SOT: Porsche/European Shops, Kind of a vent/rant Options

[ThePaintedMan]

Well, I took my car down to a local european car shop today at the recommendation of my good buddy T.C. I was mostly curious as to what the "going rate" would be for them to go through my car and check my work/mistakes i.e. was my valve adjustment way off, what opinions did they have about my carb problems/setup etc. Granted, this is a performance shop, but boy was I shocked at the response.

I have never felt so dismissed in my life. I explained that this car was a learning opportunity for me and that I've come a long way in just a few months. However, I wanted to learn more and even volunteer my time helping around the shop to glean some knowledge. Basically I was told "we're not interested" and that the amount of money they would charge to take a look at the car was more than I had to spend.

I guess I'm just frustrated that I have not found a single shop yet that wants to even deal with our cars. If it was a mint /6, it might be a little different, but for the most part, I'm starting to really understand what a bastard child people believe the 914 to be. The VW guys don't want to mess with it and the Porsche guys are well, exactly what I've always expected them to be. I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but are Porsche mechanics/shops often like this because they know many/most of the people who own them more willing to write a large check then learn or work on their own cars?

I felt like I was walking the walk and talking the talk and that I at least somewhat know my way around things by now, but I was made to feel like a real idiot this morning. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get ones foot in the door with a good mechanic to learn first-hand? Or do I need to just keep plugging along and learning on my own?

All this has only solidified what a great resource all of you have been. I've learned far more from your opinions and suggestions than any master mechanic has told me so far. So thank you.

-George

[ThePaintedMan]

Good points gents! Thats all I needed was a pick-me-up. I am definitely going to see Joe at some point or another; most likely the Tropical Ramble in the Fall. South Carolina sounds nice too - might be an excuse to get my girlfriend in the car and take a long ride.

And I certainly understand the need to make money and the reason for shop rates. Just surprised that someone with a true desire to learn rather than fork down cash and be done with it isn't more welcome. But then again, thats probably the majority of their customers and well, the way things are usually done for them.