Recommended Readings for Engine Rebuild?

[keitho64]

I would like to find a book dedicated to rebuilding the engine and increasing performance. My main focus will be on the 2.2-2.7 engines. I already have Bruce Anderson's Porsche 911 Performance Handbook and Wayne Dempsey's 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 1965-1989. (Both are excellent additions to any enthusiast's library) I would like to find a good engine-rebuilding book. I am looking for one that is involved and not directed at the novice. I am a novice with the 911 engines but I have built many inline, v and even Chevy flat 6’s in the past.


Thanks

[bonedaddy]

I've heard from many that there's no substitute for the Porsche factory manuals used in conjunction with the books you already have. It's a bit of an investment, but... so is rebuilding a P-engine!

[keitho64]

I guess I should add that I have all of the factory manuals. Yes these are required for any project on the 911. The factory manuals are superior to anything ever created by Detroit. Thanks for the tip.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I recently rebuilt an '83 SC--engine, trans, body, paint, suspension, everything--and started out with less experience than you apparently have. I used everything I could put my hands on: Anderson's book (which is an excellent guide even though it isn't highly detailed), the factory manuals, the factory parts book (which is different than the overhaul manuals), and I wish I'd had the Bentley SC manual, which wasn't out yet though the Carrera manual was considerably relevant to the SC. Avoid the infamous "Haynes manual," which is virtually worthless. There is no "secret" book making the overhaul process absolutely clear, though the Bentley book comes as close as anything does.

I also profited greatly from the Rennlist, though I had an angry falling-out with webmaster John Dunkel about halfway through the process and have since entirely switched my allegiance to the much better Pelican board.

The "secrets," if there are any, are to do the job carefully, slowly, cleanly, and ask questions (of the board) whenever you have them, and accept the advice carefully, with the proverbial grain of salt. (You'll soon find out who's a reliable source and who's spinning their wheels, which was a major problem on the Rennlist, populated as it was by a number of self-appointed experts.) The engine isn't rocket science, particularly if you have at least the background that you do.

I also modified the engine considerably, taking it from 3.0 liters to almost 3.4, twin-plugging it, S cams, aluminum clutch and flywheel, titanium bits here and there, headers, etc. etc. etc. I think it's probably making about 270 hp now--breaks the rear wheels loose anytime I floor it in first. Bottom line: it runs just fine, and you can do it too.

Oh, and if you can take Bruce Anderson's four-day class, that probably _is_ the secret to making the rebuild process plain as day. Airfare to SFO is cheap these days, particularly if you plan/buy ahead.

Stephan

[Jdub]

How soon are you planning your rebuild? Wayne is writing a book on a 2.7 rebuild at this time which could be available sometime in the future (unsure when...).

John

[Leland Pate]

You might find a bit of helpful information in this article written by an aspiring mastermind.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_engine_rebuild/911_engine_rebuild1.htm

[BK911]

I've been unable to find one book that has everything you need in it. The books I would recommend becoming familiar with are:

Workshop manuals
Spec book
BA's bible
Haynes Manual

I have also utilized some generic engine blue printing books. They deal mainly with American muscle, but the inspection and measuring techniques are virtually the same.

Then print out everything Warren Hall, John Walker and Roland Kunz have written on Pelican Parts and Rennlist.

Have fun!
BK

[Early_S_Man]

Since you already have the factory service manuals ... how about Bruce Anderson's engine rebuild class to fill in the gaps in the manuals?