Advice for novice

[rlane]

After discovering a broken exhaust head stud during my valve adjust on my 78SC I am determined to do my own rebuild. Now you have to understand that to even think of sucha thing 3 years ago would have been laughable, I barely knew which end of a screwdriver to hold. Thanks to the Pelican forums and a patient friend, who owns a nice garage w/lift I have lost much of my fear (and perhaps sense?)
The motor has 72K miles on it, no other issues, ,1 Qt 1000 miles oil consumption, runs great. I have decided to do the rebuild next fall (drive it sanely till then). I have lurked on here for a few weeks and read Waynes book twice. Here is what I am thinking but open to advice. Top end rebuild with appropriate valve and rocker work. I think I should go ahead and crack the case and see if all is well. I plan on using the steel head studs, and probably go ahead and do both intake and exhaust. I REALLY would like to go with the short stroke 3.2 conversion but cost may be too much. Am I on the right track? Suggestions?

In terms of tools I am trying to accumulate what I can over the summer and pick up some parts so the impact on budget doesn't all come in the fall. Does anyone ever part with cam nut holders or crowsfeet wrenches etc? I never seem to see them for sale but they must ber out there..or do we all get so close to our tools that we can't bear to part?

Anyway wish me luck, as soon as my palms heal up from those screwdriver wounds I will get even more excited.

[Henry Schmidt]

If your engine truly has only 72 K on it I would suggest a valve job, replacing the lower head studs, replacing the chains and leaving the bottom end alone. You might even want to update to Carrera tensioners. The 911 SCs were notorious for lasting 180K so your engine has a good number of miles left in it. If you were my customer that would be my suggestion to you.

[blue82coupe]

rlane. To a fellow Ketuckian, I'd listen to Henry.Dan

[rlane]

Thanks for the advice Henry, I wondered about the bottom end, It does have the updated tensioners. I know I should not have been suprised (given all that has been written about Dilavar studs in nearly 30 year old use) bur I was STUNNED (literally!!) when that stud fell on my thick head as I loosened #1's valve adjuster.

[YTNUKLR]

I plan on doing the 3.2 short-stroke deal eventually. The cost is about 350 for 3.2 cylinders, 750 for boring and replating, and about 900 for new JE pistonss. That's the cheapest way to do it. Sell your 3.0 P/C and you might be in about $1600 or so additional. Best, Scott

[Shuie]

Talk to Henry about the possibility of putting it on a pallet and sending it to him. Seriously, the biggest mistake I made in my abandoned rebuild project was convincing myself that I could do everything right the first time and spread the cost out over a longer period of time for less than Henry quoted me. If I had listened to him I would be done with the car now instead of still trying to figure out what to do for an engine.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Henry Schmidt
If your engine truly has only 72 K on it I would suggest a valve job, replacing the lower head studs, replacing the chains and leaving the bottom end alone. You might even want to update to Carrera tensioners. The 911 SCs were notorious for lasting 180K so your engine has a good number of miles left in it. If you were my customer that would be my suggestion to you.

I'll add a caveat to that. These motors do last a long time if they are well cared for. When you disassemble, carefully check the condition of the camshaft bearing surfaces (on the cam towers). If they are scored or worn, then it's a sign of neglect and dirty oil, and your bottom-end bearings probably look the same. If they are clean, then I agree with what Henry says.

Oh, and make sure you have a copy of the Engine Rebuild Book: http://www.101projects.com

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Shuie
Talk to Henry about the possibility of putting it on a pallet and sending it to him. Seriously, the biggest mistake I made in my abandoned rebuild project was convincing myself that I could do everything right the first time and spread the cost out over a longer period of time for less than Henry quoted me. If I had listened to him I would be done with the car now instead of still trying to figure out what to do for an engine.

True, but there is a sense of pride in doing your own rebuild...

-Wayne

[rlane]

Not to worry Wayne, following my usual Porsche like motto..if it is worth doing..it is worth overdoing....
I have a second copy of your book at work to keep me out of trouble

[RazorRacer]

Aren't the 78SC's wonderful cars? Have fun with the rebuild and good luck.

BTW, when should the piston rings be replaced?