Blown headgasket

[NickB 951]

Hi,
Brought an '89 951 (250bhp) about 2 months ago. Last weekend the headgasket blew.

The dealer I got the car from is doing the work under their warranty, which is a good thing.
What I would like to know is what other work would be "easier" to get them to do while the head etc. is removed.
The garage have suggested valve guides would be a good thing.
I was also wondering about the timing belt . . .
I am not mechanically inclined so I don't know what other jobs would be worth doing.

Thanks in advance for any input.

------------------
NickB
'89 951

[Blackfoot]

i think any time the head is off by default a new timing belt is installed in place of the old one. you might have to direct them to replace the water pump. also a good time to do the balance shaft.

as for the head itself, it does sound like a good opportunity to do the guides. what about doing the complete valve job now? or if you are into performance, it may be a good time to replace the head with one that's been ported for improved flow.

there are probably 5 or 10 other things you could do at this stage...i'm sure others here will have good ideas.



[This message has been edited by Blackfoot (edited 04-03-2001).]

[Obin Robinson]

PORT AND POLISH!!!!!

DO IT NOW!!!!

http://www.huntleyracing.com

obin

[NickB 951]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Personally, I am v.happy with the current level of performance. I am also happy with my current insurance !! which I gues would be affected by porting the head etc ??

Anyway, I'll probably go with the valve guides and check prices for a total valve job. They were not going to replace the cam belt bu that shouldn't be too much more.

They have also suggested new oil seals.
What do you think.
Incidentally the car has done 107k miles.

thanks again !

[diverdan]

NIRESIST HEAD GASKET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you can find a competant machine shop.....and you don't want to do it again soon, or you could just keep the boost down, but where's the fun?
Other suggestions are good especially for maintanence items.
Dan

[T86951]

I would have the following done:

new belts
waterpump
front seals if any are seeping oil at all
new rollers (get the kit)

I would have the heads checked for valve leakage and the surface trued as it may be slightly warped.

On porting, the turbo has ceramic liners in the exhaust ports and that would best be left to a pro to port cause the exhaust port is the one that needs worked on.
I have a '86 951 which has about 30 HP less than yours and it is a pure rocket so I am like you on that, it is plenty fast right now.

[NickB 951]

Sorry to be ignorant but what is a NIRESIST head gasket ?? and is it the sort of thing my Porsche garage would know about ??

cheers
Nick

[TheStig]

my best reccomendation is to get a wide-fire headgasket, and have a port and polished head. Get some more compression goin on in that car. Might as well should do the cam too. Gotta great price of $2k to do it from Huntley Racing. But thats if you live in San Diego.

------------------
Sorry Officer, my bag of crack fell and while trying to reach it my gun got wedged in between the gas and the brake causing me to speed insanely.

[wolfrpi]

2k is a great price? For what? No offense, but you must be smokin crack.

Erick

[diverdan]

Niresist head gaskets involve cutting a groove in the head into which stainless steel ring fits. The block or sleeve gets a similar groove so that the stainless ring gets compressed into both surfaces yeilding a very stable seal. Races use this technique when running high boost. Probably overkill for lower boost. However, it is the best seal for high boost and endurance!
Dan

[wolfrpi]

There are clearly differing opinions on this one for a 951. Some say do it to ensure you don't blow the headgasket and some say don't do it so that all you will blow is the headgasket. For now at least I think I'll keep my worries to the headgasket.

Erick

[Allldi]

Don't worry about your insurance. How are they gonna know that you port and polished your head? Just don't tell them. Even if you did tell them they probably wouldn't know what it meant anyway. You pay them enough money every year already anyway right? Seriously, don't worry about your insurance at all.

------------------
Ryan
1991 944S2 coupe

[NickB 951]

So what improvements would I notice about the car if I went the port & polish route ?
Does this have any impications for the long term durability/reliability of the engine ?

I really would like to know !

BTW
Thanks for all your replies so far - really helpful

[This message has been edited by NickB 951 (edited 04-10-2001).]

[marksportcts]

NIRESIST head gasket? I haven't heard of the term, but the explanation is the same as o-ring head. I had my 951 head rebuilt and
o-ringed by Technodyne for $750 with a mild port & polish, valve grind, valve guides/seals and springs.