Top end rebuild results? Happy or not?

[chrisbruck]

So I’m about to bite the bullet and get my top end redone. My main issue is to address oil consumption as I’m adding a quart every 300-500 miles. I’m about 100% sure it’s just the valve guides and that’s it. Car’s got 146k and used as my good weather daily driver and occasional track day driver but overall I'm happy with it as is (SW chip, bursch bypass pipe, stock muffler with modified dual outlet). Don’t need more power, just want the big smoke cloud to go away.

So, for those of you in the same situation, did the top end rebuild cure your oil consumption and smoking once and for all?

I know some shops are better than others and I'm not looking for those kind of answers. I just want to feel good that if I drop $5k at a reputable shop, my excessive smoking will be cured. If done right will the burning oil and smoke be gone for good or are my expectations too high?

[kodioneill]

I've done several top end rebuilds leaving the case untouched. I replace the rings, all lower head studs (if dilivar) and have a good machine shop do a valve job with guides and every one turned out well. Many of these top end rebuilds had Alusil cylinders and I replaced the rings without any issue. It gives you a chance to look inside to see the cams,chains and sprockets that could be seriously worn.

[Arne2]

The records and receipts that came with my car indicate a top-end job about 45k miles ago. No smoke at all and the oil consumption is minimal even today. Maybe a quart every 2-3000 miles. Similar to above, the case was not split, did get new rings and rod bearings along with the valve job.

[vtrich]

For the same reasons, I just had the top end done. I could not be happier. At the same time we did the clutch and fork update, replaced a bunch of items that were 24 years old. Also, as mentioned above, replaced the bottom studs as well.
It has transformed the car.

Rich

[joseph222]

Just had upper end rebuild by Dumont Porsche. New intake/exhaust, head studs, valve guides, rings and a few smaller items. Cost more than I would have preferred but we did it correct. No smoke or excessive oil consumption, has a different exhaust note and seems to have a bit more power. Now it is just a great and pure pleasure to drive. Totally satisfied!

[djcdmv]

Not to hijack, but what is the going rate that everyone has paid? (those of you who did not do it yourself)

[chrisbruck]

That was going to be my next question too... what's the going rate for the most basic of top end rebuilds by reputable shops?

$5k starting off???

[vtrich]

I'd figure more than that if a shop is doing the job. Simply doing the valves and guides could be done for that, but doing the studs, any clutch work done ( the fork upgrade is not cheap) and misc other things will add up pretty quickly. I figure it's worth some extra to do all those little things that are easy to do with the engine out.

Good Luck! Definately worth the effort.

Rich

[Arne2]

The PO (twice removed) of my car paid Paul Weir (RIP) $6600 in 1998 for the job. That included the shop doing the engine drop.

[Tippy]

Have "cgarr" rebuild your heads. His prices are untouchable along with service too!

I assure you.