a While I'm In There stackup....

[Schumi]

After doing a full diagnosis of the stripped contents of my track car projects engine this weekend I have a laundry list of things to replace or consider replacing. I'm taking opinions on these things a I am on a tight budget. Feel free to chime in with answers to any of my following :-)

-Rollers were seeming done when the belts were last done. Therefore I would say the rollers have less than 20,000 miles on them. Are they usually replaced every time the belts or done, or only after an interval?

-The tbelt crank gear has some play radially in it due to a worn Woodruff key. Are these replaceable?

-What is the usual amount you would deck a head when resurfacing it? How many times can his be done on a 944 head? The pistons are low compression as it is, so I would not mind a considerable about to deck, although I am aware this changes the cam timing slightly as it reduces the crank to cam belt distance. Is this negligible?

-Where can I find info on specs and procedure to check the crank runout/thrust bearing tolerances? When pushing in and out on the flywheel there is a slight play in the crank, I'd say a a few thousandths worth.

-What is the going price for a 951 oil cooler conversion? Are they easy to find? I Have searched for 944T oil coolers and all I get are the oil to air heat exchangers for sale. I need the actual mount to block kit. I want to eliminate this damned oil to water intercooler.

-The back caps on the balance shafts.. are they supposed to be able to be wiggled around? Or are mine missing o-rings? :-/




This has been pretty eye opening to how expensive getting a car that has sat for a few years back to road worthy. So far it looks like I will be having to buy parts to complete:
-New rotors, pads, some brake lines.
-Entire engine rebuild
-New Clutch kit (old one had plenty of life, except it is a rubber center original)
-Most likely injector rebuilds
-New tires
-New Battery
-Fuel, Air, Oil filters
-Fluids

All in all, The total cost to get the beast up and running like new seems like it will be around $1400 in new parts. That is not counting the other $1000-1500 in race gear to bolt in.

My red '87 needs a clutch also, it's rubber center is failing and using the limp tabs. I have an offer for $3000 for it as is from a friend. I'm thinking of taking it and using some of that money to finance the race car project. It seems a little frivolous of me to sell a nice road car to finance a junk race car though.


Oh and I'm trying to work out my finances in order to get a loan on a Boxster. Fun times we're in for me to be doing this. :-P

[nightheart]

2 924's and in the market for a boxster? I wish my budget was that tight! Yes, I am jealous. I'll let someone with more experience answer your tech questions, but why not just turn your running car into a track car? Seems cheaper than rebuilding another one, and if your thinking of selling it, you'll be down to 1 924 anyway. Is an entire engine rebuild necessary?

[944 boy]

Building track cars is fun, or at least I think so. I dumped maybe $5k into what you are talking about doing so it can get much more expensive. To answer your questions:
1. rollers are a judgement call, if they are good keep them. But if there are any doubts its better to replace them while your in there.

2. Yes the key is replaceable, grab a new one from whoever your getting the rest of the parts from.

3. There are a number of debates on this. I've only had a head shaved enough to create a clean surface, aka not much. It does change timing, but someone more knowledgeable might be able to tell you how much power is affected.

4. Factory Service Manual. Search clarks garage, but most likely a friendly pelicanite can give you the specs.

5. I gave up on a 951 oil cooler. Going price is usually around $300 for a full setup, the block part is hard to find. I used a Mocal sandwich plate braided stainless line and a large Mocal cooler. That in addition to the stock cooler kept things quite cool.

6. The caps can wiggle a little bit, there are o-rings but they can ride back and forth.

Sounds like you have a good list of things to do. I wish you luck in the build. If I can offer one bit of advise, spend a lot of time cleaning and rebuilding the calipers as well as use a good set of pads and fluid. The single piston calipers are more than good enough when they are working properly. I just rebuilt all 4 of mine this weekend.

Boxsters are great, do your research and get a warranty. There are plenty of good boxster boards.

[Schumi]

Turning my other 87 into a track car never really crossed my mind. For one, it has a near perfect interior which I would really not have fun tearing out.

Plus, I acquired this track car project for little more than $700 and didn't want to see it get parted out.