Where can i send my motor to be "freshened up"?

[Yellowb1rd]

Hello all,

I'm getting to the point where I need to start diverting my attention to the drivetrain on my 1978 911SC. It leaks like a seev at the cam towers, but other than that it seems fine (I'll be buying a leakdown tester at HF soon). Plus, my syncros in the transaxle are getting a bit worn.

Car runs quite strong, so I'm really looking for a reputable business that can do Motor Meister type of work WITHOUT it actually being motor meister. I've read the posts, and will steer clear of them. I dont mind removing and shipping off the motor/transaxle - I've done it several times, and can drop the motor/trans in about two hours max.

Does a reputable business like this exist??? If so, I would LOVE to hear your experiences. I'm looking to spend 3-5K on this "freshening". Again, I do not think a rebuild is necessary. It's mainly been sitting its entire life, and unfortunately, not stored well, so all gaskets will need to be replaced, I'm sure, but miles are exceedingly low. Please refer me to any websites, or customer testamonials, and if possible, a pricing list for work done. Much appreciated!?

P.S. I've noticed the Paul Weir website. Anyone had anything done with this company?

[euro911sc]

That may be tough to do for the price you are looking for... I did all the work myself and it still cost me that for just the engine and you want the trans as well?

There are many reputable businesses who can do this work for you, but that comes with a price. I suggest you look into the cost of a gasket kit, ring kit, and hardware kits. Then add $600 for a head job. That might be the least you can get away with in terms of parts cost on the engine. Then add $100/hr and pick between 40-80 hours as your labor cost This will get you a top end with a re-seal, but no split case. I guess you could also forgo the rings and head work and just re-seal the cam towers, but you already have the heads off at that point so ...

This will give you a better idea on the costs. There really isn't such a thing as a Budget Rebuild. I got close to it, but it took me 2+ years to collect all the parts from eBay, Craigslist, or here... I saved ~40% on my parts cost, but it all went back into the engine in the form of dress up coatings, paint, new sensors, wires, hoses, etc.

-Michael

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Yellowb1rd

I'm really looking for a reputable business that can do Motor Meister type of work WITHOUT it actually being motor meister.

While I cannot offer you specific advice, I would kindly suggest that you REALLY don't want "Motor Meister type of work". There are plenty of businesses around the country that can do a cheap job, but what you really want is the job done right, no matter what the cost.

JMHO, naturally.

[bavaria911]

Call Supertec (Henry Schmidt) or Rennsport (Steve)

[Jeff Jagusch]

I second bavaria911.
Henry will do you right!

Jeff

[regency]

if you try to and go the cheap route, then you'll be starting over again soon after paying for the cheap route. Better to fine a real pro and buy the best parts and cut no corners.

Steve

73 911T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

[AlfonsoR]

You say you just want to do a re-seal, but it doesn't make sense to completely tear the engine apart and not verify that everything is within mechanical tolerances. At low miles you're still at risk of worn valve guides and broken head studs, and that's if it's been properly maintained. If any previous owners abused the car or did not properly maintain it, then it's very possible you might find other issues as well.

I highly doubt you're going to get someone of high caliber like Steve or Henry to go through the motor for 3-5k dollars. I'm not even sure they will simply do a reseal since their reputation is at stake. If something fails, they don't want to get blamed. The risk is too high to risk their reputation and they have plenty of other work where they do not have to stick their necks out.

Why don't you open up some dialog with these guys via phone or e-mail and ask them to quote the minimum work they would be willing to do.

[euro911sc]

While I agree with all of the above, there are corners you can cut and still 'do the job right'. The biggest corner to cut is do it yourself as professional labor is a big item. All the knowledge can be found here. Yes it takes you longer, there is no guarantee or warranty, and you take the risk of making a mistake. Henry and Steve are two of the best in the world you would not go wrong with either of them.

The next corner is dress up stuff... you dont need to powder coat everything, repaint/repair the shroud to new, etc...

The next corner is the hardest... cut out the 'while you're in there' work. Yes it would be great to do 'that ' now and getting back here is a ton of work, but it also adds a few $'s and those add up very quickly. If its working fine brush off the dirt and grime and put it back together.

All that said... your budget goals are still tight.

[Carrerax]

I would highly recommend Steve at Rennsport. Steve did my heads and helped source the other parts. I decided to have it actually built locally since Rennsport is 2500 miles from me. Looking back, I would have rather just shipped to him to all be completed from tear down to Dyno in one place. Much more peace of mind and dconvienance.

As to spending $3-5k, good luck. If you really need to stay very low and are mechanical you should probably get waynes book and do as many others here and do it yourself. That was my original plan until I decided to build a really strong motor and didnt want to chance doing something stupid.

[Yellowb1rd]

As always, thanks for the good advice, gents. I figured it was a longshot, but it was worth a try. At this point, i suppose I need to make a choice as to whether I have more TIME or money.

[Turbo_pro]

Supertec did my engine more than 35,000 mile (6 years ) ago and it runs perfect and looks is cosmetically attractive as well.
No one can do a great job cheap but Supertec is very competitive and they kept to the schedule they promised. I've heard some people on this board say they spent as much building their own engine as Supertec charges.

[Neel]

Call Drew Slayton, Slayton Motorsports: 803-648-1428.. Drew is in SC.. He may be a bit out of your price range, but I'll put his work up against anyone's.. Tell him I told you to call him..

[K24madness]

I think what you should be looking for is the best value for your money not the cheapest person. If you place $$ limits on the person they will cut corners in areas that may not be in your best interest. On the other hand marking up parts 100% to end users and charging $150hr+ shop rates are not realistic. The trick is finding someone who knows what they are doing and is willing to work for a reasonable wage and source parts for you at a reasonable markup. I found a great wrench to do the work for $60 an hour and parts at 10% over cost.

[Neel]

K24 +1......

[OldTee]

Originally Posted by Yellowb1rd

Hello all,

(I'll be buying a leakdown tester at HF soon).

Suggest better tool. Check our host or go to Aircraft Spruce for a better unit.

Where are you located? Might help getting a response.

Suggest a Dye Lite kit. It is a substance you put in the oil that glows under a black light (supplied in the kit) and can tell you where your leaks are coming from. You may have less of a problem than you think.

http://www.autobarn.net/tratp-8647.html

[Yellowb1rd]

Thanks for the info, OldTee. I'm in WA state, so guys like John Walker and Paul Weir are pretty close.

[Yellowb1rd]

Turbo_pro. How much was that rebuild?

[JeremyD]

John Walker - Steve Weiner - Henry and Supertec

all straight shooters -

[AlfonsoR]

I have to throw in a couple of names too

Aaron of Rennwerks Inc. in Cali. He has been very helpful to me as well as others.

William Knight of KnightRace Inc in Houston. I talked to William today after having sent him a few e-mails on inspecting my 3.2 for rebuild. My impression is this guy is very knowledgeable, really down to earth which made me feel very comfortable. We talked about my engine and rebuilds in general for 1 hr and 20 minutes. And, and, and his pricing sounded very reasonable. As soon as I am able to finish up my other project, I will be letting him tear-down and inspect my engine, and I will do the assembly. I also really like that he is only 25 minutes away from my house.
Knightrace Performance

Good luck

[winders]

Mat Lowrance at Reno Rennsport too.......

Scott