356 Engine Rebuild
 

How difficult is a 356 engine rebuild, particularly a 1600. I have a 356 racecar that doesn't do much racing anymore and just want to get it back to tip top running order. The seals need replacing and I figured that while we are in there we may as well freshen it too. I have never rebuilt an engine, but my uncle who is going to help me has rebuilt vw and 914/4 engines. Should it be relatively straight forward? I would rather try to do it than pay someone an exhorbitant amount to do it.

busy place

356 engine
 

Go to 356talk to find the answer.

If you are familiar with mechanics, have access to a good machine shop with skilled people, and have a copy of the late Maestro's books/tapes (ebay, or hcpresearch.com), then you should be OK...

Not as difficult as a 911 rebuild IMO. Are you still following this thread?

I am in the middle of building a race 1600cc this winter. Just like a 911 ... send out case, send out heads, send out crank, etc...

Jason

My uncle sent his out to rebuild. I have rebuilt a 911 engine which should be way more difficult. I know that competition engineering is the place to send your parts to have them refurbished. Just get the machineing done by them and you should be alright. walt knows what he is doing!

They are really not that difficult. Much easier than a 911. I have a 1966 912 that I have had for a long time, and have rebuilt it twice. I am currently in the process of rebuilding my 356SC engine. The Maestro's book is good as he takes you through disassembly and assembly step by step. There is also this forum where there are a lot of knowledgeable people who would be glad to help. You are going to be in for a shock when you start ordering parts. as prices have risen to the stratosphere! I reached four figures just ordering the engine parts I knew that I would need.