macnewma

I am planning a winter rebuild/refresh and I need to find a machine shop for some work. It would be great if I could get it done locally (Indiana or possibly nearby cities like Cinci). I would rather not pay shipping on a block and risk damage.

I plan to call Farmer and Euro Motorworks to see who they use, but if you have any input beyond that it is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Max

jjjr944

Hey Max, email Chuck Wills at:
racer_chuck@comcast.net
He's at a Porsche and Spec Miata shop over in Gasoline Alley. Good guy and if they cannot do the work, I 'm sure they know someone who can being so close to the race shops.
Shop name is :
AIM Tuning
298F Gasoline Alley
Indianapolis, IN 46222-3909

www.aimtuning.com

I've been in contact with him lately, so just use my name as an intro.
Good Luck.

Jerry Jaspers

dmfclf82

Max,

Check with Schmidt Motors (317-897-2995) . They are the machine shop for Steve Schmidt racing. They are one of the best race motor builders in the midwest. They built a motor for a friend of mine for his cobra. They work on all types of motors.

Dave

macnewma

Thanks guys.

Jerry, what kind of Porsche experience does AIM have? Are they a mechanic shop or a machine shop? I am looking for a shop that can work on the 944 block. I don't know if it will need cylinder work yet (hoping not), but I would like to find a place that can do the special alusil "honing" if needed.

Dave, I will keep Schmidt motors in mind for the head. From what I understand, Porsche specific knowledge and equipment aren't needed for the head as much as for the block.

Thanks,
Max

Ski

Max, I hope you find someone close but if not, call Duffin Engine in San Antonio TX. They are very familiar with the blocks and Alusil. They did our track car and did OZ951 engine. I have pics if you can't find someone close to you or closer than San Antonio. Jims shop is only 2 hours from San Antonio, we have a spare 86 block there and a set of 101mm pistons. If you get in a bind, let me know if we can help.

macnewma

Thanks Bret. Hopefully I will be able to find someone closer. I don't anticipate cylinder scoring, but you never know. If I don't need any cylinder work done, can I have the block machined at a reputable shop that doesn't specialize in Porsches? I know there are alot of engine shops in town, I just don't know about Porsche engines.

What do you guys think about using a shop like Performance Developments or Heritiage Motorcars? They specialize in Porsches but I think they charge a hefty premium.

Max

Ski

If you don't have any visible or "fingernail catching" scoring or scratching, I would just install new rings. Any good machine shop can do you a .003 -.004 cleaning pass on the head and block so you have a nice flat sealing surface, and install o-ring on the block or head. If for some reason you have to go more, you might want to think about using the Cometic head gasket at a greater thickness than stock to keep your compression close to factory or vice versa to raise it a bit. PD does charge a premium but you get what you pay. If you'll search the "track car pic" thread, there are a lot of good block pics from us blowing up the first one(low Colorado octane still in the car) to the finished product,,page 15-17 I think.

macnewma

Thanks Bret, I appreciate the advice. I doubt there is scoring. The engine only has 71k miles and an impeccable maintenance history. I just want to have everything in tip top shape so I can beat on it for a few years. I also want a perfectly clean engine and bay.

I will probably have the block decked, put new headstuds in (ARP, Raceware or Heritage Motorcar) and flushed/cleaned so it looks like new. I regular machine shop should be able to handle this.

Max

Ski

only 71k, I doubt with your maintenance there is any scoring either.

I understand your wants; I'm building a spare 100.5 motor as we speak. I got the engine out of the wrecked track car; 100.5 Cervelli prepped block(walls are perfect), Mahle 100.5 pistons. I've ordered new rings for it, damn $$. I'll get it built and then decide on when to install it next year if I go for a full repaint for perfection. I'm using ARP head studs, got em from EBS.

macnewma

What rings did you go with and how much were they?

Max

jjjr944

I know they do the mechanic work, but not sure of the machine work, hence the email address for Chuck. Shoot him an e-mail and ask, as he used to run a 914-6 and AIM had a porsche specialist by the name of Robert Shapinsky. Hence they should know local sources for what you need if they do not do the work themselves. Take a look at the website. I'm going to try to get Chuck to do a 1/2 hour Q&A at his shop for those who care to stop by on the way to the Indy GTG's coming up.

macnewma

Cool, I sent them an email yesterday. Thanks!

Max

Ski

Max, I got the 100.5 from the PO has he had a set. The other rings, standard 100, always gotten them from Jason at Paragon.