Who gets title as "Most novice mechanic to complete a successful rebuild"???

[TedSlick]

Again I'm considering taking the plunge into the rebuild. Considering Wayne's book and available info, any novices actually pull this off?

[dtw]

I'll let you know in a few weeks when I turn the key...

[Rot 911]

The most famous novice was Leland who did his SC engine just using help on this board and the Bentley manual. Do some searches and find the threads. He also wrote a tech article about it. As for me I am presently rebuilding my first Porsche engine. The one from my '86.

[mark 74 carrera]

Ted,

I will be joining you in January. I have worked on american engines but have never worked on a Porsche engine. I have the book and a friend that has done his engine. How does that compare to your background.

I will take two years to totally restore the car. My goal is a brand new 1974 911. I am worried but am going to proceed.

[Wayne 962]

I am here to help in this forum as well.

-Wayne

[jgparker]

I did my first 911 engine a long time ago with just Bruce's and Peter Morgan's books, and very little engine experience, and it came out fine. You have the advantage of this board, access to Wayne, and a great book with all the secrets you would ever need to know. Arguably, you have access to better info than most shops. I say, take the plunge, you'll be glad you did.

[Tim Walsh]

I'll be starting my rebuild shortly. I JUST picked up the last piece of my rebuild puzzle (the case)

[Jay Auskin]

I'm on my first rebuild. I just about have the long block complete...

[Crowbob]

I first learned which way to turn a wrench, "Lefty Loosey; Righty Tighty" when I looseyd the engine mount bolts after the car was hoisted. But, that was just AFTER I learned what a Johnson screwdriver was (flat-tipped) vs. a Philips. So I'm probably the novicest. Regarding the success of the rebuild...that will have to wait until our host comes thru with the engine wiring harness I ordered in August of this year, I believe it was.

[Porsche_monkey]

I think I'm in 'the deepest' of all amateurs. Inserting/helicoiling everything on my case (done) . Followed by a full re-assembly (starts Monday).

[kstylianos]

I just finished my top end rebuild mid September. No previous experience other than some minor motorcycle tinkering. This BBS, Waynes book and some good advice from other respected folks in the field made it possible.

Definitely doable for the novice, just make sure to ask questions and do your research.

500+ miles and still ticking (knock wood)

Good luck.

[michel richard]

My own view:

With all the help on this board and the books, it's not really that hard.

Just a few things:

1) torque absolutely everything, with a good wrench, to spec and no more !
2) Have everything super clean
3) Mind the tiniest detail, down to using the right type of washer in each application
4) take your time
5) invest in tools.

I think the biggest hurdles for a beginner are the jugdment calls i.e. figuring which parts are worn beyond use, which need to be changed; when to return a part that you just bought new (gaskets for example). Sometimes, it takes a lot of discipline to discard an expensive part that is wornout, but would still work, and is expensive.

I had an engine rebuilt a couple of years ago. I figured, knowing myself, that I simply am not enough of a perfectionist, and I had it done by a shop. I was very closely involved, though, to the point of spending a few evenings watching the expert mechanic do it.

I had to bring four different cases before one would pass muster. If I had been doing it myself, I would have declared the second or third good enough and used it. But I now have a better engine.

The short version: it is possible for some beginners to rebuild an engine as a first project (it depends on the person's general character and skill-set), but an experienced mechanic is likely to produce a better, less leaky, engine.

This being said, you're not likely to do a ton of harm, except a slight dent in your pocketbook, if you try.

Michel Richard
914-6, 2.2 E MFI

[toolman]

I weighed the cost difference of having someone else rebuild the top end of the long block VS the cost of the tools required for myself to do it right. I figured it only cost a little bit more to have an experienced Porsche engine builder disassemble and reassemble the engine for me. I did the rest of the project myself. It cost less than $4300 which includes new clutch components, all oil hoses, sound pad and repaint compartment, pistons-cylinders, heads rebuilt, all seals, lower studs, half shafts rebuilt, and a Steve Wong chip. Without the help of this BBS, it would of cost much more.

[Larry Harris]

Brand new to this web site. I've owned a few early Porsches in past years, but I just aquired my pride and joy. I have a 1985 turbo body 911, beautiful black paint , and a completely redone red leather interior. IMHO the car is totally *****in'. It needs a few things but not immediately. This site is excellent and a great source for all Porsche owners. I think you will see that I am basically an idiot when it comes to Porsches, but I have a good mechanic locally.

Larry Harris

[tgarnoldo]

I spun a con rod bearing over Easter and I just finished rebuilding my motor. I have about 100 miles on it to date and everything runs well. I have basic mechanical experience, but I have never rebuilt any kind of engine. The key was Wayne's book and finding a good machine shop to rebuilt heads, inspect P&C's, and resize rods. The key, as noted above, is to be organized, really understand the process you are going through and be clean. As far as inspection of parts, etc. a good machine shop will should be able to inspect anything you have any questions about.


Good luck and when indoubt, ask until you get an answer that makes sense...

Arnie

[crashmy911]

Never tuned up a car. Changed oil a couple of times before and changed a tire or two. That's about it. I rebuilt my three liter last year. It took me about 100 hours. Cost me about 2000 but well worth it, garage qouted me 8 to 10 thousand. I did this with the help of one person I met at a pca gathering and the bentley manual! If you need any help there are plenty of people on this board to help you if you have any stupid questions pm me. Believe me I had tons of real stupid questions that I was afriad to ask but take your time you can do it!

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by JIMCRY
I first learned which way to turn a wrench, "Lefty Loosey; Righty Tighty" when I looseyd the engine mount bolts after the car was hoisted. But, that was just AFTER I learned what a Johnson screwdriver was (flat-tipped) vs. a Philips. So I'm probably the novicest. Regarding the success of the rebuild...that will have to wait until our host comes thru with the engine wiring harness I ordered in August of this year, I believe it was.

I didn't know that flat tipped screwdrivers even had a name!!! I didn't think anyone would own up to that like Mr. (Ms.?) Phillips has!

Steve

[toolman]

Is that where the term "Big Johnson" came from?

[moazam]

Originally posted by crashmy911
Never tuned up a car. Changed oil a couple of times before and changed a tire or two. That's about it. I rebuilt my three liter last year. It took me about 100 hours. Cost me about 2000 but well worth it, garage qouted me 8 to 10 thousand. I did this with the help of one person I met at a pca gathering and the bentley manual! If you need any help there are plenty of people on this board to help you if you have any stupid questions pm me. Believe me I had tons of real stupid questions that I was afriad to ask but take your time you can do it!

How much did the tools end up costing though? It sounds like that can be a significant cost...

[crashmy911]

Borowed tools from guys in the local PCA club didn't pay a thing for them!