Thom1

*** What are the procedures for replacing heads?
** Is it necessary to note orientation before removing heads?
** Are special tools required?
* Does anyone have a good deal on some 1985 or 86 heads? (Are all 85 and 86 heads indeed interchangeable?)
**** Does the 86.5 engine have studs or bolts securing the heads? (Studs require engine removal?)
* Is head rebuilding a good option?
* I have seen valve prices ranging from $13.95 intake - tweeks.com, $39.95 - exhaust tweeks.com, to way up out of the roof. What's the difference?
** What other parts are recommended for repairing valve damage?
* AM I BRAIN DAMAGED to attempt these repairs myself? Just Kidding ... Must do repairs by self ... cannot afford to pay Porsche mechanic. (I have replaced the water pump, dash, instrument pod, vacuum components, environmental controls, electric seat switches, fan clutch fluid, fuel pump and filter, etc. already, and can follow procedures.)
NOTE: I have already replaced all the bearings, defective tensioner carrier, and timing belt on the front of the engine. It is certain that I have valve damage.

John Veninger

*** What are the procedures for replacing heads?

I'm pretty sure that the 86 had studs. The engine needs to be pulled to get the heads off.

** Is it necessary to note orientation before removing heads?

Don't understand. Orientation of what?
** Are special tools required?

The main tool you will need is a set of factory workshop books. (about $375.00)

* Does anyone have a good deal on some 1985 or 86 heads? (Are all 85 and 86 heads indeed interchangeable?)

Talk to 928 International (www.928intl.com)

**** Does the 86.5 engine have studs or bolts securing the heads? (Studs require engine removal?)

See above.

* Is head rebuilding a good option?

Depends on the cost of a used set of heads.

* I have seen valve prices ranging from $13.95 intake - tweeks.com, $39.95 - exhaust tweeks.com, to way up out of the roof. What's the difference?

Margins I guess.
** What other parts are recommended for repairing valve damage?

You need to check for valve guide damage. Might not happen, but needs to be checked.

* AM I BRAIN DAMAGED to attempt these repairs myself?

All depends on you level and comfort. Pulling the engine is no small task, but can be done in a home garage.
You other option might be to get a used 86 engine for about $3500.00(again 928 International) and just do a swap.
I would be interested in the old one (block,crank and pistons) if you do happen to do this.
Good luck!!

[ 07-10-2001: Message edited by: John V. ]

jim morehouse

Just saw a used head for 85-86 on 928I's site for $1500 in the "Overstock and Sale Items" category. Thought I'd let you know.

Jim
jim928@ptd.net

John Veninger

Might only be the casting w/o the valves. I guess you would need to talk to them.

Pete L

Let me preface this by saying I have not personally seen or know anybody who has done the procedure I am about to describe.

I have heard from one of our local shops here in DC area (ASG) that it is possible to pull the heads from an 85 or 86 with studs. This is accomplished by welding the nuts to the studs and then unbolting the nut/stud assembly do this. This provides the clearance needed to pull the heads while the engine is still in the car. The studs are then replaced with the long head bolts used on the later cars.

Anybody out there have experience with this?

Dave S then replied to me and stated:

Pete,
That's a valid point (my mechanic/friend has done that in the past) , but
the possibility should be considered of a head stud breaking in the process
(also had this happen on one such attempt) and, in that event, the engine
would have to be pulled to have proper/adequate access/clearance to finish
pulling the heads and extracting the broken stud. It might be safer/easier
to do it "the hard way" first, then convert the bolts when the rest of the
work is done .... just a thought. These cars seem to have an appetite for
breaking bolts/screws/studs off in the aluminum block ....

Peter D. Loedding
2001 Frenzy Chairperson
703-764-0582 home
301-461-0689 cell
301-493-4444 x 107 work

FRENZY WEBPAGE & APPLICATIONS
http://members.rennlist.com/frenzy
or
pcapotomac.org and click on 928 Frenzy link

1986 928s
5-speed, Black/Black

Max

* What are the procedures for replacing heads?
This is not a ease one to describe on a BB. You are better off spending the duckies on the Shop Manuals (SM). It sounds like you will need them in the future anyway.

** Is it necessary to note orientation before removing heads?
Orientation / placement of the, bolts? Yes, the heads? No, Misc. Items? Yes, whenever I do something like this for the first time, I take detailed pictures to refer back to.

*** Are special tools required?
It depends on if you are going to attempt the valve job yourself or sub the head work out and you just do the R&R. If you find yourself in the need for some of the SP tools listed in the SM you can call Zenlenda Automotive, inc at 718-896-2288 / 888-892-8348 and ask them for their Audi / VW tool catalog.

**** Does anyone have a good deal on some 1985 or 86 heads? (Are all 85 and 86 heads indeed interchangeable?)
Good question, you will just have to keep your eyes open. Just remember used head are just that used and come with an AS, WERE IS WARRANTY. IMO you would be far better off sending your heads out for a rebuild to one of the Big three. Maybe even spend a few more duckies and get the DEVEK BIG VALVE and PORT work done on them : > () !

***** Does the 86.5 engine have studs or bolts securing the heads? (Studs require engine removal?)
I don't personally know this one. Sorry

****** Is head rebuilding a good option?
Yes, see : >() above

******* I have seen valve prices ranging from $13.95 intake - tweeks.com, $39.95 - exhaust tweeks.com, to way up out of the roof. What's the difference?
Valves come in Different Quality and make-up. When comparing you must know the different products so you can compare apples to apples.

******** What other parts are recommended for repairing valve damage?
It depends on the amount of damage. Some times the heads can crack, the valve guides can get damaged, almost all the time a large amount of the valves will be bent and the valve seats will have been damaged as well.

********* AM I BRAIN DAMAGED?
No, But I would strongly recommend buying a set of Porsche 928 shop manuals.

I will repeat what I have told other.

"There has been others before you in the same position, some have succeeded and some have failed. They all learned lessons they would have never learned had they not taken that first step."
"Life is a gamble! What are you willing to risk?"
Good luck, have fun and remember to just walk away for a short time when things don't go as planned.

PPO
Max

Thom1

Thank you all who have responded to my inquiries. It is really helpful to get your suggestions. The STUD REMOVAL prospect sounds better than pulling the engine.
ˇ Is there enough clearance at the top of the head stud (head installed) to tighten down a second nut? (That way I can remove stud without welding a nut on.)
ˇ Is WD-40 OK for loosening stud threads, or is something else better?

Another suggestion is to ROLL THE ENGINE enough to give heads clearance to be removed.
ˇ How involved is this? I have been told to disconnect motor mounts and exhausts (at head) to allow rotation. Also remove ignition coils, and strut bar for clearance.
ˇ Do I have to disconnect transmission, etc.?

Do I NEED PARTS other than these for head replacement? (I have replaced all bearings and the timing belt on the front of the engine.)
ˇ Heads (2)
ˇ Head gaskets (2)
ˇ Valve cover gaskets (2)
ˇ Exhaust to head gaskets (8)
ˇ Timing Chains (2)

Is there any more RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE while I have heads out?