I'm no expert, but that's a lot of metal for an engine that showed no symptoms. I'd almost suspect the water pump ( if it had metal blades) that carved up the block.

 

Nice fine metallic grit, perfect for extrude honeing all internal clearances!

 

Agree with Pete. Get a second opinion. Your engine may very well be toast - but that's the worst-case diagnosis despite your lack of other symptoms. That filter doesn't look like other filters we've seen. I'm not qualified to diagnose your problem or even to disagree with what your mechanic has told you. But, given the lack of secondary symptoms, I'd want to verify that declaration of death. You've really got nothing to lose.

 

20 hrs labor (includes front end alignment, A/C service and other small stuff) @ $100/hr, 16k$ for rebuilt engine w/6mo warranty, most parts, oil, for total of $19,854 (includes $1,300 in CA state tax)

 

For future planning, most rollers are going for around $5-6K at best, not $7k as some people have posted. I bought mine for less than $4K.

 

^I think you are correct. Although, I spoke to a guy just yesterday at our Porsche breakfast who bought a plain Jane 2002 C2 roller for $8,500 and had Raby rebuild the engine. It sounds like was an exceptionally clean roller with only 12,000 miles on the odometer though, so that's probably the higher end.

 

Yup, you are no expert. Where did you come up with this theory?

 

Easy-
How do you explain that much shrapnel with no operational symptoms. Which bearing or bearings could grenade that much trash and not affect the operation or indications of the motor?
If it's chain rail debris, wouldn't the slapping chains cause some running issues?

Rather than sarcasm, perhaps you can tells us what it is.

 

I think his point is, debris in the coolant (ex: from water pump) would not show up on an oil filter.

 

No, he was just being rude. No oil pressure loss and continued operation for some 40 miles or so seems to disqualify most of the usual suspects for grenading an engine (assuming that is even the case). A fragged water pump spitting impeller blades could lead to debris in the oil filter and just about every where else by some point, no?

 

Back to the original question. First thing you need to decide is how much you like/love the car. With 105,000 miles, even with a new motor, I don't think its worth it financially unless you plan on keeping the car for a few years. If you do plan on keeping it and driving it, then for the $20k you could not find a better car. Assuming everything else on the car is good.

 

Newbie here looking for more info on a 'Howaboutthat' comment referencing severe cold weather starts. Just purchased an 01 and still getting my feet wet with everything. Live in CT and since yesterday was dry and sunny but in the 20's decided to take her for a little run. Can you talk in more detail about cold weather starts? Thanks in advance!

 

Which begs the question....who says the motor is toast and what evidence backs it up?

 

There is a theory that cold starts in really cold weather leads to cylinder scoring. Some reputable people think so. I live in NE Ohio and it is my daily driver so I spent some time looking into this. This was my conclusion. Cold weather starts may be a factor for cylinder scoring because more cars from colder climates have scoring than cars from warmer climates. But there is no direct link as cars from both climates suffer from this occasionally. It's not common. There is no direct evidence, and there are lots of other factors involved.

I drive mine every day. Temp was -4 last week. I don't loose sleep over it.

 

Dgjks6 summarized it well. Seems some Canadian and other northern climate folks experienced a disproportionate amount of bore scoring that was diagnosed shortly after a series of very cold weather starts last winter. If it is below 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) I tend not to drive the car if it would remain outside long enough to adjust fully to the ambient temperature. Starting the car in the warmer garage and driving around, and even leaving it parked for a while outside in such temperatures does not concern me, but I play it conservatively by way of the super cold starts. If I did not have another vehicle handy, I would follow dgjks6's philosophy and ignore it.