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Update: Work has been progressing. Case has been machined for the larger pistons and the halves are back together with rods. Waiting on new piston rings to come in so the short block can be buttoned up. John (engine builder) reports that overall wear was not as much as we expected based on my description of the car's past life (lots of HARD track time, based on the videos I viewed of the car before I bought it). Some minimal rod bearing wear, but to use John's words, "nothing major by any means...looks like she has lived a happy life!" Below is a pic John sent me today. Its nice knowing that all the seals, gaskets, and other wear components like bearings, chain rails, etc... are being refreshed! Cannot endorse John enough. Totally stand up guy and so easy to work with. Will provide more updates and pics in the next couple days. I'll probably visit the shop soon to take a peek for myself.
How did the rods look? Were there any over-revs on your car? My car has similar miles and probably track life to yours, and the rods are the only thing that keep me up at night.
I came into this knowing it’ll need a rebuild eventually, but also hoping to delay it somewhat.
Yes, lots of type 1's and 2's. John didn't say anything about the rods specifically...he said he didn't observe any abnormal wear. But he likely didn't pay pay much attention to the rods as I'm not re-using them...as I got the 997 versions with the pistons from @flsupraguy (did I mention the debt of gratitude I owe him?). Per John, they are the same dimensions as the 996 gt3 ti rods but beefed up and improved in some minor respects.
Frankly, I was surprised too hear the wear was not too bad. As noted above, this car seemed slower than my other 6-3, had more valve noise, and had a tad bit lower hot idle oil pressure which lead me to believe I could have had worn main bearings. Perhaps it was down on power a bit because of loose valve guides/seals or other issues with the valve train. I never once experienced a low oil pressure warning or light (except the time the sender failed and went to zero, but that was cured by a new sensor), but even after the sensor replacement my hot idle oil pressure was lower than any other mezger I had ever owned (and I watch that stuff like a hawk).
Just as a couple extra data points, we did replace the oil pump as at 70k miles and significant track time, it showed some scoring on the rotors and some wear on the housing, so it was prudent to replace. Per John, this type of wear can be the reason for low hot idle oil pressure. The lifters were also pretty worn (not collapsed...yet), but worn enough that it made sense to replace them all. These two items increased the cost a good bit (oil pump in particular is not cheap), but I'm happy knowing that the engine is going to basically be a "zero hour" motor when I get it back!
The rods in the picture look a lot like Pankels - is that what you are using?
Ray
yup...replacing the stock oem 996 rods with the 997 oem pankl rotors. Per John the 997 oem rods are a bit more sturdy than the 996 versions, but same dimensions.
there is a big difference between the 3.8l and the 3.6l Pankel rods, the 3.6 997 & 996 rods are the same dimensions. I used the 3.8l parts when I did the motor the last time.
I used ARP bolts, but the OEM parts are allegedly good for 3 install / remove cycles, and are of good quality (as you would expect )
there is a big difference between the 3.8l and the 3.6l Pankel rods, the 3.6 997 & 996 rods are the same dimensions. I used the 3.8l parts when I did the motor the last time.
I used ARP bolts, but the OEM parts are allegedly good for 3 install / remove cycles, and are of good quality (as you would expect )
New valve springs with your new lifters?
Correct...using the 3.6 997.1 gt3 oem rods as they much up with the pistons (carrillo, same as used by sharkwerks in their builds) and per the builder, these rods are very stout. And yes, all new valve train parts (springs, guides, machining heads, etc...). Cam adjusters were inspected and found to be totally fine to re-use, and I already changed the chain tensioners 10k miles ago so those won't be replaced either. Also getting a brand new "gasket kit" and "chain kit" (rails, chain, etc...). So excited.
Last edited by ScottArizona; 03-21-2022 at 04:35 PM.
Are the wrist pin offsets used in the Carrillo pistons have a right side and a left side or are they all the same? I ask because the OEM Mahle parts are, and most/many motors have a right side and a left side. I spoke with Mahle and seems like that is what Porsche wanted, so Mahle gave that to them. WRT wrist pins, I used some aftermarket ones with a DLC. they were just a tiny bit heavier but I decided I wanted the tradeoff.
Are the wrist pin offsets used in the Carrillo pistons have a right side and a left side or are they all the same? I ask because the OEM Mahle parts are, and most/many motors have a right side and a left side. I spoke with Mahle and seems like that is what Porsche wanted, so Mahle gave that to them. WRT wrist pins, I used some aftermarket ones with a DLC. they were just a tiny bit heavier but I decided I wanted the tradeoff.
If you don't mind, could you ask John, I am curious as to what he says. I suspect it may have been a $$$ thing for Porsche, but they are far smarter than I, so it could be any number of things, and I guess you can accommodate this with cams... Will there be a change in compression ratio?
I am also really curious to see what this does on a Dyno - before and after, and regardless it will be a lot of fun!
03-14-2022, 05:41 PM
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