Planning ahead. Engine replacement. What to know?
05-15-2018, 07:34 PM
#16
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Just going to add that there has to be a sentinel event for an OEM to “blow.”
There often are many smaller events that occur that may lead up to that final event (money shift, oil starvation, overheating are the big three), but OEM engines, especially in “stock” classes, don’t just “blow up.”
If you know the history, keep up regular maintenance (oil samples, compression and leak down tests annually, valve adjustment if that is a thing) and nothing has changed, you’re probably ok.
There are a lot more old engines running trouble free, albeit slightly down on power, than there are ones that blow up at the track. Just my .02
There often are many smaller events that occur that may lead up to that final event (money shift, oil starvation, overheating are the big three), but OEM engines, especially in “stock” classes, don’t just “blow up.”
If you know the history, keep up regular maintenance (oil samples, compression and leak down tests annually, valve adjustment if that is a thing) and nothing has changed, you’re probably ok.
There are a lot more old engines running trouble free, albeit slightly down on power, than there are ones that blow up at the track. Just my .02
05-15-2018, 09:56 PM
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Gen1 3.4 Cayman engine, Hoosier R7s and JRZ 3-ways. The first engine probably blew at the previous race at Summit Point when I had a catastrophic transmission failure. Think it messed with the engine as it blew during the first practice session. Second engine, from Vertex, blew up because they are a bunch of criminals and sold me garbage.
05-15-2018, 10:24 PM
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05-15-2018, 11:18 PM
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The only sleep, is the picture below, in the middle of the night when we were waiting for the engine to come up from Miami with the courier. In between was a lot of Mexican food, Red Bulls and cigarettes!
It was the worst race weekend I had, and looking back, it was a weekend filled with effort and triumph. Managed a first and third and couldn't have done it without my guys. They are the best!
Heart shaped hole in my block. "I love you but I have to leave you now."
Fire extinguishers make a good pillow.
Nothing says a crap engine like wet spray paint! Yup, it was wet when delivered - never a good sign.
The results of all the hard work!
05-16-2018, 09:04 AM
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05-16-2018, 09:22 AM
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05-18-2018, 02:12 PM
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Yes, I asked, but he is busy and I didn't hear back yet. My apologies if you find my question annoying.
I am asking to learn from others because I already know what SST's answer is and it's the most expensive option. What I was hoping was that people on RL would know some details on all the options available. Who are the reputable race engine builders? How much does the price vary? Can you go "cheap" and still be competitive? Can you actually get a "factory new" engine? From where? How much? If you decide to go the used Boxster donor route are there mileage levels you should avoid?
Come on guys I know planning ahead is not NECESSARY, but rather than blow an engine on a Thursday and rush to buy a $24k replacement on Saturday, I'd like to be a little more knowledgable on choices and prices. Seems like there can be enormous difference from $5k to $25k. There has to be a happy medium, but right now I have no idea what that "medium" is, hence my request for insight from those that have weighed the options and/or already been down this road. Given that I only plan on racing 3 or 4 times a season I would hate to be left out of a race because of a lack of an engine so to me buying something in advance if it were $10k would be worth it to me. $25k not so much. I guess it boils down to that . . . is there a decent option in the $10k range or am I simply talking about a junk yard engine at that price?
I am asking to learn from others because I already know what SST's answer is and it's the most expensive option. What I was hoping was that people on RL would know some details on all the options available. Who are the reputable race engine builders? How much does the price vary? Can you go "cheap" and still be competitive? Can you actually get a "factory new" engine? From where? How much? If you decide to go the used Boxster donor route are there mileage levels you should avoid?
Come on guys I know planning ahead is not NECESSARY, but rather than blow an engine on a Thursday and rush to buy a $24k replacement on Saturday, I'd like to be a little more knowledgable on choices and prices. Seems like there can be enormous difference from $5k to $25k. There has to be a happy medium, but right now I have no idea what that "medium" is, hence my request for insight from those that have weighed the options and/or already been down this road. Given that I only plan on racing 3 or 4 times a season I would hate to be left out of a race because of a lack of an engine so to me buying something in advance if it were $10k would be worth it to me. $25k not so much. I guess it boils down to that . . . is there a decent option in the $10k range or am I simply talking about a junk yard engine at that price?
My advice is to test the oil every time it is changed, send it to Blackstone Labs for analysis. The oil analysis is used to determine if the engine rotating components are OK or are in failure mode. Compression test and leak down test determine piston ring condition, valve guide condition , and intake and exhaust sealing condition.
SpeedSport, Spencer, should gladly provide the service.
Hope to meet at Lime Rock this year,
944 owner Tom Koehler