996 and Boxster engine rebuilding questions.

[Dick Shift]

Aloha all!
Of the 7 M96 core engines [4x 2.5's, 1x 3.4, 2x 3.6] have die-sected Only one had a BAD IMS BEARING. One had been over heated. One 3.6 threw a rod. Three, THREE! that had cylinder sleeves that MOVED down toward the crank.
I NEVER heard anyone mention this problem?? Not to mention a fix. Other than L&N that will re-sleeve with new pistons for $4,600! Not practical for most people with Boxster's and Carrera's worth $8-20k.
I am thinking of taping and simply bolting a couple small tabs at the bottom of the M96 engines that have sleeves. What do you all think?

I have run in to head bolts stripping out of the crankshaft barring Carrier when torqueing heads down! Never heard of anyone having this problem either. I now put case savers, yes same case savers [aka, Time Serts] we've been using in the 2.7's for years, in the M96 engines bearing carrier. So I believe there is no just "top end" repair. All or nothing??

M96 engine connecting ROD's, [ie 3.6 rods] are smaller, and wimpy, compared to a OEM 2.0 air cooled engine rod, WTF? Should the rods be changed to aftermarket HD rods? Rod bolts?

Prepping M96 engines for new rings.
All I heir is, don't do anything I was taught in the past. IE; honing, or even Scotch bight's. Clean cly's with rubbing compound, that's all? VERY Curious to others thought's on this one?? And tiring to find rings for 2.5 $1,200 IF you can find them??

Any advice would be helpful to many hopefully!
DS, John Mayers, yes I have some M96 engines and parts I am willing to sell.
[email protected]

[eric523]

there are several places you can likely get to re-sleeve for less and get a set of replacement pistons. I've had steel sleeves installed in my 3.8L case and increased to 4.0L with aftermarket pistons for less than your L&N quoted price.

I went with Carrillo rods for my 3.6L. They offer a couple different types of rod bolt options.

Yes, 2.5L rings are pricey.... Hard on the "budget" Boxster spec racers during rebuilds.

[Dick Shift]

Thanks Eric, any machine shops that repair M96 engines you can name?