My '86 951 that is used for DE's, track days recently overheated and now has only 60 psi compression in 2 cylinders. Just had a welded-in half cage, seats, and harnesses installed, so timing is of course terrible.
Just started driving a few months ago and have done about 16 DE's.
Anyone have thoughts on the following options?
Rebuild
LSx conversion
Scrap it and move on to something else (spec Miata, Spec 944, M3?) and maybe save chassis for later rebuild/LSx?
Thanks!

 

Before you consider anything, I'd suggest getting the head off and working out what the problem is.

 

Yeah, it's likely just a head gasket.

 

+1 pull the head and see what you working with first.

 

Was told that mechanic placed a fiberoptic scope to examine cylinders and found excessive cylinder wall scoring on the two cylinders in question.
No oil/coolant mixing present.

 

I know where a good block is cheap...

 

I'd just do the block and a partial rebuild. Gives you a rock solid engine in an already prepped chassis.

Alternately, get your existing block sleeved.

 

What do you feel like doing? Are you done with 944 ownership? what to try something new? Want to spend weeks and endless emails parting out the car? Just want to walk away and cry?

Figure out what is wrong.. Then repair with like motor (whether rebuild or another 951 motor). If you want an adventure, the V8 conversion does seem like fun.

 

LSx for the win.


life could be worse.

Tim Tebow could be your quarterback.

 

Well what is your budget?

There are good engines for sale all the time for 1500-5k if you want to go that route.

 

Budget will allow replacement (not sure spouse will!).
The worst part is not having a track car while repairs are being done.

 

Great questions - not sure I've figured out all the answers, however.
It is an otherwise well-sorted track car that I love driving (new brake booster and MC, SS lines, Hawk DTC-60 pads, TB/WP, coolant hoses, Lindsey Racing chip and exhaust, half-cage, Cobra seats, 5-pt harnesses) - so I'd actually prefer to have it properly repaired.
In an ideal world I'd also get another "back-up" track car, but not sure this can be done without significant disturbance of domestic tranquility....

 

Take your time, some time off the track, and fix it properly.

 

+1
In the process of doing a sbc swap becase of a similar story. Mine was just a blown HG and no block damage.

 

buy antoher 951 for 3k. pull the motor and freshin it up and drop her in. then put a lsx engine in the other car