GTO Engineering ?

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I appreciate that feedback. They were recommended to me at one of the Malibu shows recently.

 

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.

 

Hit up Carl at Black Horse, right around the corner from gto!


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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.

 

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..

 

Damian at FMS SO Cal 33+ years experience. 818-521-2332 https://fmssocal.com

 

Best tech in the west imo.

 

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

 

Those are strong endorsements and greatly appreciated.

 

Damian is the best, been taking care of my fcars for about 15 years.

 

Here is the bill from them for my 328,which had full service at Salt Lake City Ferrari 5 years ago...

 

Ouch! Would have hate to see how much if it were a TR with engine out

 

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

 

The 456M is with Carl (once again) as we speak for some improvements/repairs.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

How is Franco’s responsible for Van Hagar?

Do tell!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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?