I'm leaking oil (pan gaskets & maybe other leaks too)- I have >155K on bottom end- BTW, I have a Powerhaus head (~10K miles) & regular 951 clutch (~15Kmiles). I'm trying to get ready for a rebuild, and want get it done SOON. I'm planning a 2.5L (due to lack of fundage, etc for larger disp). First off, what is considered a FULL BOTTOM END REBUILD? I know some things, like rod and rear main bearings and rings are considered standard, but what else, and what else SHOULD be done while I'm in there, for a 951? Is there a kit I can buy that will help me get everything easily? I'm wanting to do ALL seals, hoses, etc while I'm in there...

I want to save labor where I can- since I DO have a vision- take the PO for a FAST ride, head towards side of tall-*** bridge, let him KNOW the end is CRITICALLY near while savoring the seconds before running into the railing, hearing him scream like a girl, begging for his life, and the tiniest bit of mer... WOH! Wait a sec! WRONG vision- where was I? Oh yeah, THAT VISION- the original one I had BEFORE I got BENT OVER- the one of the BAD-*** 951 like many of you have, and/or aspire to own... Anyway, some things would be better off done at rebuild time to save lots of labor- the turbo seems to be one of them, soooo... Things I want to do:

1. Larger turbo (hopefully a little quicker too)

2.Larger injectors (I have an adj fuel press reg)

3.Chips

4.Port matched manifold (for Powerhaus head)- SHOULD I???

5.Flywheel (I wuld like to save a few pounds)

6.Clutch (if necessary- what to get? Cup clutch?)

7.Oil pan baffling (yes/no???)

8.Stand alone- it would be nice, but I'm afraid it would add a lot of headaches for an everyday driver for me(?)- I definately don't have anyone who is skilled at tuning one nearby- the closest place would probably be 200miles away (Atlanta?) I really want SIMPLICITY, as this is an everyday driver, and, my ONLY car...

ALSO, how many hours labor should it take to remove and re-install the engine, assuming I did nothing else? What about TOTAL time on a complete basic bottom end rebuild? I know that adding a new turbo, etc will add a little more (not much, which is the reason for going ahead and doing it), but I'm trying to get an idea as to what "fair" is for these engines, as I'm not sure who I will end up using. At this point, I plan to use John Anderson, as he seems to be the most willing to work w/me, and has been VERY helpful thusfar, plus his quoted labor (time) HAS to be about as low as I could get- I just want to hear from other's who have done this about how much time it took, what their experience were, etc. Unfortunately, I am all the way across the country from John, so it's going to be a PITA either way...

BTW- anyone ever ship an engine and/or better yet a whole 951 across the country? What's a decent price? Anyone got some good connections? I could get the car to several major cities- Nashville, Atlanta, or even much bigger, like Baltimore, but it's about 8hrs (6hrs Porsche time ) from here, so it's getting kind of far to get the car shipped. Atlanta's ~3hrs, as is Nashville. Any ideas on prices?

Anyway, thanks a lot, and any ideas, suggestions, input, hindsight, and/or advice on ANY of this would be GREATLY appreciated...

Thanks a lot, <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Robby

 

Hi Robby,

Since no-one has replied yet, I'll give you what little I have to give. Currently I am in the middle of a rebuild. So yes you can buy engine kits. For example Zimms has a complete kit on the web for ~$550. It includes gaskets, seals, bearings, and rings. Note: before ordering make sure you know if you need oversized rings or rod bearings!! You can also buy a complete hose kit, I was another thread on this topic I think they are available at AJ-USA.com.

As for time to remove engine. This was my first time on the 951, I have done other vehicles though, so I had all of the tools to do the job. I brought my stuff to the machine shop this morning. I figure I have about 30-40 hours into it now, spread over 4-5 weeks and I have done it myself.Probably go faster next time around. Having a second pair of hands would have helped too. My engine is completely stripped apart.

Lightening the flywheel: since you are using it as a daily driver, one consideration is that a heavier flywheel keeps things smooth, maybe ask a few guys on the list who have done it and get their impressions.

Clutch: not sure mine only has 2000km on it so I won't replace it yet.

Larger turbo, injectors: it's already off so ... I am thinking about this too, but I don't have any info yet.

Porting the head: not considering it at this time. Not sure the bang for the buck is there. Just my opinion.

Hope this helps.

R.B.

 

I would gustimate that I was about 8 or 9 bolts from completely removing my engine along with a mess of cooling hoses, wires, and sensors when I had her apart on the way to replace my rod bearings/oil pan gasket. For me, a first timer never doing anything more complicated than a radiator in a celica, it took me about 15 hours to get to the point of being 8 or 9 bolts (bell housing and exhaust from turbo back) and a bunch of sensors and wires and hoses. If I did it again, I am convinced I could do it in half the time. You are planning on boring and using 1st oversize pistons, correct? Or sleeving and using JE pistions, right? Too bad you didn't snag John Anderson's 415 HP/500someodd ft-lbs monster tec-II 2.82L borer motor...I think he was selling it for 7 or 8 grand complete with the management system.