Mrmerlin

getting it all together took just about 5 days for Samantha

hacker-pschorr

That's the problem, however.... as I read the OP I took it to mean everything was already checked, bearings were measured, rings already gaped & installed etc.... literally just assembled.

The question is very ambiguous, not sure the practical application of any answer to said question.

It's a bit like the "assembly" option at the Corvette factory. You can pay extra to assemble the engine, takes a couple of hours.

Daniel5691

My machinist suggested a gentleman in Louisville named Bruce Domeck, owner of Unique Automotive.
I spoke with Mr Domeck earlier this week and he was interested in the project. He said he'd owned a 928 for years, it had over 200,000 miles on it... He's currently working on an OB ('79?).

I was just trying to educate myself here with your experiences on assembly times. It's been very helpful. Thanks !

( I did find this post about him, it was fun to read, lots of cool photos, too ! http://www.502streetscene.net/forum/...d.php?t=180505 )

FredR

For whatever reason I have the number "140" manhours in my head that Porsche allow to remove, strip, re-assemble and install the motor.

If that number is anywhere near correct it would be interesting to know how that breaks down. Having never attempted such I would think it takes a day to get a motor out, a day to get it back in, a day to strip it so does that imply it takes around 100 hours to build the motor the way Porsche expect? 140 hours at $100/hr= $14k plus parts/services needed.

Is that in the right ball park? It would take me about 8 hours to do my timing belt but then I am in no hurry. Once managed to get the inlet manifold off and back on again in 4 hours repairing a damaged breather pipe.

Rgds

Fred

hacker-pschorr

For an odd comparison, most Audi dealers quote $10k - $12k to drop the engine in their "rear chain" V8 and fix that problem. Which doesn't include anything other than removing all the chains, updating the guides and reinstalling the chains.

GregBBRD

Frankly, there's so many little details and tricks required to built one of these engines, you should find someone that has done several to assemble this engine.

Rob Edwards

What could possibly go wrong?

hacker-pschorr

That is the epitome of engineering arrogance. They were so confident that system would never need to be serviced while under warranty........ They placed the chain system millimeters from the firewall.

Don't put them in FRONT like a normal car company....noooooo. Use jack shafts to spin the accessories sill located in the usual location.


Anytime someone complains about working on a 928 being difficult (or the timing belt in general), we just need to post up that photo. Owners are lucky to hit 100,000 miles before that system needs to be addressed. Had the 928 been designed with the current mentality, we would be dealing with crap like that.

Daniel5691

Greg, thanks for taking the time to respond in this thread. I consider your input invaluable, along with the other "veterans" here who make RL such a consistently meaningful resource.
I would like to ask you a question, respectfully, what happens when guys like you and Sean and Stan, etc are gone?
How do guys like me ever develop the magic bag of little details and tricks?
I mean, it's so daunting, that it actually prevents one from even attempting the project for many of us.

Surely there must be huge overall community interest and value in something like an "Edited and Updated Workshop Manual" that contains input from you experienced folks.

Most of us are 1 or 2 car guys, we've taken these sad old heaps on as a hobby, but we really don't want to "Bubba" the car as badly as some of the folks who owned them before us. Case in point, the whole issue of head studs. I re-re-re-read that thread until my arteries clogged, and came away with a ton of info not found ANYWHERE in the WSM...

Now, it seems, that many times relying solely on the WSM is a liability in itself. I know... search is my friend... but search doesn't hold these types of critical procedures.

I would pay US Dollars for a book or file written by you Top Gun guys that walked a regular guy through the real engine assembly process. I'll bet Seth would too. And Ryan. And Hoi and Nate and Jon... and basically all of us lol.

Thanks for your time.

FredR

Heath Robinson would be proud of that thing!

Our timing belt is a breeeze by comparison.

GregBBRD

Maybe when I retire, I'll have time to do this kind of stuff. A detailed assembly book would be helpful, even in my own shop.

Right now, I'm trying to teach my son to understand the basics of the car, so he can take over the day to day work, in the shop, in the next few years. It literally takes me a couple of years to train a mechanic to be able to know the different systems and be able to logic through basic problems. Longer for a non-mechanic person, like my son. (Graduated from Berkeley with a degree in economics....stupid smart.....great logic ability....not very mechanical, as he grew up. Why try to learn the things that dad already knows and does?) The more technical things...I'm not sure how long that takes to learn....years and years. I've never had anyone that was qualified to build an engine or transmission (and I've tried), so I've always done those jobs, myself.

As far as you are concerned, you've asked the correct questions, all along. And you have the ability to read and listen (which is somewhat unique.) There's plenty of information here....there are people with experience that will help you through each step.....and I always try to "step in" when I think information is incorrect, pieces are wrong, or when people can't find a solution.

I'd encourage you to do the engine, yourself, instead of paying someone to learn how to do it.

I think you will have a better result.

V2Rocket

Need an apprentice?
I've been doing 944s for lots of folks for 10 years now and know them inside and out...and I own a few hammers

jeff spahn

Greg encouraged me through the half tear down of my engine (no splitting lower girdle). I put in a new piston and wrist pin, had the heads planed and put the heads back together. 30,000 miles later it is still running strong (under boost no less).

We need to learn from these guys as they age out so we can pass it on to others. I now help people and tell them to teach what they learn. I don't take out engines except my own car but I'll help anyone do anything, time willing. Heck, I'm heading to Vegas in two weeks with my car to do a supercharger swap out to prepare for my Hans Charger.

waynestrutt

Not very long

I use two impact guns, so when the handle on one gets too hot I can switch.

skpyle

IN A HEARTBEAT!!!




This is SO very true. If you can work your way through the details and nuances of each task, you will be happier with the outcome. You will know what has been done to it. You will have a much better sense of satisfaction.
For example, the Red Witch is trying to bankrupt me. I am holding on, refusing to give up. For each fault I find, through the knowledge here on Rennlist 928, I am able to work my way through it. Once all is said and done, I will know my 928.