New to this board and question about LA dismantling

996pcar · 05-20-2008, 07:09 AM

Hello, I am in need of a new 3.4 engine as mine is making noise and there are metal in the oil. Well I have been doing my research and have heard many negative things about LA Dismantler. Anyone have good experience with them? I spoke to a gentleman there and they are willing to sell me a rebuilt 3.4 engine that they said is going to be shipped from the east coast. He told me that the engine is rebuilt by Porsche and offered me a 6 month warrantee on the engine. At the price of $7500 vs. the dealer of $10,100, do you think it is worth it to purchase this rebuilt engine? Have anyone have good experience with LAPD? I am local to them and I can drive there to inspect the engine if needed.

Elfer · 05-20-2008, 09:53 PM

I wouldn't buy anything from that place. I spoke to a guy there that supposedly is the rebuilder, but as soon as he said that these engines are "V6" I promptly ended the call. Besides, you have no idea if in fact the engine they are selling was really rebuilt by the factory. I say pay the difference so you can be sure since the price difference between the factory and their "rebuilt" unit is only $2,500. You get 2 years, unlimited mile warranty with it. My situation was a little different since the engine I sourced from Advanced Auto in NY was only $3,000 and had 8,000 documented miles. The price variance was too large so I pulled the trigger and bought it. I am extremely pleased with the purchase. If you're not in a hurry, just wait and look around in the classifieds. Another option is from Einmalig. They're a SoCal company and the last time I checked, their rebuilt engines were going for $5,500 but they might have increased their price.

914helo · 05-21-2008, 09:47 AM

The SoCal dealers will not budge on their prices. When I was shopping around for a new 3.4L for my '99 996 Sunset Imports in Oregon offered the best price of $8600. Local dealers wouldn't change their price at all. So I ordered from Sunset and had it delivered, then sent back my core. Pretty painless. Even with shipping it was still a lot cheaper than the dealer. I guess they didn't really want my money...

996pcar · 05-21-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 914helo

The SoCal dealers will not budge on their prices. When I was shopping around for a new 3.4L for my '99 996 Sunset Imports in Oregon offered the best price of $8600. Local dealers wouldn't change their price at all. So I ordered from Sunset and had it delivered, then sent back my core. Pretty painless. Even with shipping it was still a lot cheaper than the dealer. I guess they didn't really want my money...

Would I be able to ge that price from Sunset Imports in Oregon? That is really cheap!

996pcar · 05-21-2008, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfer

I wouldn't buy anything from that place. I spoke to a guy there that supposedly is the rebuilder, but as soon as he said that these engines are "V6" I promptly ended the call. Besides, you have no idea if in fact the engine they are selling was really rebuilt by the factory. I say pay the difference so you can be sure since the price difference between the factory and their "rebuilt" unit is only $2,500. You get 2 years, unlimited mile warranty with it. My situation was a little different since the engine I sourced from Advanced Auto in NY was only $3,000 and had 8,000 documented miles. The price variance was too large so I pulled the trigger and bought it. I am extremely pleased with the purchase. If you're not in a hurry, just wait and look around in the classifieds. Another option is from Einmalig. They're a SoCal company and the last time I checked, their rebuilt engines were going for $5,500 but they might have increased their price.

Thanks for the info! I will try to look up Einmalig.

Any other places I should look into?

914helo · 05-22-2008, 11:42 AM

Prices have gone up recently, but should only be a little. I bought mine a few months ago. Sunset's service with me was great.

996pcar · 05-23-2008, 01:45 PM

Hello, upon research I ended up going with Strasse Auto in Costa Mesa. Apparently they rebuild for Einmalig but they offer a better warrantee. I spoke with Robert at Strasse and he seems very freindly and seems very knowledgable. I will let you guys know how it goes once it is complete.

Elfer · 05-23-2008, 03:09 PM

How much did Strasse quote you? Remember that your baseline is $8,600 before freight charges from Sunset - factory rebuilt with 2 years/Unlimited Miles warrantee.

914helo · 05-24-2008, 04:50 PM

What also helped my decision to go with the factory motor was the new items. With the motor comes new starter, alternator, water pump, power steering pump, etc. It even came with new plugs, Mobil 1, and exhaust headers. Just reuse your AC condensor and cats and mufflers. It is really a plug and play. I just drove my 996 today over 300 miles. I plan to drive it for a long time before any of the periodic maintanance has to be done (like a new water pump). My peace of mind was worth it. Besides, my 914 project keeps me busy with maintanance. I want my 996 to be worry-free.

ZX9RCAM · 05-28-2008, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elfer

How much did Strasse quote you? Remember that your baseline is $8,600 before freight charges from Sunset - factory rebuilt with 2 years/Unlimited Miles warrantee.

Yes, how much....inquiring minds want to know please?