Wayne's Super-Cool Idea for Today - Engine Rebuild Wizard!

[Wayne 962]

Okay, I have some ideas sometimes that people don't like, but this one is really good (I think). This is an on-line Engine Rebuild Wizard that will help you pick out (and purchase) the parts that you need for your engine rebuild.

I'm about 20% done with this, let me know what you think so far, and I can change it around a bit:

http://www.101projects.com/911-Rebuild/rebuild_wizard/wizard.htm

What do you think?

-Wayne

[brandett]

One thing I was thinking about from the selling point. You might scare people to get into this rebuilding thing when they see how much work/parts etc you need to do. Or maybe its just me who cant see the end of my rebuild....

Otherwise, great, easy to go through each step, kind of makes it impossible to miss out on parts required.

[Wayne 962]

I don't completely understand your first sentence?

-Wayne

[brandett]

You want as many as possible to do the rebuild themselves, right ? I might be paranoid but if someone sees how much work it is, they might leave the work to a shop and this would make you to miss the sale of parts.

Not saying i am right but the thougth crossed my mind and being me I typed it

[walt]

I think its a great idea. Perhaps a link to an exploded view of the area would be helpful too.

Wayne,
I like it a lot. You're about to convince me that I can rebuild my motor.

[gary-o]

I like the concept, and I'm sure it would help me if I were doing a rebuild, being that I'm not a mechanic by trade, but I can take "anything" apart
Just don't let it get in the way of your upcoming engine performance book or your tranny rebuild book!
Regards,
Gary

[Silveresrty911S]

I agree with Walt, some exploded views for us visually challenged. Looks great and would sure help first timers.

[agabriel]

Sounds cool - do you throw in a copy of your book if we get the kit?

Cool idea -
Anthony

[MBAtarga]

I think it's a good idea. I realize this is an example, but wouldn't the crankshaft and rod selection, as well as others, be totally dependent upon the case selection? Why would someone select a 2.2 crank, when they have selected a 3.0 case?

[Rot 911]

What a great idea! I like it! I am going to be doing at least a top end rebuild next winter and was thinking I was going to have to spend a significant amount of time just lining up what parts and tools I would need for the job. Will the wizard allow you to pick the part and put it in your shopping cart just like the parts catalog or will you have to print out the list and then order the part/tool?

[Tim Walsh]

I like it. It makes it really easy to pick out the parts that you need and doesn't let you forget anything

[RickM]

Wayne, Looks like a great idea.

My thoughts: It seems to be a bit navigation intensive in that you have to pick each component....one after the other.

If I select '85 911 could it show a checked-off list of rebuild parts for: 1) Standard rebuild 2)Rebuilt "kit" with suggested upgrades/updates (EG:rod bolts), 3) optional parts to consider while in there? Then one could merely un-check any unwanted parts or make changes from a drop down list as done now.

Perhaps the wizard would be useful for most any job.

Select job from wizard menu
- Chain tensioner upgrade
- Oil cooled update
- Tune-up
- Turbo upgrade

PS I like the exploded view idea as well.

[Jeff]

I think it's great. It limits missed parts and makes someone feel confident about the parts they order.

And as Kurt V hit on, will there be a section for suggested or special tools needed for certain rebuilds? This would help the first timer become a next timer if they have all the tools to complete the job the first time.

[McDaniel]

I like it.

[tight as a bull's ass]

that's very helpful but do you have listed anywhere how much it will cost to rebuild according to what engine you have?

I'm sure rebuilding a 1970T would cost less than a 89 Carrera....

besides that, it's an excellent idea!

[john_colasante]

Very cool. Wayne you continue to impress us with your energy and zeal. Move over Bruce, here comes Wayne!

[jazzbass]

This is a great concept. Here are some suggestions based on my professional opinion (this is the kind of stuff I do to pay for my Porsche habit):

1. I'd have one dropdown at the top where you pick a specific engine. The rest of the dropdowns (crankcase, rods, etc) would populate with the appropriate choices for that engine in stock configuration.

2. Remove choices that are not valid - for example if I pick a 2.0 case and P&C, don't give the the option for 3.2 connecting rods.

3. In each dropdown, include an option for "Use exisitng parts". This ties into suggestion 4...

4. Put pricing from the website in there with a running total. That way you can add parts, try different configurations, and see how much you plan to spend on the endevor.

5. Have a button on the page that you can click and it will fill out an order form for the parts from PP.

6. Consider two views of the data - a wordy, pictury type wizard that shows each step individually (to avoid sensory overload of the user) and a simple, straight forward page with just the dropdowns lists without a lot of verbage.

Basically, I see a kind of Dell computer paradigm here. Pick the options, keep a running total, click to buy.

[kstylianos]

Wayne,

I like the idea. Was thinking more of a decision tree process would help it flow a little better.

Select Engine
Select type of rebuild (top & bottom or top only)

Options and ways to work them - Is machine shop offering parts for head rebuild? If not order parts here.

Would be nice to have options like 3.0->3.2 upgrades and include needed parts

Offer all the needed sealants, gaskets, tools, etc

I Like the idea............

[Doug Zielke]

I think it has a lot of potential.
But, Wayne....are you sure you can stock enough "blah, blah, blah, blah" to meet the demand?