Cost/value of complete 911 engine rebuild?

[desmo907]

Maybe to broad a question but I am in the market for a 1987-89 911 Targa (maybe Cab) and mostly looking at ones with less than ~70k miles or so. (Some of these ave had valve guides replaced and clutch updates, etc.) But I recently ran across a fairly nice 1988 911 with 200k miles. It appears the valves were done at ~100k and the clutch nearly the same time. I am new to 911s so not sure of the expected engine "life" (and I suspect it depends on care) but lets say a complete engine rebuild was needed -- i was wondering what the approx. cost may be? (Or can you just buy a new motor?)
Dare i worry about the tranny as well?

I guess I am trying to weigh the risks, costs, etc.

thx

[Determined]

It depends if you do the rebuild or pay someone, to pay someone maybe $7k-10k. Yourself around $5k-7k, just my estimate since I'm near finishing my 3.2L Euro project.

Good luck,

Alex

[Jeff Alton]

The difference between doing it yourself and paying to have it done is 35-45hrs at the shop rate in your area. (give or take a few hours).

That said, have a PPI done to asses the condition of the entire car, not just he motor and trans. The G50 trans in that car is pretty robust but they do wear after time depending on how they were cared for. If the Top End was done "right" at 100k you may have another 50-100k miles of worry free driving left. But again, a good PPI will help determine if it needs work now.

My guess is the clutch has been done since the work at 100k. 100K is a long clutch life and not that common. The one thing to consider is if the motor needs work and you know only a top end was done the first time, you need to budget for a full rebuild this time. Mind you it is only a few extra hours labor and not much more in part compared to just a top end.

A well known and respected Porsche Guru stated it would cost 20ish thousand for a rebuild in a recent Excellence magazine publication. I nearly fell out of my chair. Yes, it is not cheap to have a naturally aspirated 911 motor rebuilt, but 20k is a wee bit on the high side

Cheers

[Flat Six, Inc.]

On a 3.2 $9-12K is usually what it takes....done right.

[The Donkey]

I can tell you all about the pricing on rebuilds and swap costs. Since I am doing it right now and have spent an inordinate amount of time researching all options.

A 3.2 rebuild is in the 9-12k range. If you do it yourself subtract your mechanics 40-55 hrs of labor at their rate.

For a 3.2 swap, you can buy a motor with 50-70k miles for around 6-7k. Your core (running but tired) will probably be worth 3.5k - 4k. Just a core with issues is probably worth 3k. So, take the 6.5k subtract 3k and then add back 500 for the reinstall and drop and you are at 4k Net for a swap. Probably will go up a bit when you throw in the 'while you are in there' things.