After Rebuild- What Else Could Go Wrong?

[jaxon]

Regarding 911's...'79-'89


Say you rebuild the top end at 115k. Install new clutch and perform sychro work.

Is there any other major repair which could crop up?

Assuming the work has been well done, it seems like you'd be home free for another 100k. Is that right? Or will you have little things nag you to death.

[Rot 911]

Jaxon, I don't know if you have been following my rebuild threads, but I am rebuilding my '86 3.2, with 133,000 miles, due to a burnt exhaust valve. I decided to do a complete rebuild. However, while the top end was pretty much worn out (all valve guides worn) the bottom end and cylinders show hardly any wear at all. The cylinders still have the factory hone marks and the rod and main bearings look good. In hindsight I probably could have just done the top end and gone another 50k-100k miles or so.

[Superman]

It is possible to rebuild these things to brand new condition. Porsche reliability is legendary. But if you cut corners, then the new parts will fight with the old parts, and the old parts will lose that fight.

Even new cars have issues, commonly. So, you cannot avoid common maintenance and repair. But to answer what I think is your question directly, if an engine or tranny rebuild is done well, you can forget about problems there.

[Kemo]

ya never know...but i have heard of some SC's out there turning 250K without anthing other than oil changes and valve jobs. With the SC's you want to make sure you get your chain tensioners updated and I have heard that there are valve guide issues with some of the 84-89s. And then there is that horsepower issue...for some reason, we gotta go faster!! Personally, i have had my car about 4 yrs now and have spent less than 1000 bucks keeping it running. That includes the tensioner upgrade, new injectors, cap, rotor, plugwires, fuel filter and fuel accumulator. BTW, I'm at 180K kilometers...

I think you will spend more money on the things you DONT need. Things like exhaust upgrades, seats, wheels, engine detailing, RUF bumpers, new stereo, roll cage, drivers education, auto X fees, and cool books like 101 projects and the engine rebuild book from wayne.

Sounds like you are in the market for a 911. My best advice is to jump in with both feet, you will love it. If you already have one...relax, Jax, and drive the hell out of it! The cost of ownership is not as expensive as you think. Of course a full rebuild will set you back a pretty penny, but if it is done correctly it will last a VERRY long time.

[jaxon]

Kurt V

Yes, I've been reading. That's part of my point and question. No power steering. No A/C (JOKE) No radiator. No water/ anti-freeze. No turbo if you have an na model. What can go wrong ater the repairs mentioned? Probably not much.

I suspect that many of the non-entusiast owners, who sell these cars, do so to modernize. They either want the latest creature comforts, or are bored and want something new.

Jaxon

[Early_S_Man]

Jaxon,

Plenty of problems can show up at any time ... electrical, brakes, suspension, CV-joints, water leaks, paint, etc., etc.

But, the 911 was the last car of the 20th century DESIGNED to be maintained by the owner/driver/mechanic ... and all of the above can be handled at home ... if you do the research & buy the right tools!

[jaxon]

But, the 911 was the last car of the 20th century DESIGNED to be maintained by the owner/driver/mechanic ... and all of the above can be handled at home ... if you do the research & buy the right tools!

Yes, that's what I find appealing about them. Functionality, simplicity, performance, elegance of design. I'm not a wrench (have never had enough time). But if I were (maybe in retirement), and had the time, what an engineering masterpiece.

I have just enough engineering blood in me to appreciate them!