Make sure you get everything back from the machinist....
 

2 weeks ago I picked up my case, connecting rods, crank, etc from the machine shop after having the case boattailed and everything balanced.

Well, the machinist remove 3 studs and one of the dowel bushings that are used to mate the 2 case halves, and forgot to re-install them.

In addition, I had left my crank pulley with him in the event it was needed for balancing, and I didn't get that back either, nor did I get back my oil pressure relief pistons.

I've been trying for almost 2 weeks to get the pieces. He says they've been shipped but since Monday I've called every day and tried to get a tracking # but haven't been given one yet.

I was going to just order the parts new myself and just get the parts and move on but the studs and bushing costs over $100 on their own, not counting the pulley, so I really need this stuff back.

Moral of story : Double and Triple check your items when you go pick them up at the machine shop.

The shop is a pretty well respected Porsche machine/race shop, not just a normal local machine shop BTW.

Brian

Gee, I wonder what the chances are that this was the same well respected Porsche machine/race shop that I use, on Ball Park Road in Thomasville, NC.

Here's a couple of gems from them. I could go on for hours.
-Got my cam carriers back from them (3 bearing, updated exhaust valve cover stud pattern). Or so I thought. Ended up that one was a 4 bearing unit (cam won't fit, bearing journal diameter too big on the 4 bearing). The other one was an old '65 casting with only 6 exhaust studs. Had to disassemble the top end, since I had put the whole motor together before I realized it. Machine shop response: Ooops.

Assembling another motor, shop had lost the nose bearing supplied with the crank. Machinist fishes around in a box, "Here, use this one." . . . OK sounds good... "You sure this one will work?" ...."Yep, yep, that's the one for you.". Fair enough. Head home, assemble crank, clean case, install bearings, install crank snout seal in bearing, test fit crank...whoops! WTF. Nose bearing won't fit. Hmmm...inspection time. Diameter's way too big. Yep, gave us an SC nose bearing for the 2.7 crank. Thanks!

Should I stop now? I've got a million of 'em. It's a benefit in the end though - the machine work itself is outstanding, the engine designs are awesome, the advice is given freely and generously, and they're always there when we need them. I've just learned to be very careful about what I give them, what I want done, and I check everything carefully now when I get it back.

Rule of thumb is don't give anything to the machine shop that you don't absolutely need to give...

-Wayne