Trans Masters Auto Care & Performance Center

Ahna Holder

★★★★★

4 years ago

My plan was to drive my 64.5 Mustang from Seattle to San Diego and then onto Texas for a car rally. I made it across the California border and started leaking transmission fluid. We trailered our car to San Diego. While on the road, I started reaching out to San Diego Mustang groups on Facebook to see who they recommended for transmission work. Soon everyone was insisting on Trans Masters. Curtis and his team have been amazing. I feel so lucky that they took on my project and have helped us get back on the road. Curtis would call me with updates when he said he would and would explain what they were going to do and how much it would cost. He never threw up hands and sent me away, instead he said "drive it a few days and come back and see us." I wish Trans Masters would open a shop in Seattle. They are awesome and I can not recommend them enough.

SACTOWNOG

★★★★★

3 years ago

I chose this shop because they know their stuff and they have proven there worth mating my 1939 Dodge 3spd OD trans to the 1953 Dodge 230 flathead 6. The setup works great in my 1933 Dodge DP6. I suggest you give these guys a try, they have proven they know their classic setups and hot rod setups.

Azzarel Gonzalez

★★★★★

9 months ago

I had previously left a great review, but I felt the need to write another — because Rick and his team genuinely deserve it. Their knowledge, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are on a different level. I’ve had Rick work on two of my vehicles so far, and now I’m bringing him a third. Years ago, I had a supercharged Silverado that gave other shops nightmares. No one could figure out how to build a transmission that could handle the power — and my driving back then was flat-out crazy. I got burned more than once. Then I brought it to Rick. He built a transmission so solid I couldn’t break it, no matter how hard I pushed it. That’s when I knew I had found the guy. More recently, I watched this man fix my ‘87 Fox Body in under five minutes. He had every opportunity to upsell me or play games — but he didn’t. That moment showed me he’s not just skilled, he’s solid. Straight-up integrity. Now, I’m bringing him my Jaguar XJ8, one of the most finicky, temperamental cars out there. And even with his packed schedule, he found time to fit me in. The fact that his expertise spans everything from raw American muscle to refined European machines says it all. He’s not just a mechanic — he’s a master of the craft. From this point forward, Rick has my loyalty for life. Any car I get — whether it’s a hot rod, a luxury import, or anything in between — goes straight to him as long as I’m in his area. (Honestly I'd rather drive an hour to his shop than go anywhere else) I recommend this shop to anyone who wants real knowledge, honest work, and results that last. Rick’s the man. Period.

Rod Schweiger

★★★★★

8 years ago

I live in South San Francisco and was on a Goodguys tour to Delmar, (North County San Diego) CA. My '40 Ford street rod overheated and ruined the brass/copper radiator that came with the car. I took the car to Trans Masters Transmissions on the recommendation of my brother in law who lives in the area. I left the car with them for two weeks and they replaced the radiator with a state of the art aluminum one, and installed two high output electric fans. The car now runs beautifully and never gets to over 190 degrees pulling a grade in bumper to bumper traffic and runs normally at 185 degrees. I am very happy with their work, they were very professional and had to fabricate many aluminum and tig welded parts. Even though they ran over the shop hours in their estimate, they stayed very close to their original price quote. They were also very honest. All my personal property I left behind in the car was all there including my tools. These young guys work on current model cars but also work on exotics, street rods and classics. Their's is a very high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Special thanks to Rick Frye, the owner and Philip, the service manager. I would highly recommend this business to anyone.

Lori Martinez

★★★★★

9 months ago

These guys are the best! I almost hate to brag because I don't want them to get so busy that they can't take my vehicles! LOL...Seriously tho, Brent has been awesome, and I feel very confident in their expertise and knowledge. Awesome place and people! The cleanest garage I've ever seen as well!

Neil Miller

★★★★★

7 years ago

I have a 1965 Corvette, and it's my baby - I am very particular about letting someone work on it. My car needed some clutch work and a good friend recommended TransMaster in Encinitas. I took the car there and met with them. I had them replace my original 50 year old transmission with a new modern Tremec 5-speed. They did a great job and I love the way the car drives now. While the car was there, they noticed that it didn't run as well as it should. I took the car back in and they tuned it up. The car now drives like a NEW CAR. I cannot believe the difference in my Corvette. I had spent lots of money at previous shops and none of those shops made my car run this well. TransMasters will get all my future business!

Jared Durst

★★★★★

5 years ago

They took care of me and built my trans in under a week, their customer service is unmatchable and I couldn’t be happier with who I chose to take care of my rebuild. Highly recommended. They also have an Instagram so you can see why they’re all about. Thanks guys!

Lori Douglass Martinez

★★★★★

a year ago

The people at Trans Masters are the real deal! They answer their phone, they do what they say they will do, and are very forthcoming and transparent. They actually showed me my vehicle while it was up on the rack so that I could understand what the actual issues were! I truly appreciate their care of my vehicle and their excellent work!

David Towle

★★★★★

a year ago

Rick the owner and staff are very knowledgeable about classic car engines and repair and also, new modern car engines and performance. They did a great job adjusting the tune on the Gen 2 Coyote in my Factory Five MK4 and fixed the emergency brake that wasn't holding. Nice to know there's a dependable shop close to home and a good bunch of guys to work on my car.

Dan Lukerchine

★☆☆☆☆

a year ago

Appointments mean nothing to this shop, communication even less. I made an appointment a week in advance, after 4 days and a weekend they hadn't done anything or returned any of my calls. Was going to have them do a major job despite the rocky start. Dropped off all parts and another 4 days later they hadn't even started. Seeing the writing on the wall and how this was going to go I pulled my car out opting for a more reliable shop and glad I did. The attitude I received when I picked up my car was the nail in the coffin. Thanks for the zero help loading my parts and making me stand there and wait to get my keys as you ignored me. Do yourself a favor, go with a shop that will do what they say they will do when they say they will do it and not turn into jerks the second you have an issue.

Adrian Quintero

★★★★★

7 months ago

Everyone was very respectful/ extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They were quick to diagnose the problem with my truck and get it fixed within a day.

eric roodenburg

★★★★★

4 years ago

Highly, highly recommend this shop to anybody needing transmission work. Solid company with real, top notch, friendly people working there. They got me out of a real big mess I got myself into by purchasing a rebuilt transmission from one of the big online shops. They were very busy but heard the situation I was in and were able to make a spot for me and get me out in a very reasonable amount of time. They walked me though everything they were doing, were transparent about parts and labor and even had me come down to show me the parts they were using and explained why. This is a shop that is clearly about quality work and real interactions with their customers. Your search for a honest, reliable, solid transmission shop is over…just bring your vehicle here.

Peter Bordin

★★★★☆

a year ago

I selected this shop because they build race cars and understand high performance transmissions. upPricing was a bit of an issue at first until i learned the value of what was done. I would have preferred clearer communication on pricing during the process for sure!!! mmmmmmmm. Anyways, i have my screamer diesel back for Christmas. just hope it lasts. Thanks.

Harry Klaus IV

★★★★★

2 years ago

If your looking for excellent craftsmanship at a fair price look no further! Rick and his team has been in the industry for decades and have the experience to back it up. From modern automotive technology to vintage custom race cars this shop can provide the service your looking for. Definitely recommend this shop to anyone looking for a transmission rebuild or any other automotive repair.

Dr Sharon

★★★★★

2 years ago

Very Polite, able to set it up so it worked on my day off. Asked for the VIN number to make sure he had the correct parts prior to bringing in. Appreciate the professional aspect and happy with the work. Less than what the dealership was going to charge for maintenance. I highly recommend them.

David Powers

★★★★★

Edited 8 months ago

Trans Masters in Escondido, CA is awesome. Rick and the guys treated my classic car with tender loving care. Thank you for your help! Update on 4/23/2025: Trans Masters is great and they stand by their word! Update on 7/8/2025 I luv Trans Masters!

phil walls

★★★★★

5 years ago

I have been bringing my cars to Rick and his amazing crew for many years. I will only trust my prize 37 Ford Woodie to Trans Masters because they always come through with honesty as integrity. Their work is second to none. I have very high expectations and they deliver every time. It’s even fun to visit the shop and see the really cool cars that they attract. Fives stars to the friendly techs and the new facility.