Piston & Cylinder upgrade?

johnnyo · 06-11-2004, 05:54 PM

Hello All, Can't say enough how invaluable this site is for info and all around general knowledge, and what a great group of enthusiests. I recently purchased a 1987 911 targa (turbo look) and anticipate an engine rebuild. The car had a rebuild 90,000 miles ago, and puffed a litle upon initial startup (per previuos owner) the car sat for the last 18 months and now smoked alot when I first started it for about 4 minutes till I shut it down. Getting to the point. I'm sure a rebuild is in order. I am assuming that with the rebuild I should be replacing the pistons and cylinders, the car has a total of 230,000 miles. Should I upgrade to a 3.4L or just replace the 3.2 and are Nikasils the way to go? Excuse my ignorance but what little knowledge I have amassed is from this site. Also I just ordered two of Waynes books 101 projects, and 911 engine rebuilding book. I am a retired police officer and really wish I could attempt this project myself . I am a quick learner. but for now your advice on the cylinder and pistons issue is appreciated, Thanks, JohnnyO

Jeff Alton · 06-11-2004, 06:08 PM

There is a good thread here recently about honing cylinders. Yours might be okay and only need rings. Have your machine shop check them. New P/C are pretty spendy, but if you need them might as well get the 98mm ones and have a nice 3.4. 964 cams are a great upgrade as well.
You can do this yourself. Many people here have rebuilt their engines. Just takes some research, planning and a little patience. I just did my 3.2 last month. 964 cams and SSI's with a SteveW chip and it pulls great.

Do a little searching on this forum and you will find a lot of info. Anymore questions?--don't be afraid to ask!

Good Luck, Jeff

konish · 06-12-2004, 06:57 AM

Why not just do a compression check and leak down BEFORE you decide to rebuild a 90,000 mile motor. COuld be that during the extended storage oil leaked out of the tank and eventually found its way to the exhaust which would explain the smoking. If the engine isn't making any funky noises and the oil pressure is good, I'd drive it a bit to clean it out and then do a comp./leak down test. Cheaper than a set of P&C,s

R/
Dustin

konish · 06-12-2004, 07:02 AM

Why not just do a compression check and leak down BEFORE you decide to rebuild a 90,000 mile motor. COuld be that during the extended storage oil leaked out of the tank and eventually found its way to the exhaust which would explain the smoking. If the engine isn't making any funky noises and the oil pressure is good, I'd drive it a bit to clean it out and then do a comp./leak down test. Cheaper than a set of P&C,s

R/
Dustin

johnnyo · 06-12-2004, 08:36 AM

I was told that before, and normally would be good advice, but I will do just as you advise, I was assuming the worse case scenario, and preparing for it. Also to add I wasw not sure if cylinders and pistons were replaced on the last engine rebuild, and there is a total of 230,000 miles on the engine. It did sound good when I started it, I will run it on the open road for a good 30 - 50 miles and see if the smoking clears, thhe subsequently do compression and leak down. Thanks again for the advice, Johnny O

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

When you get the book, read Chapter 1. Then wait a few days, and read it again. If you can't wait, it's also right here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/mult_Engine_Rebuild/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm

-Wayne

konish · 06-12-2004, 10:14 AM

JohnnyO,
I completely understand about prepping for the worst case scenario...better to be prepared to spend some hefty dough than to have it sneak up on ya. Truth be told, when I bought my car, I was in a similar mind set. However, as I have learned more and more I find these cars to be pretty tough...especially the 3.0 and 3.2 motors. There are cheaper alternatives that people have used with much success (eg replating the cyls and going with J&E pistons) and I've been kcking that idea around as well. However, I will say that since I only intend to pull the motor apart once expecting the same 20 years of service I may just pull out all the stops and build the motor I want once and for all....

R/
Dustin

johnnyo · 06-12-2004, 12:03 PM

Last quick question, would a 1987 911 have nikasil cylinders which I understand can be honed? Also as far as a performance chip I've been hearing that a Steve Wong chip is the way to go, is this info in Waynes book? Can't wait till I get it.