He is buried in work and way backed up. I asked him for recs and he said "Doug Conn" so he sent me right back to you
I will 100% take you up on a transmission swap if you are available. Seriously!

all three of you thanks so much. I am in Burlingame if its helpful to know distances here
keep me in mind or reach out, much appreciated

Let know when you are ready for the swap, September into October is full for me. I am hoping to make WH's swap meet on Oct 10th.
Here are some thoughts... Take a look at the kit WH's sells for the AX15, driveshafts may need refreshing? T-case in good shape, no leaks? Holes will have to be cut in the trans hump for the shifter. Clutch linkage components may need refreshed, flywheel surfaced. We can remove the shifter arm on the steering column, but to remove that collar and replace it with a smooth one adds to the cost...

Adding that tire size and gearing in the pumpkins can also affect how well the OD will work... All things to be considered when one makes changes.

Yes I'm in San Martin...

 

[DirtDonk]

said he has done a ton of the Edelbrock's with good outcomes, I did not ask him why it took 4 iterations for them to get there haha.

Well, sometimes it just does. Holley is just on Sniper number 2!
But in this case, it's the 1st iteration (maybe?) but the "4" stands for 4bbl I believe. For the 4bbl throttle body.
Could be wrong, but that's my theory. And in case you were being sarcastic, it would still make for some good story-telling to come up with a reasonable timeline description.

Paul

 

[Bgaamedos]

Those are all great points and you are definitely correct. T case is good. Clutch and flywheel do likely need update. I am supposed to go camping oct 10th but if that falls through I will go to the swap meet.
November or after would fine timing.

Thanks for the info James and keep me posted when you are this side of the bridge.

 

[jamesroney]

Well, sometimes it just does. Holley is just on Sniper number 2!
But in this case, it's the 1st iteration (maybe?) but the "4" stands for 4bbl I believe. For the 4bbl throttle body.
Could be wrong, but that's my theory. And in case you were being sarcastic, it would still make for some good story-telling to come up with a reasonable timeline description.

Paul

Holley is on at least version 10. Maybe 20. Let's call it Holley Pro-jection if that reminds you of the dark days. Then Pro-jection 2, and all of the i's. And enough other iterations that they needed to re-brand it as Sniper. The GM TBI system just works. Howell sold plenty of them. And there's no shortage of boats out there still running TBI. Sniper 2 is a 4bbl. (sometimes)

Here's a pic of the Edelbrock Pro Flow 2. it has a 4bbl throttle body.

What I know is that the pro-flow 4 is capable of being made into a responsive, durable, drive-able solution that mimics the EEC-4 SEFI factory solution.

You would know better than me how much after sales support and RMA activity you've seen with the various iterations. But I've never thrown away a Pro-Flo-4 solution. (and I think I've thrown away most everything...) So there's that...

 

[Bgaamedos]

@jamesroney - given that the GM TBI just works and has stood the test of time but you have also never thrown away the Pro Flo 4
If you were in my shoes would to talk to Brian about getting a kit from howell (certainly a cheaper option) or just move to the modern SEFI and pony up for the most recent tech?

@904Bronco I looked at the AX15 from WH - seems like the right way to go
Im at 415-404-2975 when it works to chat - no rush on your timing

 

[jamesroney]

@jamesroney - given that the GM TBI just works and has stood the test of time but you have also never thrown away the Pro Flo 4
If you were in my shoes would to talk to Brian about getting a kit from howell (certainly a cheaper option) or just move to the modern SEFI and pony up for the most recent tech?

@904Bronco I looked at the AX15 from WH - seems like the right way to go
Im at 415-404-2975 when it works to chat - no rush on your timing

I would do whatever Brian recommends…but of course he might consult with me, and then recommend to you when I tell him to do the Pro-flo4.
(So I won’t)
I like TBI, but it’s early 80’s tech, and the pro-Flo is middle 90’s tech.

No person has ever regretted going with pro-Flo 4. And if they have, they should chime in now. But It’s really hard to get people that have no issues to come to a forum and say so. Most of them are out driving their Broncos.

The problem with Howell is that it cannot accommodate performance mods. And that includes high performance factory cars. The pro Flo is scalable, tuneable and well received.

Hope that helps.

 

[Bgaamedos]

Makes sense! Thanks

 

[904Bronco]

@904Bronco I looked at the AX15 from WH - seems like the right way to go
Im at 415-404-2975 when it works to chat - no rush on your timing

How about we start with a PM here on Classic. I was at WH's today and spoke with Morgan some, about the kit.

What works for you first, getting the engine squared away with the conversion to EFI or having a few extra gears to row through until then?

Oh, do you have a body lift, if so how much...

Doug.

 

[bronco italiano]

I am with 904 on the Ford EFI, it just works and is super reliable despite being old tech. ba123 is a brainiac of technology and his stuff is way beyond what I will ever be able understand. I would reach out to efiguy, he can best recommend what your needs are and he is SUPER reliable, super gifted at efi, and very reasonably priced for what you get with his products.