Top End rebuild

[strep]

I am thinking about rebuilding the top end. On my 87 911.
I would buy all new parts. My car smokes a little at startup. I think its the valve guides. But I may as well change the pistons and rings as well. I grew up rebuilding old volkswagens.Mostly 1960's thrue 70's. Not many just a few. Is this job possible by a novice. Does anyone have any experiance on completing this job.
Any tips and or advice much appreciated.

[emcon5]

Originally posted by strep
My car smokes a little at startup.

A lot of 911s do this, and the consensus is it really isn't that big of a deal. How much oil is it using? The acceptable oil consumption for an 911 SC is 1 litre per 1000KM, so roughly 1 quart in 620 miles, and think it is the same for a Carrera. This number is not counting any leaks.

If you are under that number, just keep an eye on the level, and add oil when it needs it.

Tom

[APKhaos]

Strep,
Did my 3.2 earlier this year. Don't think you need think rebuild based on a puff at startup. Wait until you are using around 1Qt/300 miles. Also don't assume the Ps&Cs are bad - mine were near perfect once I de-coked the pistons. Almost no cylinder wear in 150,000 miles!! Worry about all that when you really need to.

Meantime, drive the wheels off it - thats what they were designed for.

[JDaniel]

Smoke upon startup is rumored to be normal, so don't let that concern you too much (although my car has ceased to puff smoke upon startup after a recent top end).

How many miles on your motor? If you suspect it's suffering from premature valve guide wear I'd keep an eye the on the plugs and your oil consumption. When you keep fouling a plug or plugs, and your consumption dips below 400mi/qt then it's time to consider the top end. Does the car smoke at idle, or while driving???

I wouldn't worry about the pistons/rings/cyl, unless you've got a high mileage motor, or things don't measure out when you've got it apart. If such is the case you might as well go for the total rebuild.

Get a compression and leakdown done. It might help pinpoint your problem areas.

What # is your '87? Mine is 0151