Review of Cambra Speed Shop

★☆☆☆☆

Cambra Speed Shop Review Summary

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – C8DENCE (1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Custom) was received from Volo Auto Sales (Volo, Illinois) on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Crevier Classic Cars in Costa Mesa, California. The vehicle was not in the condition advertised by Volo Auto Sales. After the initial visual inspection by Crevier Classic Cars, it was determined that any repairs were outside the scope of services they could provide.

C8DENCE was then delivered via flatbed from Crevier Classic Cars to Cambra Speed Shop in Orange, California on Monday, August 9, 2021 for further inspection and repairs.

C8DENCE spent 784 days (448 CSS working days) at Cambra Speed Shop during which time a multitude of repairs and upgrades were performed to the engine and undercarriage (suspension, brakes, cleanup/repair of components) only. No exterior work performed by Cambra Speed Shop.

After 43 invoices and 825 labor hours totaling $91,541.82, I have been left with a Roller and a host of repairs to the repairs already done, including repairs to new items installed by Cambra Speed Shop e.g. Third Member (4:11), Gear Vendors, etc. We have further inspections to perform prior to final assembly in July/August/September 2024 on other work previously performed e.g. clutch, transmission, steering, brakes, etc.

In June 2023 it was discovered by Cambra Speed Shop (third party) that the engine had internal damage (flattened cam lobe, lifter damage, crankshaft scoring, etc.), this should have been diagnosed in August/September 2021 when the engine was removed and out for repairs. Had my initial requests to remove the heads, and/or scope the engine, and/or do a compression check been performed, I would not be writing this review today.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, after 784 days in the shop, I made the decision to have C8DENCE picked up via AMZ flatbed from Cambra Speed Shop and delivered to Auto Addiction OC as a Roller to finish repairs which are extensive.

The blueprinted engine build, dyno testing, breakin, and tuning performed by JBA Speed Shop in San Diego, California. Images and digital documentation of the blueprinted engine build posted in April/May 2024.

Summary of Items to be Replaced/Repaired

  1. Engine (New Blueprinted 460/509 by JBA Speed Shop)
  2. Engine Compartment Paint/Body (Bondo Separating from Metal)
  3. Wheels and Tires (Incorrect Offset, Rubbing Inside/Outside, Whitewalls Damaged)
  4. Third Member (Leaking Fluid from Multiple Points)
  5. Gear Vendors Under/Overdrive (Leaking Fluid, Potential Alignment Issue)
  6. Transmission (Leaking Fluid)
    • 2024-07-17 – Metal shavings found in transmission fluid. This toploader transmission was rebuilt by Cambra Speed Shop in 2022. It needs to be torn down again and rebuilt correctly.
    • 2024-07-23 – Transmission complete teardown and overhaul. Replace worn/damaged first and second gears and worn synchros along with all bearings. Replace any and all worn or damaged parts. Replace all seals. Refinish outer case in original gunmetal color. Mate gear vendors overdrive to transmission once transmission is completed.
  7. Rear Shock Mounts Damaged at Frame
  8. Hurst Shifter Stick (Incorrect Position/Angle, Replace)
    • 2024-07-19 Additional Findings – Metal mount that attaches shifting unit to Gear Vendors is cracked. This may be due to the primary bolt missing an additional washer/spacer causing the end of bolt to press up against the metal mount creating a bend and then a crack.
  9. Undercarriage Cleanup (Radiator Hose Leak, Other Fluid Leaks, Excess Debris)
  10. Spare Tire Kit (Return, Incorrect Size for Storage Area)

Summary of Items to be Inspected

  1. All Work Performed by Cambra Speed Shop
  2. Power Steering Components (New)
  3. Rack and Pinion (Rebuilt)
  4. Brakes (New, Rebuilt)
  5. Clutch (Replaced 2x by CSS)
  6. Shift Linkage (New)
  7. Suspension (Shocks Initially Installed Upside Down)
  8. Fuel Tank Configuration (Venting, Fuel Lines)

Note: We have to redo and/or repair much of the work Cambra Speed Shop performed on C8DENCE from August 2021 to June 2023. As of Tuesday, December 3, 2024, I’ve incurred an additional $60,000+ in repair and replacement costs.

726 West Angus Avenue, Suite C
Orange, California 92868
1-714-538-5396
CambraSpeedShop.com

Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00AM-5:00PM
Closed: Fri-Sun, Holidays
4-Day Workweek (36 Working Hours)

C8DENCE Timeline

Today is Tuesday, December 3, 2024
  • 1254 Days Since Purchase
    Monday, June 28, 2021
  • 1230 Days Since Arrival in CA
    Thursday, July 22, 2021
  • 784 Days at CSS ★☆☆☆☆
    Mon, Aug 9, 2021/Mon, Oct 2, 2023
  • Roller to New Shop
    Monday, October 2, 2023
  • 428 Days at AAOC
    Monday, October 2, 2023
    Restoration Begins June 2024
  • 1 Days to Completion
    Monday, December 2, 2024
AMZ Towing to Auto Addiction OC 2023-10-02 3764 Arrival at Auto Addiction OC on Mon, Oct 2, 2023 2024-02-19 - C8DENCE on the Lift at Auto Addiction OC C8DENCE on the Lift for Inspection at AAOC

Cambra Speed Shop – Website Projects

C8DENCE is a 1955 Ford Crown Victoria previously customized in early 2000’s. The new owner bought it from a dealer online and when it was delivered was not entirely what he thought it was. There was quite a bit of stuff wrong to call it a full “show-ready” custom. The wheels were particularly suspicious. The steel wheels painted red with sombrero caps had red paint on the wide white walls. We took off the hubcaps to find “trailer” wheels brush painted red while mounted with the tires! The under-carriage was a mess and we cleaned it up as well as the engine compartment. Freshened up the engine free of leaks and a whole mess of other ancillary items. We added a new Hurst Assisted McLeod Clutch, Gear Vendors overdrive, and Ford 9” posi with 4:11 gears. We restored the Ford Racing 460 Cobra Jet, and ceramic coated the Doug’s Headers and Exhaust.

Take a look at the customer’s website at C8DENCE.com for more information.

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, I requested that C8DENCE be removed from the Cambra Speed Shop Projects page. The description of the work performed is inaccurate and does not reflect the condition of the vehicle at the time of removal from Cambra Speed Shop on Monday, October 2, 2023 – see images below.

Good day Tony. I’d like to request that C8DENCE be removed from the Cambra Speed Shop website please? It’s unfortunate but things didn’t work out for us.

On Monday, October 2, 2023, Ron Cambra replied with…

Edward, we have the right to keep your car on our website being that the work we did on it was performed by CSS. Thank you.


Arrival and Departure from Cambra Speed Shop

2021-08-09 (Arrival at CSS) / 784 Days in Shop / 2023-10-02 (Roller to AAOC)
2021-08-31 - 22 Days
2021-08-31 - Engine at Citywide Auto Care for Header Thread Repair, Rear Seal
2022-12-21 - 477 Days
Final 2022-12-21: Engine Right Front Angle, Cambra Speed Shop Slapped Lipstick on a Pig
2023-10-02 - 784 Days
2023-10-03 - Leaving Cambra Speed Shop as a Roller after 784 Days in the Shop, Internal Engine Damage

Engine Transport from JGRE to JBA Speed Shop

2023-11-11 (Ethan M. from JBA)

JBA AntiCrate™ Engine

  • Blueprinted: BBF 385 Series, 460/509 CID (8.34 Liters), 10:1 (91 Octane)
  • Holley EFI Terminator X Max Stealth
  • Weiand Stealth™ Dual Plane Intake Manifold
  • Kaase SR-71 Cylinder Heads
  • Schneider Racing Cams Hydraulic Roller Camshaft 232°/241°
  • SCAT Custom 509 CID BBF Rotating Assembly
2023-11-11
2023-11-11 - Transport from Jeff Ginter Racing Engines to JBA Speed Shop

JBA Speed Shop – Engine Analysis

2023-11-14 (Craig M. from JBA)
  • Type: Ford BIG Block 460 (385 Series)
  • Vehicle: 1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Custom

During an initial discussion, symptoms described by the customer pointed towards a cam and/or valvetrain issue. Disassembly is required to determine the root cause of the issue.

  • Cast iron Ford engine block.
  • No external damage noted.
  • All fasteners and drain plugs/petcock came out.
  • Valve lash was found to exceed specification for cylinder #7 intake valve.
  • Rocker arm for cylinder #4 intake valve appears to have been in contact with the valve cover, as wear marks were found on both the edge of rocker arm and inside of valve cover.
  • Pushrods appear to be undamaged during initial inspection.
  • Combustion chambers and valve surfaces show no significant discoloring, buildup or damage from foreign materials.
  • Spark plugs were all similar in color, dark brown.
  • Significant wear is present on crankshaft and all five main bearings.
  • There is no significant scoring or other major surface imperfections.
  • Connecting rod for #3 cylinder shows discoloration, possibly unrelated and occurred during piston pin assembly.
  • Ford flat tappet style camshaft.
  • Lobe for cylinder #7 (intake or exhaust) and corresponding lifter experienced significant damage.
  • All lifters were able to be removed from the top. This suggests that the lifter bores are usable in current condition without machining.
  • Material used in the manufacturing of the camshaft appears to be inadequate.
  • The camshaft and corresponding lifter are not repairable.
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Rocker Arm in Contact with Valve Cover
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Foreign Material Blocking Crankshaft Oil Passage
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Crankshaft Bearings Show Heavy Wear and Damage - Cylinder #5
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Crankshaft Bearings Show Heavy Wear and Damage - Cylinder #3
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Camshaft has Excessive Wear
2023-11-14
2023-11-14 - Lifter Surface is Concave

Engine Compartment Paint Peeling and Repair

2021-09-21 (Original Repairs, Cambra Speed Shop)
2021-09-21
2021-09-21 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling (Volo Original Condition)
2021-09-21
2021-09-21 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling (Volo Original Condition)
2021-09-22
2021-09-21 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2021-09-22
2021-09-22 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2021-09-22
2021-09-22 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2021-09-22
2021-09-22 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2021-09-22
2021-09-22 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2021-09-22
2021-09-22 - Engine Bay Paint Peeling - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop

Engine Compartment Paint Peeling and Cracking of Substrate

2024-01-09 (Previous, After Cambra Speed Shop Repair)
2024-01-09
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-22
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Failed Repair by Cambra Speed Shop

AAOC: The area in question has a very heavy layer of bondo. The under layer of material between the metal and the bondo appears to be either a high build primer or a spot putty, neither of which should be applied between the bondo and the bare metal. There appears to be an adhesion issue, which means the panel needs to be removed and stripped of the material on it. Then the panel can be repaired properly and repainted. The panel is installed in such a way that it appears to be lapped under other panels and to remove it would mean essentially removing the right fender and front bumper to access the panel that needs to be repaired and refinished.

Engine Compartment Paint

2024-02-22 (Previous, Original Paint 2004, Additional Findings)
2024-02-22
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-22
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-22
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-22
2023-10-03 - Engine Compartment Paint - Repair by Cambra Speed Shop

Incorrect Wheel Offset X2

2024-02-16 (Current, New Whitewalls Damaged, Wheels Scratched)
2022-03-14
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Custom (Restoration: Custom OEM Wheels)
2022-03-14
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Custom (Restoration: Custom OEM Wheels)
2022-06-13
1955 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria Custom (Restoration: Custom OEM Wheels Wrapped in BF Goodrich Silvertown Radials)
2023-10-02
2023-10-03 - Rear Tire Whitewall Damage from Incorrect Wheel Offset by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Rear Tire Damage from Incorrect Wheel Offset by Cambra Speed Shop, New Wheels, Check Scratching
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Rear Tire Damage from Incorrect Wheel Offset by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Rear Brake Calipers Too Close to Wheel 1 - Incorrect Measurements
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Rear Brake Calipers Too Close to Wheel 2 - Incorrect Measurements

Third Member Leaking Fluid

2024-02-16 (Previous, Rebuilt and Installed by Cambra Speed Shop, Attempted Repairs 3x)
2023-10-03
2023-10-03 - Third Member Leaking After Cambra Speed Shop Rebuild X2
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Third Member Leaking After Cambra Speed Shop Rebuild X2
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Third Member Leaking After Cambra Speed Shop Rebuild X2
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4134
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4134 Zoom
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4140
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4142
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4145
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4146

Gear Vendors Unit Leaking Fluid

2024-02-16 (Previous, Drive Shaft Seal, Alignment Issues, Installed by Cambra Speed Shop)
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Gear Vendors Unit Leaking 1 - Installed by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Gear Vendors Unit Leaking 2 - Installed by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Gear Vendors Unit Leaking 3 - Installed by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4124
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4126
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4126 Zoom
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4128

Transmission Leaking Fluid

2024-05-06 (Previous, Rebuilt, Installed by Cambra Speed Shop)
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Transmission Leaking 1 - Rebuilt and Installed by Cambra Speed Shop
2024-05-06
2024-05-06 - Transmission Leaking 2 - Rebuilt and Installed by Cambra Speed Shop

2024-07-19 – Metal shavings found in transmission fluid. Transmission is out for inspection, repair, upgrades. This toploader transmission was rebuilt and installed by Cambra Speed Shop in 2022.

2024-07-26 – Transmission complete teardown and overhaul completed. Replaced worn/damaged first and second gears and worn synchros along with all bearings. Replaced any and all worn or damaged parts. Replaced all seals. Refinished outer case in original gunmetal color. Mate Gear Vendors Overdrive/Underdrive to transmission once completed.

2024-07-22
2024-07-26 - 0004
2024-07-26
2024-07-26 - 0001

Rear Shock Mounts Damaged

2024-07-18 (Previous, New Hardware Installed by Cambra Speed Shop in 2022)
2024-07-18
2024-07-18 - 0001
2024-07-18
2024-07-18 - 0003
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4130
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4130 Zoom
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4132
2024-07-19
2024-07-19 - 4132 Zoom

2024-07-26 – Damaged rear crossmember (shock mounts) removed and to be replaced on 2024-07-29

2024-07-26
2024-07-26 - 0002
2024-07-26
2024-07-26 - 0003

Overflow Tube Leakage Onto Exhaust

2024-02-16 (Current)
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Overflow Tube Leakage Onto Exhaust (Oversight by Cambra Speed Shop)
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Overflow Tube Leakage Onto Exhaust (Oversight by Cambra Speed Shop)
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Overflow Tube Leakage Onto Exhaust (Oversight by Cambra Speed Shop)

Incorrect Brake Line Configuration

2024-02-16 (Current, Original Installation 2004)
2024-02-16
2024-02-16 - Incorrect Brake Line Configuration

Challenges Encountered

  1. Not getting a written estimate and a timeline of repairs. One mistake I made with Cambra Speed Shop (CSS) was NOT getting a written estimate and a documented timeline of repairs along with giving them a blank check (with a limit). Those mistakes cost me over $40,000.
  2. Sending engine and transmission to third party. All of the work performed by the third party had to be redone and was a major cause of delays. I was initially informed that the engine issues would have been handled in house. That changed after the car arrived and AS (Cambra Speed Shop Manager) stated it was going to be at least 2 months before he could get to it. The third party just happened to be present, and it was decided to let them handle the engine issues. That was a mistake.

    EL Note: Why would you commit to helping me prior to my arrival only to tell me that it was going to take Cambra Speed Shop 2 months before touching the car? In retrospect, you should have passed on this engagement.

  3. Not removing heads to inspect internals. RC initially informed me that we didn’t need to do that, the engine only had a claimed 3,500 miles from the dealer (Volo Auto Sales) and it was “assumed” that everything was fine. It’s unfortunate as that assumption is what led us to where we are today, Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Of course that is going to be “my fault” for not FORCING the issue. I thought Cambra Speed Shop were “the professionals” at this.

    Original C8DENCE Task List

    Engine – Overall visual inspection, test drive, etc. I’d like to know what I have under the hood (460 Ford Crate, 2x4 Holley 650s). There are no dyno sheets. The HP has been claimed to be 515, 560, and during this sale at 540. I’m guessing the engine would need to be disassembled to know exactly what’s going on.

  4. Not performing an engine borescope as originally requested. It’s unfortunate as this request and the compression check were verbal requests during multiple visits to the shop to discuss the project. I asked AS a couple of times during my visits “Have you done the compression check yet?” AS replied, “Not yet”. I also reached out to Ryno (Previous Cambra Speed Shop Employee) to confirm these verbal requests just to make sure my age wasn’t catching up with me. He recalls the multiple requests.
  5. Not performing a compression check after numerous reminders. Had we performed the compression check, we would have discovered there was a valve sticking which appears to have plagued us from the very beginning. Apparently that valve sticking was due to a flattened cam lobe. I don’t understand how this vehicle was tuned (twice) with a valve sticking and a flattened cam lobe. Had we discovered that valve sticking and other engine issues in the very beginning, we would not be in the situation we are today. After researching this type of build process and the steps that are suggested, Cambra Speed Shop did things backwards. CSS slapped lipstick on a pig as they say. During this time, we had continual engine issues, all of which were signs of the eventual damage discovered.
  6. Numerous incorrect guesses at what was wrong with the engine. We ended up wrapping headers, ordering a new starter, installing a starter shield, and installing a second battery. All of these were thought to be a solution to the issues related to engine challenges. This cost me a considerable amount of time, money, and more extended delays.
  7. Constant delays due to misdiagnosed engine issues. If Cambra Speed Shop had performed the services I initially requested in writing and verbally, we could have avoided the delays and the $40,000+ in costs associated with those delays along with the final outcome of this engagement.
  8. The new clutch had to be replaced after multiple test drives where the clutch was slipping while I was driving, but could not be detected/replicated by Cambra Speed Shop during their test drives.
  9. Incorrect air cleaner ordered. While I am okay with what was done, it IS NOT what I wanted to do. Cambra Speed Shop did all the work first and then “sprung” it on me. I couldn’t have asked RC/AS to order the correct air cleaner after all of that. I settled.
  10. Shifter ball not ordered, it was forgotten. Had the correct shifter ball been ordered when the Gear Vendors unit was ordered, I would have had what I originally requested. But no, CSS forgot to order it. And, when it came time to order it, they were out of stock, so I had to settle. I would have preferred the white ball as originally requested. We ordered the black one and painted it mandarin copper. It’s okay.
  11. Aldan American Coilovers installed upside down. It was discovered while I was viewing images that I took, that the coilovers were installed upside down. I called Aldan American to confirm this. Cambra Speed Shop “assumed” you could install them either way. That was incorrect. I do hope there was no damage done to those coilovers for the time they were upside down. There were multiple test drives and just “sitting” in the shop for extended periods of time. The upside down Aldan American logo should have been a hint that they were upside down?
  12. Wrong tires ordered and installed after a very specific request. This really surprised me. It was difficult for me to fathom how the wrong tires were ordered when this was an issue I was VERY SPECIFIC about. Not only that, but CSS also installed them back on the car with the new wheels which were “clearly” damaged from the tire changing. Who does that? That was kind of ghetto if you ask me.

    I’ve invested a little bit of money in those wheels and tires only to have them damaged in some way. The hubcaps have been on and off too many times, I would imagine the wheels are pretty beat up from all that activity. Recent images taken reveal that they are rife with scratches front and back.

  13. Improper offset for custom wheels from Wheelsmith. Rear whitewalls are now damaged, not repairable. Cambra Speed Shop should have taken into consideration the tire width and sidewall flex differences between the original Coker tires and the new BF Goodrich tires. CSS had the rear wheel offset adjusted. Due to the changed offset of the rear wheels, I cannot rotate wheels and tires. Valve stem extenders forgotten, there is no way to get to existing valve stems unless you remove the hubcaps. Will install at new shop.
  14. Incorrect size for emergency spare, does not fit in designated area. Do not force fit either. Ordered and measured by Cambra Speed Shop. It was claimed by RC that I ordered this and CSS was not involved and that I worked with Ryno (Previous Cambra Speed Shop Assembler), and that he and I specked it out. That is not true. I believe the measurements for this were taken by AS.
  15. All of the engine and undercarriage detailing needs to be redone due to various fluid leaks during test drives e.g. valve cover, cut radiator hose. All of that was spotless and then the leaks started. The radiator hose leak sprayed quite a bit of fluid under the car and into quite a few nooks and crannies. Sprayed all over the newly polished components throughout the entire engine compartment. What a mess that created.
2024-05-05 - Website Screenshot: Cambra Speed Shop Performance Upgrades
2024-02-23 - Website Screenshot 2: Cambra Speed Shop Projects 2024-02-23 - Website Screenshot 1: Cambra Speed Shop Projects

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