NOLA - Welcome to the Madness! It seems that you got bit real bad by the Madness... a cross-country drive to Monterey for the Pebble Beach event. That will be an awesome driving adventure for sure!
I'm in SoCal so no knowledge to answer your mechanic question. I'm sure someone will chime in shortly.
BTW - there will be several SOCers in Monterey for several of the August events; pre-historic races at Laguna Seca, Car show downtown Carmel, Pacific Grove Cruise , etc. Post under the 'Events' thread your travel plans/itinerary and you may be able to coordinate a rendezvous with SOC in the area.
Peace-Out!