There's nothign wrong with Car Quest, or Napa shops, if what you want is a good running stock type engine. But, there are huge differences in a "shop", and a performance shop. In equipment, and in mahcinist quality usually. Cheaper does not mean better. I also live in CT, the most expensive state int he Union. But, the pricing from a race shop in MI, or FL, or CA, is the same. So I dont think location is too big a deal. Next question.. what do you have to spend and what do you have sitting now? (Include rear, trans, etc)