Knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Referred me to another mechanic that is knowledgeable with the problem I was having. An honest man which is rare. read more

The guys at Sparks know their stuff if you have a hot ride and you need some help or if you need something repaired or fixed definitely take it to Sparks. They know what's going on with these hot rods definitely one of the last old-school hot rod shops around South Orange County read more

Their enthusiasm to help and give an estimate is so poor. If I could give a negative star I would but no worries they lost and will never have my business. Word of mouth is pretty powerful. read more

I had just bought a 72 Camaro Z28 with 383 stoker motor out of Florida that needed a full inspection and sorting out. I spoke to Al who has been working on muscle cars most of his life and he scheduled me in quickly.. His mechanic Chris was VERY detail oriented and right away pointed out several items that needed addressing, all the way down to some tiny weld cracks on the muffler. Chris and Al did a full tune up, new fuel pump, custom fuel rail along with new 3inch exhaust system which really improved the car's performance and were both a great help in sorting the car out properly. Great service and expert mechanics. I HIGHLY recommend Sparks performance. Experts like this are hard to find. read more

Sparks Performance - 72 Camaro Z28 - Auto Repair Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Thank you to Chris for helping replace a fuse on my car. Last minute drop in and he was able to help quickly find what was wrong and swap the fuse! Super nice team! read more

Al and Chris have been looking after me and my 71 Stingray for over a year now. They have always gone above and beyond. Just visit their shop and you will see that some of the finest classics in OC are there to be worked on and their owners also trust these two talented mechanics. read more

I brought my 59 corvette into Sparks performance in reference to my disc brakes. I explained to Chris and Al my problem and they suggested a new brake system, in which I had them install. Chris and Al have an open door policy which I liked. I also found out that once your car is in their garage Chris and Al gives 110% of their time towards your car. Your car will not leave their shop until you are satisfied. That to me is worth 10 stars.....high quality work and parts. I Highly recommend them........ read more

I am new to the area and I asked the Orange Engine Auto Parts store if they could recommend a nearby repair shop to work on the brakes of my 1946 Ford. I sure am glad that they referred me to Sparks Performance ! Al and Chris explained my problems when I was invited to the shop to see all four brakes after the wheels were removed. We decided to install disc brakes on the front, hiding the booster under the engine so that the vehicle still appears stock. The new disc brakes are great. It took a while to get the car into the shop because Sparks has so many returning clients, I would guess. This shop is now my primary repair & maintenance destination. I am confident that others will be pleased with the competence of Al and Chris and happy with the work that is done. read more

we've had a '69 Camaro Z28 in the family for 50years, a '70 chevelle, '69 nova, '57 chevy. and we are very cautious of which shop works on them. We only trust a few shops, and Sparks is our #1 shop for any work. have had engine swaps, tranny rebuilds, rear end rebuilds, etc. they are amazing and exactly what you want from a hot rod shop. read more

Al and Chris are extremely knowledgeable about classic cars, especially muscle cars. The kept in touch with me regularly with status, suggestions and to ask my preference for the next steps. Their passion for these cars is evident, and a welcome change from other shops. read more

Highly recommend the team at Sparks performance. They are a smaller shop, and the owners, Al and Chris, will tell you they like it that way because they want to keep the quality high on all their work, which they do. I had them work on my 1967 Mustang that hadn't run in 5 years and asked them to get it running and make it safe. They were very up front about the work that needed to be done and the pricing was very fair, with them keeping me updated every step of the way. What really set them apart for me was the commitment to quality and not cutting corners. They identified and resolved a number of things that were not originally on my list, but they felt uncomfortable not correcting (wiring issues, improper routing of fuel lines, etc.) These guys know what they are doing and they will treat your car like it is their own. I wont take my car anywhere else now. read more

Al and Chris are fantastic. I have been taking my cars there for 15+ yrs. Everything from a'66 Corvette to my pre-runner Bronco, C6 Corvette, my wife's BMW Alpina B7. They are without a doubt THE BEST, honest, straight up "this is what you need" guys in south Orange county. I will NEVER take my cars to anyone else. Thanks Al and Chris! MRGUNZ read more

Al and Chris at Sparks got my 1964 Ranchero running better than it has ever run in the 8 years I have had it. When I brought it in, the car was not safe to drive and had multiple issues. Al and Chris were excellent detectives, methodically looking for the problems that needed correcting. They are very fair and honest, and do excellent work. I couldn't be happier. Thanks guys! Nancy H. read more

I came across Sparks Performance via Yelp and must say I was really impressed with their knowledge and love the cars. I approached Al & chris with a 66 Charger that had been sitting in a vacant lot for 16 years untouched. I appreciated their honestly, skill and approach to making sure the car was gone through with a fine comb & explained "why" vs just replacing it and seeing the fix listed on a bill. Al always saved a box with the parts explaining what was wrong, why it was replaced and what the most reasonable option was. The guys cut no corners & I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. read more

Sparks Performance - Auto Repair Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

See all

I have had Al and Chris work on my 79 Dodge Lil Red Express several times and each time they do a great job. They really understand classics and performance vehicles and do it right the first time. I had someone else drop a new motor into my truck but had to have Al and Chris fix the other guys work. They also have installed headers, oil pan gasket and just the other day a voltage regulator. Their prices are reasonable and their work is done right. read more

Sparks Performance - 79 Lil Red Express - Auto Repair Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

I can not say enough good things about this place. Al and his staff are incredible. Had a quote from another shop that was more than double of of sparks charged me. Al took the time to explain what was wrong with my car and was honest the entire time. He even worked quickly so that I wouldn't be without a car for to long. Then when it was time to pick up my car I had no ride and he came to get me. I am amazed by his kindness. Thanks sparks! read more

I went to Sparks Performance to ask about an estimate to fix an air conditioning problem with my Chevy Silverado 2500 HD. I spoke with the owner, Al, when he asked me about the symptoms im dealing with. His diagnosis was was spot on and knew exactly what was wrong with AC system. Al and Chris were very Customer Service oriented amd not focused on money.... It was old school and rare to find these days. I am a Sparks Performance Customer for life now... Thanks for the great service and positive experience! read more

I have a 1966 Ford Econoline that needed attention and no repair shop was willing to give it a badly needed service. The guys at Sparks not only got my classic van running sweet but they corrected some electrical issues that might have saved my life down the road. I have since gone back for small problems that they fixed for FREE!!! I definitely recommend them for any classic car that needs some TLC. read more

I have a heavily modified 2010 Toyota Tundra 4x4 and have been through lots of mechanics and off road fabricators. Finding an honest well qualified mechanic is harder to find these days. I took my truck to them to take a look the the Check Engine Light & to replace some worn out bushings on my upper control arms. Al & Chris are the nicest guys, they were extremely open about letting me get in there with Chris to see what he was doing. They both took the time to explain the process to me in layman's terms. With the quality of work done and the openness to explain their work they have gained a new customer for life. They work on anything from the amazing vintage hot rods to current modern cars & trucks, they work on just about anything. You will not be disappointed with Sparks Performance!!! Thank you Al & Chris read more

Let me say that Al is the man when it comes to classic cars. He did a great job helping me locate an oil leak and fixed the problem the same day I brought to him. I then returned a week later to have him install a set of mid length headers on my 70 El Camino. He had to do some custom fab work for the bracket on my AC compressor and the work was great! Not to mention, he is honest and his prices are more than reasonable. If you want an honest mechanic who loves cars and country, take it over to Sparks. I'm definitely a customer for life and will be coming back soon for future mods. read more

Sparks Performance - Auto Repair Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

See all

Just wanted to give a shout out to Al, Chris for working on my recently purchased 55 chevy truck. They were very helpful in letting me know what things were needed to make it road safe. They have definitely earned my trust and respect. Thanks guys. Appreciate all the work and help you did. Yg. read more

Chris and Al are the best! Ive been going to them since I was 17 when I bought my first car. I trust these guys more than anything and not only are they honest they use quality parts and their attention to detail is insane. I am so stoked to have met them and now say that my family and friends trust them with their cars just as much as I do. Even if they don't have an answer to your question they will do their research to make sure you are sent in the right direction. Thank you boys for keeping me safe and my car in amazing condition! Your hard work is appreciated! read more

I met Al for the first time and could not be happier about his knowledge, ability and passion for the older cars. I have a 65 Mustang and I would not bring that to just anyone. I know with Al it is in good hands and there is a level of trust and integrity that is hard to find these days. I am going to bring my new cars there too! Thank you Al and Sparks Performance! read more

Very rude and doesn't want or need new business from that fact he didn't want me to bring in my two cars tells me that. He said that he would call me so could get an appointment but he never did so I moved on to another shop that actually likes its customers and wants more new business. read more

Extremely Pleased! I live in the SF Bay Area and was driving down to San Diego. Stopped in Dana Point for a day and car started to blow anti-freeze but not overheating. Stopped at two auto repair shops, they both said blown head-gasket. I called two other shops (San Fran, and San Diego) they BOTH said, call Al at Sparks Performance. I did, Al said "lets take a close look and not jump to conclusions first". He did a lot of tests, took couple of hours, replaced some minor parts, sensors, and viola... it wasn't head gaskets at all. I drove it back to SF at high speeds, NO ISSUES, RUNS GREAT ! He didn't charge me for the diagnostics time (1 1/2 hours), just the minor parts and time to install them. Saved couple thousand dollars easily. Very smart, great diagnostic skills, very honest, and most reasonable pricing. read more

I was referred to Sparks Performance by the guys at Orange Engine, and was told that Al and his team were honest, fair, and skilled. During a recent scheduled maintenance, the local dealer had identified 3 major repairs that I should make asap. Sparks checked those out, and lo and behold I didn't need to spend that $2K. I've since gotten the brakes done on both of our cars with them, and plan to make Sparks my first choice from here on out. read more

Al and Chris are a few of the last honest Mechanics in the area. You can not ask for more than Low pricies with honest quality work.

I've been searching for an honest, fair and qualified mechanic to work on my '57 bird. I was referred to Al, Chris and the guys at sparks. I was immediately impressed with Al's knowledge of my car. He listened to my concerns and explained the probable problems, cures, and costs. Within a day my bird was humming again. I could'nt be more pleased with Al, the service and quality of work and price. Sparks will be my go to repair shop from now on!! read more

Once again, Al and Chris came to my rescue-repairing the crap job our local tire place had done on my wheels (torque wrenched the wheel studs/lug nuts so tightly and not centered so they were all stripped/one had broken off). They took care of that plus they flushed my transmission and radiator. All done and finished in a day-no bull, love how these guys work. As a woman, once again, when you find a trustworthy, timely and knowledgeable mechanic, it's like a godsend. Men, you will not only appreciate all the above, but you will definitely have fun checking out all the cool car projects they have going on in the garage. Plenty to ogle and chat about. read more

Al and Chris are top notch performance engineers. They do the best work on OC and I wouldn't go anywhere else. If you want it done right the first time this is the place to go! I now have 450 HP and every time I drive my 32 I have a smile on my face!! read more

Just got done driving my 72 Chevelle all weekend. Al at Spark's Performance set me up with exactly what I wanted, and needed. Nothing more, nothing less. Only a week before I stopped by the shop to get a quote on some much needed work. After being somewhat burned in the past and having several of my go-to classic car shops go out of business, Al reassured me that Spark's Performance has stuck around for 15+ years and doesn't plan on going anywhere soon. I am a young man and Al was understanding of my budget. We were able to sit down and discuss what would be done to the car along with a detailed quote showing a complete list of parts and labor. Usually this is the not-so-fun part... Fortunately Al made this process much less painful than the other businesses I have scarred in the back of my head. No hidden fees or extended labor rates, no unnecessary upgrades.. Just exactly what I wanted and needed. In the end, Spark's performance was able to deliver on cost, on quality, and on time. I am blown away at the difference in handling before and after installing new suspension on my car. I will ALWAYS refer everyone with a classic car to Spark's Performance for their needs. Do yourself a favor and put your trust with Al and let him take care of the rest! read more

I called Al a few months ago to discuss an oil leak I had on my '70 Chevelle SS with a 502 big block. He was busy & said they were booked out a ways, but I kind of pressed him a bit & he said, "if you can bring it in first thing on Sat, I might be able to take a look." It wasn't an iron-clad promise, but I was going to make sure I got it in there on time & hope for some time. The oil was leaking onto the headers, so I didn't drive it all week. On Sat, I got it over to Al's shop & the leak was pretty bad. Oil all over the ground, Al took a quick look & then had Jerry take a look. Turns out the oil sensor had failed. Al drove down & got the new part, Jerry did the part swap & I was glad I called. Looking around their shop while the work was being done, there was a 69 Z28, an 68 GTO ragtop, you get the idea. These guys are muscle car/classic car guys & I'm stoked I found them. I'll definitely be bringing my SS back for upgrades. Thanks guys. read more

In had to take my car to Sparks Performance recently due to a breakdown. They were over the top helpful, very professional, and incredibly fast in getting my car back on the road! I've done business with this shop for years, but they had never worked on one of my cars until now. Having seen the final product of the hot rods, muscle cars, and classic cruisers they work on, I must say that I am impressed. It's rare to see wiring done so clean in the day and age of internet shopping do-it-yourself hot rodders. If I had that classic '66 Lincoln again, there is no doubt in my mind about who I would take it to. read more

Sparks auto is nothing short of spectacular!!!!Deals you wont get any place else and service is top flight.Warm enviorment leaving you feeling great not gouged read more

I recommend Sparks performance and Al and Chris for integrity, ability, and high standards. Classic cars are their passion and it shows. They have taken care of my 1972 Corvette for two years and I couldn't be more pleased. Sparks was my salvation after a number of mechanical disasters at other shops. I take our foreign daily drivers to Sparks for service as well because I know it will be done right the first time and the price will be fair. When I entrust a car to Al and Chris it is with the confidence that they have my best interest at heart. Harold Horchover read more

Al and Chris have been my GO - TO mechanics for several years now and I must say they have Hit Home runs every time I have gone there with a problem either on My Classic 50 Panel Truck or My 95 Toyota Corolla ( now sold ) or my most recent used car purchase a 2009 Chevy HHR PANEL :-) and then to Add My Sweethearts 2004 Honda Accord .... Yes when I say home runs .... I mean these guys know what they are doing no matter what kind of car you may own and when they fix a problem it is Like New when you drive away after their service. I also must mention they are fair with their pricing and are amazingly Honest when it comes to diagnosing a problem with a vehicle. I have referred friends to see Al and Chris and they thank me after when having their problems go away when taking their vehicles to Sparks Performance as well. I have been around a lot of mechanics in the past 50 plus years and have been ripped off - lied to - paid for crap work and worse. Anyway when I asked about where I could find a Good Mechanic several years ago, I got reply and a very high recommendation from a Local Parts Store ( ORANGE ENGINE ) A employee who told me about Al and Chris at SPARKS PERFORMANCE and I thank God I found these Guys. I truly must say they are At THE TOP of MY LIST of AWESOME MECHANICS and as another Guy had mentioned " THESE GUYS ROCK " and I must add they are SUPERSTARS in my book with a ( A Big Thumbs Up ) read more

Was very lucky to have found Sparks Performance! We were having continual issues with our vintage Mustang, including surprise fuel leaks (um, kind of critical) and a variety of performance issues. Frankly, the car just wasn't running very well, and we threw a lot of money at it with prior mechanics, who just couldn't seem to get it right. Al was quick to diagnose the issues and make the necessary repairs and adjustments. And the cost was totally reasonable. Bottom line: It's simply AMAZING how much better the car runs now. We are completely shocked with the results. These guys clearly have a passion for cars and it shows. Customer for life! read more

Al is a know it all who does not know it all... Rude! Price was not low and felt overcharged. If you like abuse he is your guy! Save yourself the aggravation. There are plenty of people out there who can help if you just look and ask. Incorrectly diagnosed a repair on my car. Took to another mechanic who correctly fixed the problem. read more

Al Sparks - the last of the old corps hotrod mechanics. Initially met his partner Chris with an annoying wheel issue on my 65 Corvette. Chris dropped what he was doing and spend the next 2 hours meticulously working through the problem even though we'd never met. Took the car back to Al and Chris several months later for an overhaul of differential and axles. Al treated the car like one of his own. I have never met a guy more honest and obviously still excited by his work. The car was restored beautifully and runs like a dream. If you love cars and want them fixed the right way Al and Chris are the guys to go to. read more

Al and Chris stand 100% behind their work. I only let them work on my '67 Cougar and they always go above and beyond. Their work is the best. My son had his '94 Toyota Forerunner worked on there as well. He ended up having to take it back and they not only fixed the problem, they went the extra mile and replaced several other parts - for free! I highly recommend Sparks Performance, they know what they are doing, they love cars and they always do what's right. read more