Hours to Remove & Replace Engine?
 

Anyone know the standard estimate (hours) to remove & replace a mid-80's 911 engine and transmission, assuming no other work is involved? I got an estimate of 20 hours from a mechanic who occasionally works on 911's, but somewhere I think I've heard an experienced Porsche mechanic can do it in as little as 4. My '84 has multiple oil leaks, including crankshaft seal, and the best way to deal with them all probably is to pull the engine. I'm just debating whether to give the work to someone who'll charge less per hour but take more time, versus someone with more experience who may charge more per hour but can do the work in less time.

Granted my engine was only a '72, but I removed it in an hour and 20 minutes the first time I tried. IMO, get it to someone with experience, especially if you're have leaks and other work addressed.

Discounting time to remove the air filter, CV joints, ... (stuff you need to disconnect before removing engine), I can remove it, replace clutch and put it back in ~3 hours with a helper at home.

Definitely send it to a reputable Porsche mechanic to do the job for you.

After draining all the oil out, first time DIY no more than 4hrs. Like Bill said more times you do it the faster it gets done.....(party tomorrow Bill?) see you there

Rather than having a contest of, "I can do it in x hours", I think many shops charge around 4-6 hours for the R&R on top of any add'l work performed (clutch, oil seal, headwork, etc.). Most techs do it in less time, of course, but the "flat rate" applies to the customer's invoice.

Sherwood

I agree, it's not a race but I seem to recall someone on this board saying they had a 3.2 out in under 1 hour but I think some of the prep work may already have been done. Even accounting for the fact that you don't want the mechanic to rush so fast he messes something up 20 hours seems like a lot. Of course it took me 3 hours to do a partial drop so what the hell do I know.

Denny, I will be there with beer and ready to have some fun! See you there! Looking forward to hearing more about your engine rebuild.

If it is your first time, you are taking notes, and you are mechnically inclined it will be done in 4 hours. It takes time to correct for inexperience such as how high to get the rear end up and where to jack the motor/tranny combo. The second time you will do it in 3 hours. My first time took me 5 hours 'cause I'm a moron. Every noob mistake that could be made was.
20 hours is either a misunderstanding or a ripoff.

20 hours, maybe if you took a nap in the middle and went out for dinner and came back.

5 hours. Even less if you prepare an organized checklist in advance and have all the correct tools, e.g. XZN for the CV bolts if you need it (3.2's were hex, I believe) and don't spend time detailing along the way.

Did the 20 hours INCLUDE the time to fix the "multiple oil leaks"?

Yeah with 20 hours even a beginner can read all of wayne's rebuild book, grab some food, do my dynamics and mechanics homework, and still have time to spare for an engine/tranny drop. I no longer have heater, AC, or cruise so my setup is much more simple to deal with. First time around jumping between books and carrying out instruction took me a total of 4 hours. Since i've gotten it down to almost an hour flat by knowing what to do off the top of my head.

Hey Bill, what kind of beer do you like? I have a 3.2 on a jack and I'm picking up my trans next week, when would you like to come by, I'm not to far away.

The factory flat rate manual calls for 6 hours.
Does seem like a lot but that is the number.
20 hours is just plain thievery.

Can get the engine out in 15 mins and back in in about 1hr when motivated.

service times is 1hr out and about 4hrs back in including filling up, running up to temp, checking, re-checking, road test etc.

If he is charging 20 hours that must include reading the book and finding the engine is in the back, what else is he over charging for.

Well, I was recently charged 8 HOURS to R&R an engine. This is by a "reputable" Porsche workshop mind you :mad:

Not only that, but I was also charged:

5 HOURS - Engine diff, intercooler, wiring. Takes me 10 minutes to remove my intercooler!

4 HOURS - Replace Head studs (additional to 45hr engine rebuild)

4 HOURS - replace piston squirters (additional to 45hr engine rebuild)

4 hours to replace front fuel pump and wire in a second rear pump.

at $93.50 per hour, it all works up :mad: