I recently purchased a 1984 chevy C-10 pick-up for @ $1100.00. When I purchased he truck I knew it had engine problems but I did'nt know the extent of the problem. I figured that a bad carburater was the problem. Unfortunately I took the truck to another mechanic (near Busy Bee). The instructions I gave the mechanic was to rebuild the stock Quadrijet carb and possibly replace some vacuum hoses if needed, as well as check plugs and wires and change if needed. I received a phone call at work telling me that I needed a timing chain and gears on the stock 305. I authorized the work for @ $220.00. A week later I received a phone call telling me that they replaced the catalytic converter, added a $100.00 set of plug wires,distributer,and ignition coil with-out my consent. The total bill was $1080.00. I went the same day to pick the truck up and it would not even start. He told me the carb was no good and he recommends buying a new one. He also said he don't think the motor was any good. Although I drove the truck up there to get fixed I could'nt even drive it home after $1080.00 of work. I went home got my tools and took the carb off right there in his parking lot right next to his shop. Feeling a little let down by the mechanic and his possible diagnosis (guess) of the current status of the engine I decided not to buy a new carb for the sum of $300.00 dollars. At that point I made my mind up to just get the truck home with-out towing it or pushing it. I went to the local Pick-a-Parts junk yard and purchased an extremely used Quadrajet carb for a mere $20.00. I combed through about 45 carbs and picked the on that was most complete and was not sticking or nothing like that. I took the carb as is and put it on my truck in the parking lot of the mechanics shop. I started the truck adjusted the timing and the idle on the carb and drove it home. The next day I contacted Ken of Ken's auto repair and he told me to bring it in and he will run a comlete diagnostic scan on my engine and tell me exactly what the problem is and we will go from there. The scan showed that the # 1 cylinder had 0 pounds of compression and the # 8 cylinder had about 110 pounds of compression. He then gave me a very reasonable quote for replacing the stock 305 cubic inch engine with a 350 cubic inch engine. He ordered a long block 350 and replaced my oil screen, oil pump, and starter. Once he finally received the engine from his engine builder in Dallas he completed the build and installation of the engine in two days. The engine runs like a dream and I have refered and will continue to refer Ken's to anyone who askes and even some who don't ask. After carefully reviewing my bill I noticed he did not charge me the initial fee for the diagnostic scan. He has gained a life-long customer as well as any-one in my family. My specials thanks to Ken a well as his staff, J Boyd