vincer77

I would not consider rings to be part of a top end job. You probably have worn rings. Was there a leak down test done?

OverBoosted28

"Top-end "rebuild" means valves, seats, springs, requisite machining, checking tolerances (with care!!!); depending on how else it's "defined" it also includes re-ringing and, with more enthusiasm, p's and c's. As for bottom end, no self-respecting shop or builder would do a full top end and NOT check the bottom. 911 bottom ends are renown for their strength and longevity, and going 300K on the bottom is not unheard of."

Although some may not include the pistons/cylinders/rings, a good "top end" does

vincer77

I guess I still think in terms of a conventional engine where the cylinders do not separate from the bottom end. But a quart of oil use in 1500 miles kinda negates the "good 'top end' job idea. My guess is that only the heads were done. And when you consider that the mechanic said to "drive it like you stole it" also points to rings not being done.

Slow Guy

As Garth was implying if you're trying to keep the oil level at or very near the "full" mark that may be your problem. Many of us have found our engines like to stay about 1/2 way between the add and full marks. I know on both my 993's if their oil level was above half way it would quickly burn off. Don't add oil until it gets to the "low" mark and see what happens to your consumption. IIRC it's 1.5 L between the low and full marks.

Mike J

I keep mine to bottom to 1/3 up the stick for the same reason - these cars seem to like to consume oil when the tank is full. There is LOTS of oil in the system, so that variance of a litre or less is not a problem.

BTW, "stronger valve guides" is not really the terminology to use, the stock valves are soft and tend to wear/oval easily, so hopefully whatever they put in has better wear characteristics.

Its true though, your consumption rate is too high if the engine is tight - so the oil is going somewhere.

What is your mechanic telling you?

Cheers,

Mike

vincer77

Great point. When I tried keeping oil level at top of stick, I was burning a lot of oil. I could smell the burning oil as I drove and when parking the car in the garage.

Slow Guy

I thought I told you about that Vince? I know it's been a few years.

vincer77

Yes. When I said I was going through a qt every 1500 mi. If you told me when I bought it, went over my head.

How's Florida?

nine9six

I too, think of a top end as the valve train. This does not include rings, pistons, and cylinder honing. In my head thats rebuilding the motor, less the bottom end.