islaTurbine

I have a contact that says they’ve changed the process in order to prevent people from using a CoA to obtain the original serial numbers and then use that info to modify non-original components to match the CoA data.

Supposedly now the only way to determine if your classic P-car is numbers-matching is to take it to an authorized Porsche Classic dealer. Only they have the ability to scour the internal database and will then give you a thumbs up or down on what’s installed in your car at that moment. TIFWIW.

wsrgklt

After a bit of prodding, I did get some additional information from Alpine Autowerks, the Calgary shop that installs the Hartech sleeves from the UK. For those unfamiliar with it, they have an extensive rebuild involving wet liner aluminum alloy sleeves with Nikasil plating. They also modify the heads and block to convert the engine to a closed deck, which they say stabilizes the cylinders to reduce the risk of movement and bore scoring. Finally, they make some adjustments to the coolant flow to improve cooling, especially on bank 4-5-6, which again, they say is important for avoiding scoring issues.

On my initial call with Marc at Alpine, he indicated that their shop was very busy, with 6 cars currently undergoing engine rebuilds. He also indicated that they had not rebuilt a 3.4 with Hartech sleeves yet, and had to consult with the UK to confirm they were set up to do it. He also conveyed that they had seen some motors rebuilt with Nickies that ended up with scoring, and had rebuilt them again with the Hartech process. (I'm not looking to start a battle about sleeves again here - for more info, see Charles' excellent post that addresses Nickies reliability earlier in this thread).

I didn't get a detailed quote from Alpine, and I'm not going to pursue it, as they seem overwhelmed and I'm not likely to go this route. The info I do have from them is as follows:
* The 3.4 is repairable with the Hartech sleeves. Displacement increase is an option.
* Turnaround time for the engine build is currently 2-4 months.
* The repair cost for a bare case is CAD 5,500.
* The typical cost for an assembled long block is CAD 12-15K (Engine rebuilds are à la carte so the actual price is determined after tear down & evaluation.)
* A total build including installation is CAD 17-20k.

At current exchange rates, CAD 15k is roughly USD 11k. That makes this a potentially attractive option for US owners, assuming the higher-end build from them includes a similar parts bill as the other high end options in the comparison. However, my sense is they might not be so easy to work with from a long distance. For someone close to Calgary, this likely an excellent option.

wsrgklt

No follow-ups from either of the two Porsche dealers I contacted about the factory short block swap, and I'm not going to hound them to take my money. I'll stand by my earlier conclusion that no shop wants to do this job. Perhaps it's a viable option for an owner who can take on a rebuild project on their own.

808Bill

Call Jason at 9xx in Cali. if you want to ad to your list.

wsrgklt

Already did. They are columns H and I on the spreadsheet

808Bill

So which way are you leaning at this point? You've done an excellent job here and provided valuable information.

strathconaman

This is great information. I wonder how much to ship back and forth the long block. Makes me think of dropping my engine in the fall, sending the long block to Calgary for the winter and re-installing in the spring. Although I have to admit I had this dream of shipping the whole car to them for the winter, picking up in the spring and driving her back (first 1000km to break in, last 2500km mach schnell)

808Bill

Once it's all said and done, I think shipping the car would be the best option.

wsrgklt

Depends on the day. Sometimes I wake up thinking I can talk myself into sinking $15k+ in this car, other days I just want to light it on fire and roast marshmallows with the kids.

I know you're following the used engine thread too. I'm getting a little more info on that front, and I'm going to make a decision in the next few days.

dporto

In order to properly test the engine under driving conditions, the engine needs to be installed in the car. This is pretty much the position of Flat 6 Innovations (though I think they will accept an engine in a crate, they strongly discourage it). I can't imagine it would be any different for other engine builders.

jim010

Awesome! Someone local to me! This is a big deal, as sending my car to th US is not an option

808Bill

They will. I think he has an engine dyno too or at least a "run" stand.

808Bill

I thought your car was still running, are you driving it?

wsrgklt

I put it away for the winter in November and it was running, but was running rough. I haven’t wanted to drive it and have it deteriorate further if I’m going to rebuild the engine. I have an E90 BMW 335 for regular transportation, so I don’t have to rely on my 996.

dporto

^^Not the same as testing the engine in the car...