87 911 Valve Job
 

Just spent 20 minutes doing a post and it didn't work, so 2nd attempt, hopefully not a repeat.

Total neophyte, just bought 87 911 coupe, 147000 miles. Had a PPI done, #2 cylinder 35% on leakdown, others between 1-4%. So, think I need a valve job. Air Cooled Classics in Knoxville says they can do it for $2300. Is that about right? Anybody have experience with their shop? Or, I can drive it to St. Louis and have the work done here. Heard of a shop called Reid Vahn (sp?).

Or, should I just do it myself. Will I have to spend a small fortune on tools? Can I drive it over the summer, then do the work in the winter? Will it do any permanent damage?

Thinking maybe drive it here, buy the book and figure out what to do. Sounds like w/ new cams, exhaust system I could scratch some additional HP out of the car.

I feel like I just jumped in the ocean and the sharks are circling. Help Mr. Wizard!

Where was the air leaking from no. 2: to the exhaust, induction or out the breather? Was this noted on the PPI? Was a compression test done? Did they note the condition of the spark plug from no. 2? Jim

$2300 would almost cover the labor on a complete valve job, so they aren't quoting for a complete, or they don't know the job. maybe it's just to fix the one cylinder. then it would be too much. a complete with all new valves, guides, gaskets, tuneup parts, oil, filters, would average $3200, at least in my area. it doesn't sound like a particularly pressing job, so you could probably drive it for a while while you decide how to approach it. oil use is the main reason most folks do the job, due to worn guides, and sometimes a quart in 500 miles or even less, is not uncommon, so don't let it run out of oil while you're driving around.
as far as tools, and DIY, you'll need a few, and everyone here will walk you thru it. you will have to send the heads out, but other than that, it's just time and materials.
and get wayne's engine book!

#2 was 35%.. where was the air pressure leaking out? Doesn't the PPI report say. That will give you an idea of what you are looking at. Did the PPI include trying to torque down the head studs?

#2 was either Intake valve or head gasket per PPI

Spark plugs were all same color, no fouling...thanks for all your posts

Air Cooled Classics is a very competent shop. I live in Knoxville, and had them rebuild my heads during my engine overhaul. Their prices are very reasonable, especially for a porsche shop. I've used them for a few other things also and have always been happy with their service. This is from a guy who, in general, does not trust mechanics.

Clesie, where is Grover at? Couldn't find you on the map. PM me or answer here. I just rebuilt my '86 over the winter. By the way, the only thing I didn't do myself on the rebuild was the heads. I sent them out to John Walker in Seattle. There may be others closer and cheaper, but when dealing with those kinds of dollars I wanted to send them to someone I trusted.