964 Engine re-build
Discussion
Hi,
Ive had my 964 C2 1990 for 8 months. I got it knowing it needed work and an engine rebuild. Its done 124,000 miles and the oil is really seeping out bad. Very smokey when the exhaust heats up. Ive done a lot of research, watched videos and read a few books on the rebuild and my question is, should I attempt rebuilding it myself?
Some people I talk to say don't bother while others say go for it.
I realise it could cost me £9000 or there abouts which I'm prepared for, if done by a professional, but part of me wants to get in and do it myself.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank,
Peter
Ive had my 964 C2 1990 for 8 months. I got it knowing it needed work and an engine rebuild. Its done 124,000 miles and the oil is really seeping out bad. Very smokey when the exhaust heats up. Ive done a lot of research, watched videos and read a few books on the rebuild and my question is, should I attempt rebuilding it myself?
Some people I talk to say don't bother while others say go for it.
I realise it could cost me £9000 or there abouts which I'm prepared for, if done by a professional, but part of me wants to get in and do it myself.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank,
Peter
You would learn a hell of a lot about your engine, that's for sure.
But you will need skills, tools, time and some good contacts in case it goes wrong.
You're much braver than me, but I have done some jobs (like suspension change) and they are interesting. rewarding and obviously much cheaper. You also end up with all the tools to do it again.
But you will need skills, tools, time and some good contacts in case it goes wrong.
You're much braver than me, but I have done some jobs (like suspension change) and they are interesting. rewarding and obviously much cheaper. You also end up with all the tools to do it again.
It very much depends on your competence and facilities. Are you trying to save money? What is the motive? Who would you use to check the tolerances of the old parts, who would you use to install valve guides?
I suggest you give Unit 11 in Warrington a call, not as daft as it sounds when you understand what their costs are.
I suggest you give Unit 11 in Warrington a call, not as daft as it sounds when you understand what their costs are.
Even if you have so much time, I do not think it would save you loads of money and etc...(judging by how much knowledge one can have on these engines of course?)
My suggestion would be get someone to build it but do check regularly and get some several updates (sometimes even daily!) so that you can learn a lot on the engine, while also getting built by a specialist. My suggestion would also be if you have time, document the whole process whether text, images or video so in the future it would be quite useful in case if you face any issues.
My suggestion would be get someone to build it but do check regularly and get some several updates (sometimes even daily!) so that you can learn a lot on the engine, while also getting built by a specialist. My suggestion would also be if you have time, document the whole process whether text, images or video so in the future it would be quite useful in case if you face any issues.
ras62 said:
It very much depends on your competence and facilities. Are you trying to save money? What is the motive? Who would you use to check the tolerances of the old parts, who would you use to install valve guides?
I suggest you give Unit 11 in Warrington a call, not as daft as it sounds when you understand what their costs are.
got a 3.2 there for respray and bodywork - johnny is brillI suggest you give Unit 11 in Warrington a call, not as daft as it sounds when you understand what their costs are.
Thanks for the replies.
Ive seen Unit 11 come up a lot here and else where. They're obviously doing great work. Im based in London so Warrington would be a bit of a trek. A guy from my car park suggested Jaz in St Albans and Auto-Farm come highly recommended. Can anyone add to this? Currently Im using HP Motorsport in Romford, who have been pretty good so far.
Its not my sole intension to save money by doing it myself, although it would be a bonus. However the saving would be mitigated if I run into difficulties. Im mainly just very interested having read up so much lately. I think with winter coming up the time issue wouldn't be so much of a problem.
One other question I was thinking about is the cylinders and pistons. The cylinders I have are the ones without the gasket. They don't appear to be leaking yet although my mechanics says we will only know for sure when its taken apart. The leaks are from the O-rings on the engine studs. So is it possible to reuse the cylinders or do you have to put the ones with gaskets in?
All the best.
Ive seen Unit 11 come up a lot here and else where. They're obviously doing great work. Im based in London so Warrington would be a bit of a trek. A guy from my car park suggested Jaz in St Albans and Auto-Farm come highly recommended. Can anyone add to this? Currently Im using HP Motorsport in Romford, who have been pretty good so far.
Its not my sole intension to save money by doing it myself, although it would be a bonus. However the saving would be mitigated if I run into difficulties. Im mainly just very interested having read up so much lately. I think with winter coming up the time issue wouldn't be so much of a problem.
One other question I was thinking about is the cylinders and pistons. The cylinders I have are the ones without the gasket. They don't appear to be leaking yet although my mechanics says we will only know for sure when its taken apart. The leaks are from the O-rings on the engine studs. So is it possible to reuse the cylinders or do you have to put the ones with gaskets in?
All the best.
I'd be tempted to ship it over to the US and ask Ed Pink what the cost of a 4.2 rebuild is. You'll have a reliable 400bhp rocket. Stick some modern suspension and brakes on, strip weight out and I suspect you'd end up with close to the perfect car. Very tempted to do this myself at some stage.
pete964 said:
Thanks for the replies.
Ive seen Unit 11 come up a lot here and else where. They're obviously doing great work. Im based in London so Warrington would be a bit of a trek. A guy from my car park suggested Jaz in St Albans and Auto-Farm come highly recommended. Can anyone add to this? Currently Im using HP Motorsport in Romford, who have been pretty good so far.
I used both Autofarm and Jaz when I had my 964, both excellent, Jaz probably better value. Ive seen Unit 11 come up a lot here and else where. They're obviously doing great work. Im based in London so Warrington would be a bit of a trek. A guy from my car park suggested Jaz in St Albans and Auto-Farm come highly recommended. Can anyone add to this? Currently Im using HP Motorsport in Romford, who have been pretty good so far.
pete964 said:
Thanks IMI A, but I'll give that idea a swerve, no disrespect. Ive never owned a car before this so I think that would be out of my league.
Thanks Richard Hamilton, just had a look at Wrightune and will definitely add to my list to call.
No worries. I think your 964 has to go down as one of the greatest first cars ever! Thanks Richard Hamilton, just had a look at Wrightune and will definitely add to my list to call.
Its always hard to tell where these engines are leaking. The early no seal ring heads is a non issue, simply do not worry about it. Once the barrels and heads are skimmed they will be fine. Leaks are common on barrel base gaskets and sometimes from the case through bolts. The valve guides are guaranteed to be shot. parts like Pistons/barrels/ camshafts/ rockers/ springs all all need to be checked for condition and wear when doing a top end. If the engine is completely stripped then crankshaft and rods are also need checking. Tinware nearly always needs some replacing, clutch is common as a while you are there.
Specialist knowledge and equipment is a must when checking the parts are to spec. Likewise when it comes to building the motor properly. Once all this is taken into account I don't think DIY is viable tbh although it is possible.
Specialist knowledge and equipment is a must when checking the parts are to spec. Likewise when it comes to building the motor properly. Once all this is taken into account I don't think DIY is viable tbh although it is possible.
DIY engine building is perfectly possible if you know what you are doing, have experience and have the facilities. Wayne Dempery's book is great and ver inspiring. I'm not sure I'd have a go at a full rebuild as it's going to be easy to cockup unless you are very good with building engines. There's nothing worse than a winter rebuild that goes pop within a few hours/laps!
To add to your list of engine builders, there's Nick Fulljames at Redtek. Very well known with a good reputation. Done quite a few engines for me.
For your budget, depending on what needs doing, you may well be a bit short at £9k.
Hope it works out, keep us informed on what you decide.
BErt
To add to your list of engine builders, there's Nick Fulljames at Redtek. Very well known with a good reputation. Done quite a few engines for me.
For your budget, depending on what needs doing, you may well be a bit short at £9k.
Hope it works out, keep us informed on what you decide.
BErt
Just run in my engine, that was rebuilt by GT One in Chertsey. Costs depends on condition of internals / upgrades and if you are going to do a cosmetic refresh on the looks of the engine,and tin work.
I have a friend who rebuilds his 964 engines (racer) but come resale time if a reputable / known rebuilder has done the build you will get a premium over you the unknown rebuilding the engine.
Good luck and understand if you want to do your own rebuild but my god that could be a very expensive self training exercise.
I have a friend who rebuilds his 964 engines (racer) but come resale time if a reputable / known rebuilder has done the build you will get a premium over you the unknown rebuilding the engine.
Good luck and understand if you want to do your own rebuild but my god that could be a very expensive self training exercise.
Hi Peter. They are not any different to an air cooled motorcycle engine. They really are very low tech. If you have a good understanding of mechanical engineering you will be fine. An engine is nothing more than an air pump. There is no black art and with a common sense approach you can build a very strong engine. Buy a good book and you will be fine. Plus you will build a far better engine than half of the so called experts out there and for a lot less than half the price. Good luck.
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