Topend rebuild?

[TVRLOTUSTR3]

I have a 72T that will be down awhile to fix some minor left front damage.

I was thinking of dropping the engine at this time to fix an oil leak.

The car has 96,000 cared for miles. Oil has been change every 2,000 miles. Doesn't smoke or use oil. The leakdown and compresion numbers are good.

The topend has never been apart. Sould I do a valve job while it is out? How many miles can you usually get from one of these engines before it needs a valve job?

Thanks! Ken

[NoEardGoat]

If it aint broke don't fix it!

Even a minor fix to our Porsche's takes a chunk of change. Valves usually show symptoms like burning oil, burning oil on startup, compression leak, etc. before they go.

[OldTee]

Beware the slippery slope. It starts near the gate of good intentions and goes straight to hell and requires lots of $$ to get back.

[Tall02]

If your compression and leakdown numbers are good keep on driving. As noted before it is a slippery slope......ask me how I know. I was planning on pulling my engine over the winter to fix a few oil leaks and checked the compression first. Found two weak cylinders and tore down the engine. Found the head valves were leaking bad yet it ran like a champ. Tore it down and rebuilt the top end. Many seals and minor items bore or were replaced with a new clutch and on and on.

I suggest you continue your driving enjoyment and prepare for a rebuild down the road by reading and learning about rebuilds. DIY rebuilds are a great experience if you have the right tools, books, time and a life line for help.

Good luck