Nordschleifer

Gurus,
lots of pressure in the system to get the coolant lines welded - although my 6GT3 has only 9k miles on the clock i feel like im not going to enjoy next track season without having this job done. So my buddy (owns 6Turbo) and i have decided to get this done over the winter as a DIY project on both cars. We want to drop engines, disassemble coolant lines and get them welded at an outside company. We have a lift and a relatively well equipped shop but have never dropped an engine before - our experience is limited but we want to learn more about our cars. Is this doable or suicide ? Also, where can I get some more info about the procedure ? Nothing on RL ?

philooo

many 996 'base' engine DIY out there but I don't remember any Gt3 engine drop... that would make a nice DIY thread Go for it !

SoCalDan

What he said, but I recall seeing a very detailed 996 engine rebuild thread in the 996 forum which included details of dropping the engine.

Q&A

If you do try it, please document it step by step for us here. Would be nice

runet

944Serge dropped his engine in his 4 liter build thread so it is doable as a DIY for sure.
The workshop manual has enough details about this as well, I think that is all you need when you have a lift and all the tools.
I am not sure if it is allowed to link to the manual, but Google "Porsche Manual" and it will show up. Cannell is another nice search word ;-)

ninerguru

I have done a number of air cooled engine drops at home, usually by myself, but much easier with two people (Wife can help too as seen in picture!). The trick is to raise the car rear bumper high enough to clear the engine as you drop it down (see 3 ft ruler in picture).

You basically need to loosen/remove half shafts, any oil & water lines and electrical connections. On AC cars, the trans shifter went through the tunnel, WC cars, have the cable shifter (easier).

Once all is loosened, a balance point is found and a jack used... AC cars is where trans meets engine. Alternatively, a motorcycle jack can be used to support both sides of engine.

AC 911s were all electrically connected with a single 14 pin connector. WC cars look like they have a couple of them.

Just make sure you use jack stands before getting under the car... I believe it should be doable, might take some time, but doable... Take your time and be careful. Hope this helps!

ltusler

Find the 996 DYI and follow it. It's really not that hard. Take out the engine and trans as a unit. If you can buy rent or borrow a 1k trans jack you can do the whole deal standing up. The first one might take you 6 hours and the second will take 3. On the install 3 hours as well, not including the cooling system bleed. They really are a modular unit made for manufacturing assembly speed.

ltusler

http://www.oz951.com/public/enginedrop.htm

Nordschleifer

You guys think that GT3 and Carrera engine drop follow very similar procedures ?

Serge944

It's not difficult at all. Access to a lift is also helpful.

KOAN

Murat,

I'm sure you can do it.

pete95zhn

Basic principle is the same, few minor detail differences. After slight practise I can do it now within a day...both removing and re-installing. Turbo's engine, that is....few extra hoses there.

IMO the most unpleasant thing in the whole procedure is messing with coolant, and there's a lot of it.

On contrary to this picture the chassis must be level to get things done properly:

AudiOn19s

I've been on the fence for a couple months on doing this myself. I'm really honestly not worried about anything other than being able to get the car high enough on jack stands to do it in my garage without the use of a lift.

I've found a couple local sources to do the labor for really reasonable money but I'd like the luxury of having time to get in there and clean everything to standard while it's all apart instead of rushing the job just to get it completed.

Nordschleifer

Guys,
thanks for all the great advice and encouragement. Looking forward to start the engine drop asap - will keep you posted. What else should I do while engine is out ? LWFW seems to be a must, new plugs, fuel filter - what else ? Car has 9k miles - im hoping that clutch will be still good

KOAN

Consider new belts and hoses. Even with so few miles, the rubber is still getting old. Take a look at them, anyway.