Who is a reputable engine rebuilder?

Embs · Embs's Garage

Thanks to all that responded for the Motor Meister info, what an education.

I don't want to take chances on my precious 84 3.2, I love her to much!

Price isn't that much of an issue, quality of work is. If I had more time, I would slowly rebuild it myself, but I have to make time just to sneak out and drive the car!

My 84 911 has 124,000 miles. It runs strong, has excellent compression and uses very little oil.

Because I am completely restoring the car, I want a fresh engine
with some minor performance mods, cams etc. As well, I know the 915 gearbox needs some syncros.

So, regardless of costs, who does kickass work?

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Todd - OHIO

Halm · 07-05-2002, 01:46 PM

I think that if you search the archives, you'll find a group of 3 or 4 that really stand out as the best. Because of a previous exerperience with them, I plan on using Ottos Venice for my rebuild. John Williamson is serious about doing it right which is very important when using a long distance rebuilder. He isn't cheap, but he is quality.

07-05-2002, 02:25 PM

john walker's workshop
7613 greenwood ave. n.
seattle, wa, 98103
206.789.6800

Superman · 07-05-2002, 02:28 PM

I was getting ready to do business with EBS when I found John Walker. I'm sure EBS would have done me a fine job, but I'm glad I found John.

cegerer · cegerer's Garage

I see you're in Ohio. If you want a nearby shop, take it to Stoddard in Cleveland. They will be expensive, but the job will get done correctly. -- Curt

speeder · 07-05-2002, 04:37 PM

I guess my question would be why rebuild a 3.2 motor that "uses very little oil and has excellent compression??" Unless you just want to support the economy. Related question would be; you are completely restoring the car in that picture?? I have to be missing something here.

If you sent a perfect 124k miles 3.2 motor to MM, there is absolutely zero chance that you would get it back better than you sent it. If you just want to do cams, maybe replace some seals, take it to Stoddard by all means. They are excellent and can be trusted beyond reproach to do it right the first time.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

Performance mods? Andial perhaps. You'd have to ship it to them, but worth it (plus name recognition if you sell it).

brianhinfl · brianhinfl's Garage

Reputable builder... Performance modifications.. I can't think of anyone who knows more about air-cooled engines.

Steve Weiner @ Rennsport Systems
503-244-0990 or porsche@rennsportsystems.com

toolhound · toolhound's Garage

I vote John Walker !!!

RoninLB · 07-05-2002, 10:44 PM

I think the point being made here is that there are a few guys in the US who do excellent work...very few..and we know who they are...... Ron ....... [2 days and 4 hrs. to go]

glickster · 07-06-2002, 06:27 AM

I agree with Stoddard, Weiner, Walker and Andial. Stoddard, of course, is closer to home for you.

If you plan on long distance and want to ship EAST (vs. West), DeMan Motorsport in Nyack, New York did a super job rebuilding my 3.2, before I switched to a 3.6, which they also built for me.

You can expect ALL of these reputable shops to tell you that if there's nothing wrong with your 3.2, you should leave it alone. But, if you're hell bent on performance mods (and want to stay with the 3.2, which is a very good engine), then you should look into having the engine blue-printed, balanced, ported & polished, etc. Of course, you'll need to free-up the exhaust, and you will notice that the engine revs more rapidly, right up to (and past) redline. DON"T HAVE THE REV LIMITER REMOVED!

Now, once you start with cams (I've got WebCams 993 supersport cams in my 3.6L), you're talking heavy duty valve springs, etc., and your "restoration" is no longer a restoration, but a modified performance car (i.e., "hot rod").

One last bit of very good advice that was given to me by more than one honest mechanic (and ignored by me as I too love my present car), rather than spend your money modifying this car (which is a very nice example of a 3.2 carrera), sell the car and get a low miles '89 turbo.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 07-06-2002, 07:04 AM

Not only is Steve Weiner incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, but he's the nicest and most helpful guy in the business.

Stephan

gopruitt · 07-07-2002, 08:59 AM

Hey Todd, I see why you sold your Fuchs. Those wheels look nice on your Targa. I have one question for you. Was there any reason you had different tires on the fronts than in the rear or were they just a mixed/matched set?
Thanks for a very speedy transaction.
--------------------------
Tony

slakjaw · 07-07-2002, 10:00 AM

Ted Robinson
German Precision

PeteBrown · 07-08-2002, 06:47 AM

If you are in Northeastern Ohio there are lots of great shops.

Steinel's Autowerks in Twinsburg has a terrific reputation. Eric (owner) has a 10,000 sf shop and does everything from routine maintenance to full race build-ups. They can be reached at 330.425.8582

Then there is Stoddards (world famous dealer), Fred Baker Porsche (dealer and succesful racer) and Autobahn Extremist (idependent).

Really no need to ship your engine to the coasts.

Pete Brown
'87 Coupe in Cleveland

TurboRuf · 07-08-2002, 07:45 AM

>Not only is Steve Weiner incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, >but he's the nicest and most helpful guy in the business.

>Stephan

I second that! Steve is well versed in the art of air-cooled Porsche's. He is a great guy and always willing to share his knowledge.

I'm sure if you select any of the above mentioned builders you will be happy with the results.

Good luck in your quest!