American Collectors Insurance
There are moments when one quickly recognizes the presence of greatness. American Collectors Insurance had the privilege of visiting a distinctive automotive shop in Stratford, Connecticut, a shop that holds a genuine concern for the cars and a level of attention to detail that can truly be appreciated. This shop is none other than Repasi Motorwerks. At this shop they specialize in repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and pre-purchase inspections for Porsches, with a specific focus on the Porsche Carrera GT, also known as the Type 980. Each time we visited the shop, there were at least 10 Carrera GT’s, along with ~20 other unique Porsches, including a 993 Turbo, a 918 Spyder, 911 GT3RS, and several older 911’s, including some vintage Porsche race vehicles.
The History of Repasi Motorwerks
Founded by the passionate and knowledgeable James “Jimmy” Repasi and and staffed by an expert team of mechanics, Repasi Motorworks is more than just a repair shop; it is a sanctuary for Porsche lovers. It is clear that they love what they do and pay an incredible level of attention to details, seeing themselves as curators for their customers’ vehicles.
Jimmy attended an automotive trade school, ranking at the top of his peers nationwide. Porsche Cars North America soon discovered him, and ultimately, Jimmy Repasi began working as a technician at Porsche Fairfield, a Porsche dealership in Connecticut. He gained recognition as a tech/mechanic known for not only delivering excellent work but also harboring a deep affinity for the Porsche Carrera GT model.
Due to the complexities and challenges encountered during repair and maintenance work, the Type 980 was not the favorite model in many Porsche service shops. Embracing the challenges associated with the less-favored Type 980, Jimmy Repasi developed experience and expertise with this particular model.
Word spread about the highly qualified tech/mechanic at Porsche Fairfield who willingly worked on Porsche Carrera GT cars and even managed the transportation logistics. Porsche Carrera GT cars from all over the country began making their way to Jimmy Repasi at Porsche Fairfield. After more than a dozen years, Jimmy Repasi opened his own shop down the road from Porsche Fairfield, with the dealership’s approval. In less than two years, the shop’s success led to the search for a larger space, a testament to their quality service reputation for these exceptional vehicles.
Challenges of Maintenance on the Porsche Carrera GT
If you own a Porsche Carrera GT (Type 980), you might be familiar with the extended maintenance and repair timelines associated with “engine-out” services. Routine maintenance issues would require an “engine out” service on the Type 980, which involved dismantling the entire back half of the vehicle. As you can imagine, there’s a substantial amount of labor involved for “engine-out” service and potential delays when acquiring needed parts during the repair/service of these unique models, which might lead to the repair project occupying two bays. Since a service bay not actively used doesn’t generate revenue, dealership service departments were not always enthusiastic about servicing these special models, instead preferring more traditional repair/service work on less complex cars.
Unlike Porsche service shops less experienced with these models, Repasi Motorwerks strategically seeks ways to streamline maintenance processes and reduce costs for customers. They proactively recommend low-cost replacement seals and other miscellaneous items known to periodically fail to be addressed when the major services are done, so that the number of engine-out services can be minimized, reducing long-term service costs.
Modifications: Improving the Original Porsche Design?
Their dedication extends to recommending newer, superior, or more cost-effective replacement parts with components which may not be preferred by purist Porsche owners. Noteworthy examples of some enhancements he performs on the Carrera GT Type 980 include the exhaust, clutch, brake and suspension modifcations.
While the factory installed exhaust for the Type 980 is renowned for its almost Indycar high-pitched sound, Repasi Motorwerks offers a replacement exhaust that not only provides an impressive sound but also boasts weight savings and a broader, deeper exhaust note. Despite the impressive reputation of the Type 980 exhaust, the Repasi replacement is a compelling alternative.
The controversial Carrera GT clutch is a component of much debate and mixed feelings by Type 980 owners. The proper way to move a Carrera GT from a stop is to engage the clutch without touching the gas, and letting the car move on its own. Once the car is moving, then the clutch can be operated in a similar manner to other cars’ clutches. The factory clutch, a costly 2-piece carbon unit, has been a particular point of contention. Repasi Motorwerks addresses this concern by offering a replacement clutch, a 3-piece stainless steel unit which not only facilitates easier and quicker clutch uptake, but also boasts a significantly longer lifespan when compared to the factory carbon clutch. What’s more, the stainless steel replacement costs only a fraction of the price of the original carbon unit.
Repasi Motorwerks also offers specific replacement brakes sourced from Europe. These replacement brake rotors that look much the same as the factory carbon ceramic rotors but cost dramatically less. Notably, they are also renewable after some wear, unlike the factory rotors. This presents a cost-effective and practical alternative for Carrera GT owners seeking efficient and budget-friendly brake solutions.
Repasi Motorwerks provides customers with a range of suspension options, including selections from highly-regarded brands, such as Ohlins or KW. The KW suspension even includes an axle-lift feature, a valuable addition for Carrera GT owners who encounter speed bumps. Given the inherently low setting of the factory suspension which cannot be raised, the KW suspension’s axle lift ensures greater flexibility, allowing the car to go places that might otherwise be problematic.
Jimmy Repasi’s extensive global network ensures the availability of components that might otherwise be challenging to obtain or even to discover, reflecting the team’s commitment to ensuring the longevity of, and optimal performance for, these special Porsche models.
Expertise to Specialize on Unique Porsche Models
The Repasi Motorwerks team, led by Jimmy Repasi, possesses expertise in both older and newer Porsches. Jorge Baez, a highly trained Porsche mechanic on the Repasi team, specializes in working on newer Porsche models from the 1980s to present.
Jim Reilly, another mechanic on the Repasi team, is a seasoned mechanic with extensive experience working on older Porsches, expressing a preference for early 911’s and 356s. He described coming out of retirement to work at Repasi Motorwerks and conveyed his deep enjoyment of working there.
The genuine excitement of the Repasi team about Porsches is palpable, reflecting the ideal scenario for any collector car owner that needs to entrust their beloved vehicle to a shop for days, weeks, or even months of service.
While they have the capability to handle regular oil changes for daily driver Porsche Cayennes or Macans, Repasi Motorwerks prefers to concentrate on the Porsches that they have the most experience and expertise in, specializing on the high-end or unique Porsche models. It distinguishes itself as the go-to destination for those who have a special Porsche vehicle, whether it’s the Porsche 980 or Carrera GT or another cherished model, that requires precision service and utmost attention to detail. For models outside their expertise, such as the Porsche 959, Jimmy Repasi recommends them to shops that have specialized knowledge about their particular model. This approach ensures that Porsche owners have the best care and access to specialists who have in-depth expertise to service their unique models.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Expertise for Unique Porsches
For those considering a special Porsche or in need of a pre-purchase inspection for a high-end model, Jimmy Repasi at Repasi Motorwerks in Stratford, CT is the trusted partner for Porsche enthusiasts because of his commitment to excellence, attention to detail and expertise about special and unique Porsche models.
Doug DeMuro, a renowned Youtuber, attested to this trust as he described why he chose Jimmy Repasi to conduct his pre-purchase inspection (also known as a “PPI”) for own Porsche Carrera GT purchase to his YouTube followers. In that video, Doug DeMuro states that “[Repasi Motorwerks] is the place to maintain, repair, and service Carrera GT, nationally- and globally-known….” and “[Jimmy Rapasi] is THE Carrera GT guy.” After visiting the shop and spending time with the Repasi crew, we too agree.
For further information and to explore their services, visit their website at www.RepasiMotorwerks.com. Discover the dedication and passion that Repasi Motorwerks brings to maintaining and enhancing the performance of special Porsche models.
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