AWDGuy

I picked up an 02 C4S in April 2014. Drive about 1000km's and that entire time I went through 5L of oil. Every once in a while I would get massive amounts of blue smoke on start up, more coming out the left hand side (Cyl 4, 5 ,6) And of course, the one that I've been seeing posted a lot here - the ticking/knocking noise that goes away after 2k rpm.

I didn't use a stethoscope or a camera to figure out I had scoring, i just figured by the symptoms above that I had scoring and the quicker I accepted it, the quicker I would be back in the car. Sucks though....a lot....you save up....buy the car of your dreams and then park it after driving 1000 km's.

For those that are shopping, take your time, do your home work. If the price is too good to be true - there a reason. Anyways...onto the pics.

Engine out with Pelican Instructions on the TV. After reading here that the bentley manual was kind of useless, I decided not to purchase it and just use the pelican articles and help from the internet. Glad I did, those pelican articles are really well written.





Once we got the heads off, we see major carbon build up



Spark plugs:


Cases split



Cyl 1, 2 ,3 look good:



Cyl, 4, 5 ,6.....not so much



Engine parts everywhere






I posted these on another forum and some ideas of where my scoring came from. Plastic timing chain paddles broke, and oil pick up was plugged, reducing oil pressure. even though the IMS paddle one was not the one to break on mine, I still replaced it with a LNE billet one...







Sent them off to LNE to get the 3.6 to 4.0 job done.











beauty





Now I save up for another 3k of parts

Then find someone to button this all up together.

alpine003

Just to be clear, you took it apart but going to have someone else put it back together?

AWDGuy

if I can find a reputable engine builder in my area, yes, that's the plan. not much luck though so ive been doing tons of research on this to maybe tackle it myself. that isn't my 1st option though, I'd like someone who has done this before to do it. so far, I've gotten a lot of recommendations on people I should use in the area but when I speak to them on the phone and ask "have you ever split the engine on the NA 996 and successfully put it back together, the answer has been "no" everytime so far.

dporto

^this^... It looks like you've done pretty well so far, and it looks like you've got a fairly comfortable work area. Obviously taking an engine apart is not the same as building one...BUT, if you're diligent and very careful, it looks like you might be up to the task... It might even be a good idea to take one of Jake Raby's "enthusiast" building classes (it doesn't seem like you're in a rush, so this may be a viable option). Good Luck * also read everything you can re: the build and double/triple/quadruple check all information before commiting to procedures.

AWDGuy

I'm pretty mechanically inclined. I've rebuilt a 4 cyl engine, installed a LSD, numerous engine and clutch swaps....

but...this is the 1st time (and hopefully last) that I spend 12k in PARTS to FIX one of my vehicles. I really, really, really only want to do this once. lol

cerex

Absolutely WOW. Engine looks amazing your have done some nice work so far.
I would be interested to know if you wind up doing the rebuild yourself certainly seems like you can.

gnat

If you talk to shops that have been in business long enough they all have horror stories of getting half finished projects that turn out to be a nightmare (missing/damaged parts, "completed" things needing to be redone, etc..). I can see a good shop that already has enough work avoiding such a job to avoid the expected complications and headaches.

I agree with the prior suggestion of taking Jake's class and then finishing the job yourself.

Chiamac

Isn't that part of the rush?

=)


I think you're fine, and there should be enough info out there to go by. Maybe in your area there is someone involved in a local PCA group who could help, or a indy shop that could give you a checklist or some assistance?

For me the biggest part would be having a checklist that I could go by, so once it's all together I would be comfortable putting it in the car, and once it's in the car I'd be comfortable starting it up.

Chiamac

I think it would really depend on the condition of the box of parts they get.

Someone showing up with new parts that they didn't ruin would be a totally different thing and I could see a few shops in the area being open to that.

AWDGuy

after currency conversion, flight, hotel, and tool purchase, I'd be in about another $5k to take Mr raby's course & DIY this.

I'd be more than willing to hand that $5k over to a shop that can make sure I only have to do this once.

well see....I'll start calling around again next month after I have all the parts. I've had a few say that yes, they will do it, that isn't the problem. my problem is finding a local shop that's done this before. I've been the guinea pig and that was quite expensive also

gnat

Are they the right parts? Are all the parts there?

Looks like this guy has done all his homework and the answer to those questions is likely to be yes. He is talking to shops that have no idea who he is, however, so I could fully understand them thinking "probably not". Even worse, because they don't know him I can also see them writing him off because of the knowledge he has with the thought that he'll be one of those customers that tries to tell them how to do their job.

Not saying that it's right or wrong for shops to take that view, just pointing out that as a possibility of why he may be having trouble finding someone to take on the job.

AWDGuy

Lol. I could do without it.

Chiamac

No he is taking a bunch of new parts to a shop and then saying "I will pay you" - and the last part being important.

=)

For non-Porsche engines I know a handful of shops and places around that would be more than happy to work with a person and help as needed. They would get paid, but they also understand that there are people who want to try to do things themselves and want to learn. Didn't Jake get started like that as well?

But anyway, as long as you don't bring them junk or ruined parts I'm sure they would be happy to help.

Porsche stuff is a little more specific but still, there are those two shops I would call and maybe a 3rd. These places support the local scene, they support racers, and I'm sure they would be more than happy to support someone who is rebuilding a engine and did some of the work themselves.

AWDGuy

I've been and worked in this game long enough that I know what to expect.

I certainly am not dropping off my new engine cases with broken timing chain paddles and used tensioners to be put back together. like I said - I only want to do this once. new chains, paddles, gaskets, orings, bolts, etc, etc is what will be in the box when it is dropped off.

PelicanParts.com

Glad to hear they have been helpful. Looks like you're doing a great job so far. If you do run into an issue, let me know as we are here to help.