Current rates for a top end rebuild??

[chrisbruck]

Time to count my pennies......

So what's the current ballpark rate for a top end rebuild (EXCLUDING all the "slippery slope" extras).

Metro Atlanta area, 3.2 Carrera stock engine.

I'm not doing any prework so it would need to include the engine R/R to address the valve guides and any other "normal" associated items with the valves. Not looking to mess with the cylinders, pistons or rings at this time.

Past searches obviously bring up older prices so hard to tell if they are still valid.

[r-mm]

When I had a PPI done on a 964 (yes more complex) the shop said based on actual receipts ie, tax and the little extras you invariably need/want, $7k. This was from one of the top Indy shops in New England. Not known as gougers, but not cheap. Your part of the world may be different. This was with no cylinder/ring work. Not positive if they were counting clutch/PP in there.

I can also tell you that I'm keeping a pretty good tab on what its costing me to do my own top end. INCLUDING tools (~$500 and I already have a pretty good stash from a bare metal rebuild project on my alfa), parts (~$1550, lots of comparison shopping but all new and most oem) and labor for head refurb and injector cleaning ($950, maybe more haven't sent the heads out yet). I'm looking at roughly $3k. The extras included there are clutch, PP, most of the electrical senders/sensors, injector cleaning. That number will likely grow, I'm hoping to keep it under $3500.

[88911coupe]

I was quoted (about 2 years ago) between $8-10,000 from a well known Independent here in the Dallas area. I ended up doing it myself and decided no reason not to just do the whole thing down to the crank since as many have pointed out, you are 85% of the way there once you are doing a top end rebuild. The bottom end turned out to be in extremely good shape but at least now I know it has all new wear parts.

[john walker's workshop]

$4-$5 thou.

[Joe Bob]

$3 ish if you do it yourself. Consider shipping it to JW.

[Nick Triesch]

So a 3.2 911 is a lot different than other cars? If you drop the engine and pull the heads, you cant just send them to a head shop to be rebuilt? Then pop them back on? I'm kidding but really, why does it cost so must to rebuild the heads? Thank you, Nick

[Elombard]

I will be in the same boat in the same town in a few years. I wonder how much the R&R adds to the bill?

If I bring in the lump with intake, exhaust removed what is the ball park? I wonder if that is smart, seems like if you mess up the break in then its on you.

[chrisbruck]

I was hoping to stay under $5k. Mechanically, I 'm not afraid to disassemble myself but having too little garage space and two kids nixed that idea. Plus I don't have all the special tools to set the timing chains when reassembling. So I resolve myself to just paying the "experts". (And trust me, I don't like paying the experts).

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

$3 ish if you do it yourself. Consider shipping it to JW.

+1

With a family, the extra $2k max will be like pennies in the big picture. The tools you would need would be a push vs. shipping cost.

Not worth a DIY if you can REMOTELY afford the extra $$.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Nick Triesch

So a 3.2 911 is a lot different than other cars? If you drop the engine and pull the heads, you cant just send them to a head shop to be rebuilt? Then pop them back on? I'm kidding but really, why does it cost so must to rebuild the heads? Thank you, Nick

Let's say $1,500 max machine shop cost for fully played-out heads. That will include several valves being replaced. I replaced all my valves in 1997 and the cost was at $1K. Inflation.

R&R the engine. At least a long one.

You are at $2,500 now without labor.

Gasket kit, chains and ramps. etc.

[r-mm]

I posted my tool cost ($500) because I think its representative of what someone with a bunch of tools, jacks, etc would spend on porsche specific stuff - huge jack stands, ATV jack, yoke, cam tool, assorted sockets like XZN's, engine stand, etc. YMMV but that should give you an idea.

But of course, space and time is what its all about. This project is like running a small war. I have no kids and an understanding wife who thinks this project is pretty cool so long as it doesn't get her greasy.

[Joe Bob]

Bob is better than MM.....just sayin'....

[Devil Dog Mosport]

I will be dropping off my 3.0L CIS equipped engine to a very reputable rebuilder in New England very soon.. will let you know the damage after exploratory surgery and what's needed..

I thinking every bit of $5K minimum.

[tpweiss9953]

Scott Mckeown in Deleware. For sure the best, most reasonable and honest mechanic. PM me an I will sen you his contact info.

[HarryD]

Figure about 25-30 hours of labor plus parts and machine work.