[Spenny_b]

Hi Guys,

Lots of progress this last few weeks - been steadily getting on with removing the engine and gearbox; a little nerve-wracking for the first time but all straightforward. As somebody said in another thread, it's not a difficult job, but it is a big one!

I'll post some pics shortly once I've sorted some out.

Because it is a major chunk of time and effort, I'm now debating (as many do!!) whether to:

a) do nothing apart from clean it and "just" convert to EFI.
b) or to do a top-end rebuild; not been able to do a leak down test, my new tester looks to be faulty (gauge not zeroing) and I can't get hold of the supplying company....but there are signs of oil weeping from rocker seals, slight weeping of oil down the exhaust valve guides and between heads/cam housings.
c) do a full teardown.

The full teardown appeals in so much that it's then a good opportunity to fit not only ARP head studs, but also ARP rod bolts, for future safety and tuning. Engine has 84-85k miles, so is closer to needing a refresh than not needing one. I guess?

I'm running some numbers to investigate likely costs of this - it wasn't in the original plan - but looking into gasket and seals plus the items you would replace, one of the local independent Porsche parts companies can supply a kit of the following parts:

Rod Bearing Set (Standard)
Main Bearing Set (Standard)
Piston Ring Sets
Valve Guides (Exhaust)
Valve Guides (Intake)
Sumps Gasket Set (Lower)
Head Gasket Set (Upper)
Chain Rail - Right Straight
Chain Rail - Left Straight
Chain Rail - Curved
Timing Chains - Endless
Intermediate Shaft Bearings - Large
Intermediate Shaft Bearings - Small

My question is whether you guys would go for "OEM" items for the above? The supplier clearly states they are, but the same parts from my local Porsche dealer is almost $1,600 more expensive, (£1,200 vs £2,100)...not insignificant or even close.

Is this a case of "avoid at all costs" or does it depend?....Thoughts?

Cheers
Spencer.