Race Car Prep & Builds Christchurch


We build, prep, and maintain race cars in Wigram, Christchurch

✓ Engine Feels Like New

✓ Sharper Throttle Response 

✓ More Power Instantly

Why Race Prep Matters

When your race car isn’t properly prepared, performance and safety suffer — and that could cost you the whole race.


Common Symptoms -


  • Struggling with last-minute issues before race day

  • Unpredictable car behaviour on the track

  • Setup changes that don’t make sense

  • Doubt in your car's reliability mid-race

  • Frustration over slow lap times or DNF results



Like your time and money are being wasted. Like you’re stuck guessing. Like you’re letting your team and potential down.



It doesn’t have to be like this.


You can have a race-ready vehicle that performs at its best from grid to finish.

Let’s help you take the guesswork out of your race prep.

BMW prepared by DCH Autosports is being tested on local track

We prep cars for serious track, rally, and race use.

We’re not just tuners — we’re racers too.


At DCH Autosport, motorsport is in our blood. Owner Quintin Baker and our team bring decades of hands-on motorsport experience, from classic rally cars to time attack and club-level racing.


We understand the pressure of race day, the challenge of prep, and the demand for excellence.


We don’t just build cars. We build confidence.

Your Shortcut to Track-Day Confidence

Full track prep

Full track prep and testing for total confidence on race day

Custom setup

Custom setup based on your racing style and series

On-site race

On-site race support so you’re never alone in the pits

Race Results Speak Louder Than Words

"the only ones I trust to touch my cars'

"I’ve raced everything from classics to club circuit cars and Quintin and the team at DCH are the only ones I trust to touch my cars. Precision prep and real race knowledge."

Dave C., Attack Racer, Christchurch

"compliant weapon for historic events"

“They took my aging rally Escort and turned it into a reliable, compliant weapon for historic events. Can’t thank Quintin and the boys enough.”

Andy T., Historic Rally Driver

"I used to turn up to race day hoping things would work."

Now I turn up confident. These guys manage everything from setup to motor sports repair.

Sam - Rolleston

Turn Your Car Into a Race-Ready Machine

Plan It

We kick things off with a hands-on consultation to understand your goals, race discipline, and current vehicle setup. Whether you’re circuit racing, rallying, or tracking for fun — we map out the build or prep plan from the ground up.

Build It

From full race builds to fine-tuning existing setups, we get to work using race-grade components, custom fabrication, suspension and alignment tools, and dyno testing. Every detail is dialled in for safety, compliance, and performance.

Race It

We finish with track testing, adjustments, and — if needed — on-site race support. You leave with a race-ready car and the confidence to push it to the limit.

Get in touch with us today

More Than Just Prep — We’re Race Partners

Full Chassis and Suspension Setup

Precision control and better lap consistency
Which Means… You can push the limit with confidence.

Historic Rally Car Preparation

Authentic builds with performance focus
Which Means… Your classic performs like new on the toughest rally stages.

Motorsport Wheel Alignment

Dialled-in handling and minimal tyre wear
Which Means… You get max grip, speed, and safety.

Dyno Tuning for Race Applications

Every last kilowatt is fine-tuned
Which Means… Your engine is working its hardest every time you hit the throttle.

Engine Diagnostics and Repairs

No surprises on race day
Which Means… Peace of mind when it counts.

Custom Fabrication & Race Fitouts

Built to spec, no compromises
Which Means… You get a car made for the job, not just modded.

Track Day Support Packages

Mention the benefit, then the deeper meaning.

Brake System Upgrades

Better stopping power, less fade
Which Means… You brake later and gain time.

Get in touch with us today

" Did you know"

Did you know most DNF failures are 100% preventable?

  • Over 65% of race retirements are due to preventable mechanical issues.

    Most "track-prepped" cars are rushed through generic checklists not tailored to race conditions.

  • Race day performance drops by up to 15%

    Race day performance drops by up to 15% if suspension, alignment and tyre heat cycles aren’t professionally dialled in.

  • What does that mean?

     If your race season matters, winging it isn’t an option. 


    Professional motorsport preparation ensures reliability, safety and performance from the green light to the flag.

What does that mean?


 Don’t wait until your next breakdown. Let’s build it right the first time.

We’re not a workshop. We’re a race-day weapon.

“Isn’t this just like any other workshop?”

Nope. Most workshops focus on road cars — we focus on race cars. Our builds follow motorsport standards, not WOF shortcuts.

Mike.J

6 months ago

“I’m not a pro driver – is this overkill?”

You don’t have to be a pro to want reliability, performance and safety. Our prep helps anyone racing — club, historic, hill climb or circuit — do it better.

Rob.C

6 months ago

  • Isn’t this just like any other workshop?

    No. DCH Autosport is a motorsport build facility, not a general repair shop.


    Dedicated engine room & clean build room for precision assembly.


    Full engine test room to verify the engine (oil pressure, leaks, power checks) before it goes back in the car.


    Hub dyno tuning for accurate, repeatable results (load control, no tyre slip).


    Quintin leads the team with 20+ years building engines and preparing race & rally cars.

    It’s an end-to-end process - build → test → tune → deliver.


    Book a 30-minute build consult call Quintin today 03 348 3189

  • I’m not a pro driver – is this overkill?

    Not at all. We tailor builds for track-day, club, targa, gravel, or fast-road use.


    We prioritise reliability, drivability, and safe power for your use and budget.


    Step-by-step upgrade paths - cooling, brakes, suspension, then power.


    Calm, predictable setups that make you faster and more confident, not just louder.

  • I already have a mechanic…

    Great—we collaborate, not compete.


    Your mechanic can handle servicing/fitment; we handle engine builds and hub-dyno calibration.


    We supply build sheets, clear specs, and tune files for seamless handover.


    Need us just for the dyno or an engine test? No problem—modular services.


    Book a 30-minute build consult call Quintin today 03 348 3189

  • Can you work with my existing build?

    Yes. We start with a structured assessment, then plan.


    Baseline health checks and hub-dyno run to see where you are.


    Identify weak links; propose a phased roadmap (reliability first, power later).


    If the engine’s out, we can verify it in the engine test room before refit—saving time and rework. 


    Book a 30-minute build consult call Quintin today 03 348 3189


  • My local mechanic can do this

    Regular garages lack motorsport tools and know‑how. 

    We specialise in precision motorsport services that handle race stresses.

  • I don’t need trackside help.

    Without pit support, minor faults become race-ending dramas. 


    Our crew means more running and fewer DNFs.

Not just a garage. A race prep partner.

Tick  yes to these? Let’s talk.


You want track-ready reliability.

You value data-driven optimisation.

You need race-day peace of mind.

You appreciate motorsport-grade precision.

You drive modern or historic race cars.

You’ve never raced or barely.

You budget less than typical prep costs.

You want instant results with no work.

You’re micro-managing every detail.

You expect luxury concierge service.

However, you’re probably not ready yet if…


Not just a garage. A race prep partner.

With Us

Mechanical failures mid-race

Unplanned costs & delays

DNF or DNS events

Stressful pre-race weekends

Unsafe or noncompliant car

Reliable race performance

Faster lap times

Confident, stress-free racing

Full compliance & safety

On-site expert support

With Them

Not Just Customers — Race Partners

"I thought race prep was just a fancy oil change..."

Turns out, DCH Autosport prepped my car down to the bolt. Alex spotted issues two garages missed. Felt unbeatable.

Matt J. - Christchurch

"Didn’t think I needed race support until I did..."

Gearbox started whining mid-race. Sage were in the pits, ready. Back out in 10. Saved my day.

Nathan C. - Christchurch

"I assumed all prep was the same..."

Wrong. These guys use motorsport-grade parts, double check setups, and tune like pros. The detail is insane.

Ella R. -
Rolleston

Common Questions from Track and Rally Drivers

  • Can you prep any kind of race car?

    Yes—most platforms. We build, test, and tune race, rally, targa, time-attack, hillclimb, drift, endurance, track-day, and classic/club cars.


    Why it works here


    Engine room & clean build room for precise assembly


    Full engine test room to prove the engine before refit


    Hub dyno for accurate, repeatable tuning (no tyre slip)


    Quintin leading the team with 20+ years building engines and preparing race/rally cars


    ECU & hardware: Link, MoTeC, Haltech, OEM ECUs (where supported), fuelling/ignition, cooling, braking, suspension, alignment/geo, data logging.

    Honest note: Ultra-rare ECUs or EV/hybrid race prep are case-by-case—we’ll advise the best path (often a standalone conversion).


    Next steps


    Baseline inspection + hub-dyno health check


    Phased plan (reliability → handling → power)


    Build → engine test cell verification → tune → handover/docs


    Chat to Quintin today and book a Free 30-min build consult: 03 048 3189

  • Do you offer one-off race prep or ongoing support?

    Do you offer one-off race prep or ongoing support?

    Yes—both. We can jump in for a single event or look after your car all season.


    One-off Race Prep (event-ready)


    Safety & reliability checks (torque/nut-and-bolt, fluids, hoses, lines)


    Brakes & cooling inspection, bleed/top-ups as needed


    ECU health check + hub-dyno baseline/touch-up tune


    If the engine’s out, we can prove it in our full engine test room before refit


    Report & checklist with recommendations for your class/track


    Ongoing Support (season care)


    Pre-event inspections and post-event service each round


    Hub-dyno tune updates for weather/fuel/track changes


    Data/log review (where available) and setup guidance


    Planned maintenance & parts schedule to prevent DNFs


    Priority booking and consistent contact with Quintin (20+ years)


    Why DCH Autosport


    Engine room + clean build room for precise assembly


    Full engine test room to verify engines before they go back in


    Hub dyno for accurate, repeatable tuning


    Chat to Quintin today and book a Free 30-min build consult: 03 048 3189

  • How much does a typical prep cost?

    How much does a typical race-prep cost?

    Short answer: it depends on the car, class, and what’s needed—but here’s what most DCH Autosport customers see (NZD, incl. GST unless noted).


    Common prep levels (guide)


    1) Event Shakedown (one-off) – nut-and-bolt, fluids, safety, baseline checks


    $650–$1,200 + consumables/parts


    Includes: torque-through, brake/cooling checks, fluid top-ups, quick alignment check notes.


    Add-ons: hub-dyno baseline/touch-up tune typically $350–$900 (car/ECU dependent).


    2) Club/Track Round Prep + Tune – more detailed inspection + dyno time


    $1,400–$2,800 + parts


    Includes: shakedown items above, pad wear measurements, bleed as needed, tyre pressures/temps plan, hub-dyno optimisation (fuel, ignition, boost limits where applicable), printed logs.


    Good for track-day, sprint, time-attack, targa stages.


    3) Full Season Starter Prep – comprehensive baseline for reliability


    $2,500–$5,000+ + parts


    Includes: full inspection, fresh fluids, alignment/corner-weight targets (if applicable), hub-dyno tune, spares list, maintenance schedule for the season.


    Rally/endurance packages trend to the upper end due to heat/long-run requirements.


    Optional specialist services


    Engine test-cell verification/run-in (prove the engine before refit): $800–$1,500 + fluids


    Corner-weighting & alignment: typically $250–$600 depending on hardware/adjustability


    Standalone ECU setup (Link/MoTeC/Haltech/OEM where supported): pricing varies with I/O, logging, boost control, launch/TC features


    What moves the price up/down


    Platform & access (FWD vs RWD, transverse packaging, turbo hardware)


    ECU & electronics (standalone vs complex OEM CAN, sensors)


    Condition (age, corrosion, seized fasteners)


    Parts choices (OEM vs motorsport components)


    Turnaround speed (urgent jobs may need extra hours)


    Why DCH is different


    Engine room & clean build room for precise assembly


    Full engine test room to prove the engine before it goes back in the car


    Hub dyno for accurate, repeatable tuning (no tyre slip)


    Team led by Quintin – 20+ years building engines and preparing race & rally cars


    Want an exact number for your car and event?

    Chat to Quintin today and book a Free 30-min build consult: 03 048 3189

  • Can I bring my own parts or work I’ve already done?

    Can I bring my own parts or work I’ve already done?

    Yes—case by case. We’re happy to use customer-supplied parts and pick up existing builds, as long as everything passes a safety/spec check first.


    How we handle BYO parts / prior work


    Pre-inspection required: We verify fitment, specs, and safety (no counterfeit/unknown parts).


    Paperwork helps: Bring invoices, part numbers, install notes, and ECU maps if you have them.


    Build continuity: We can pick up from your current stage, or collaborate with your mechanic for fitment/servicing.


    Engine verification: If the engine’s out, we can prove it in our full engine test room before it goes back in the car.


    Tuning: We’ll calibrate on our hub dyno (Link/MoTeC/Haltech/OEM where supported). We may decline unsafe combos.


    What we can’t accept


    Counterfeit/unknown-origin parts, used internal engine parts with no history, mismatched brake/suspension hardware, or anything that fails safety checks.


    Warranty & liability (clear and fair)


    Labour warranty: on our workmanship.


    Parts warranty: sits with the supplier for BYO parts.


    If a customer-supplied part fails on the dyno or road test, you cover the part and any extra labour/fluids/time required.


    Why do it here?


    Engine room & clean build room for precise assembly.


    Full engine test room to prove engines before refit.


    Hub dyno for accurate, repeatable tuning.


    Team led by Quintin (20+ years) building engines and preparing race & rally cars.


    Next step: Book a quick check so we can confirm your parts and plan the work.

    Chat to Quintin today and book a Free 30-min build consult: 03 048 3189

  • How soon can you start?

    Book early — race season gets busy! Call us now or hit the button to lock in a chat.

And we’ll get right back to you.

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