Should I buy a rebuilt or not?

[WPOZZZ]

Originally Posted by porschenut

My opinion is that I would be delighted to buy a car with a rebuilt engine, provided that the rebuild is well documented and was done by someone whose skills I trust. This could be an owner with well-known skills or a professional builder with a good reputation.

If it was done by a previous owner who I didn't know, but was a desirable car otherwise, then I would factor the cost of another rebuild into my offer.

Originally Posted by ghost1001

This is sort of the problem with anything "rebuilt"....In my opinion I would only want a engine rebuild from a well known shop, with specific documentation as to what was actually done. I would not want to buy a DYI project.....I trust my own DIY to a certain extent but not for an engine. Then again nothing mystical about it….I would do it myself if I had the time and desire, with the help of Waynes book of course, which I have read.

The thread I posted clearly spells out many pitfalls and the use of various terms and what they can mean....all very subjective, particularly in our DIY/Pelican community.

The simple fact is that all rebuilds are not created equal….know what you are buying!!

These engines are expensive to rebuild right and experience is worth paying for in this case....for me anyway.

Kevin

Even well known shops can have problems. Case in point: I bought a 86 930 with a fresh rebuild (2k on it) so I didn't really check out the motor very well. For some strange reason, it did have an oil leak. Had the car taken down to my mechanic to repair the leak and one thing led to another. Here is what was found.

1. oil line to turbo was factory line that had the high pressure hose cut off and fuel line and hose clamps connected to the hard lines.
2. paper heater ducting was used, not the newer metal type that doesn't catch fire.
3. leakdown was 40% and 20% on 2 cylinders. After cleaning and tightening, it got down to @ 12%. I wasn't happy with it so had the motor taken apart.
4. old style valve guide seals were used, not the newer teflon ones
5. cams were not stamped and had a couple gouges. Had them sent to Elgin for a regrind.
6. Vac advance was welded on the dizzy. Got a used one from a Pelican and had that rebuilt.
7. Heads were flycut and not mating to jugs very well. Not sure if it was a crap job or due to the blowby with loose heads.

There's a lot more that was done. I just can't remember what they were. It was just a half assed job the previous shop did.

Moral of the story: Just because a well known shop did the rebuild, doesn't mean they dd a good job.

[Brando]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

Moral of the story: Just because a well known shop did the rebuild, doesn't mean they dd a good job.

Exactly! I don't know how many times I've heard "MM did the rebuild. They're reputable, right?" Everyone knows their name but would never honor their product for good quality.

[ghost1001]

OK....I should have said "well regarded" as in; the people that have been around p-cars forever would take their own engine to a "well regarded" shop for a rebuild.

When I said “well known” I was not referring to the “infamous” shops such as MM, et.al…Poor choice of words.

[dshepp806]

I bought my '89 with a service ticket reflecting top and bottom rebuild...found out later, the dude missed a shift,..had the cash to go the full monty (top and bottom),..a +$15K invoice,....

I didn't know whether to throw- up or be relieved the "work" was done (good as new) at ~100K miles..... I took the relieved approach......done.

Best,

Doyle

[haycait911]

FWIW I would avoid a 'fresh' rebuild. a build with 10K plus miles is a better bet. a 911 engine with good comp and leakdown numbers at that point, not burning oil, is likely going to be a good runner for a long time.

[BKC]

Great advice from everyone! Thanks!