Orange County Mechanic Review

[ScoobySteve]

I recently had some oil pressure woes and despite doing a top end rebuild and total front-engine service with my friend at his shop -- I wanted to have it looked at by a pro with 944 experience.

When I was much younger (and had 0 mechanical ability) I would take my car to Performance Haus in Dana Point. The mechanic, Bernie Hartenstein, worked alone, kept an impeccably clean shop, exhibited great integrity, and had very affordable rates. Now over a decade later, he's taking some time off and plans to work a less rigorous schedule when he gets back. He's decided to share his shop with Singh Matharu, a factory-trained Porsche Master Tech previously at Beverly Hills Porsche.

Anyhow, he fixed my oil pressure issue quickly and his shop rate for labor is $90/hr, which is quite affordable for SoCal. Perhaps more amazing was his knowledge of 944 motors in particular. He was able to recount the evolution of the OPRV designs as well as running changes made to the oil cooler housing over the years.

Most of the time I like to do things myself or with the assistance of friends....when I can. But sometimes I run out of talent, time, or patience. It's great to have a go-to person that's affordable and knows our cars.

Singh Matharu
34112 Pacific Coast Highway
Dana Point, CA
(949) 488-9700 shop
(949) 288-6391 cell

[flash968]

cool - right in my neighborhood - i'll have to check them out

[ScoobySteve]

Originally Posted by flash968

cool - right in my neighborhood - i'll have to check them out

I'm actually surprised you've never been to that shop before. Bernie's been there since the mid 1970s. Anyhow, when I replaced my BMW with the 944 the folks at Quality Motors off Forbes road in Laguna Niguel told me they didn't know Porsches but that they wouldn't go to anyone other than Bernie @ Performance Haus in Dana Point. Initially, I thought it was too far and took my 944 to a shop in Mission Viejo that shall remain nameless. That turned out to be a mistake and within 6 months I was down in Dana Point with much smaller repair bills and a much better running car.

[flash968]

i only moved down here 3 years ago, and have not needed a shop in that time - i do most everything myself - not too hard to find a decent 944 shop, but nearly impossible to find anybody who has ever worked on a 968 - worth checking out though

lol - p.s. - i think i can probably hit quality motors with a rock from here