Good Engine Rebuild Thread?

[Brian Mifsud]

Hi All,

Been lurking a bit. Am looking for a good engine rebuild thread for the 944's. I've always admired the cars and understand they were the best handling Porsches through the early 90's.

Too many nice looking cars out there "cheap" to ignore. I'm a 914'er and the pricing of those cars is taking off too high to get a "stock" car for my son. Modified cars are most often thrashers. I've rebuilt many aircooled-VWs, Datsuns, Mercedes, etc and am interested in the proposition of rebuilding a 944.

I'm assuming an amateur has to find some solution for the bores (aren't they Nikasil?). What's being done for these (iron liners, bore then chemical etch?)

Thanks

Brian

[John_AZ]

Brian,

HondaDustR did a very good rebuild and covers the piston bores.

Project 924 S engine replacement

Van on Rennlist did a few videos--

The WSM is mandatory.

BUT, just spend more money on a decent used and get used to the basic failures with an old 944.

I rebuilt a couple of engines for my '70 914- no comparison to the 944.

GL
J_AZ

[Jfrahm]

If you have issues with your bore, I feel a good used engine is the best choice and is way way cheaper than boring and lapping and oversized pistons (which are big bucks.) Generally the bores are fine and the ring seal tight for way more miles than the chassis can withstand. Turbos tend to get more bore damage, scuffing or foreign object damage, but there are good short blocks out there and you can convert an NA block if need be.

There are some piston coatings out there which claim to work with the alusil block so if you are determined to bore that might be an option with aftermarket pistons, maybe custom rods and Chevy LS pistons, or some other combo. If you run a bare aluminum piston in an alusil block you will probably get galling, the factory used a tin material plated onto the piston skirts to prevent this. This would be for someone with deep pockets wanting a larger bore, not someone who wants a fresh stock-ish motor on a reasonable budget.

Swaintech PC9 on Alusil bores?

-Joel.

[Brian Mifsud]

Hi All,

I can do my own machining/boring except align boring which I'd send out if needed so that expense can be saved. (Dad was a machinist and I've inherited his Mill and Lathe).

I do want to go through a step by step rebuild with my 16 year old as a learning experience, so I have other motivations beyond the sheer economy and least expensive route to a reliable engine. I believe you when you say finding a good used engine is the least expensive route..

While rebuilding a 914 is pretty straightforward, it is not my first choice as a car to put an inexperienced driver into in terms of protection should an accident happen. Honestly, I'd rather put him into a late model (mid 90's or later) Mustang so there's something substantial between him and oncoming traffic. The 914 has to be driven like a motorcycle in my opinion. I've been driving one for 30 years so understand the risks.

Anyhow, 944 seems to be a reasonable compromise since there's SOME iron in the nose (not a V8, but the 914 has virtually NOTHING between you and that tree...)

I am reading that link HondaDustR and I thank you all for the recommendations.

Brian