Recommend a place to rebuild my 987 engine (t/chain broke)
Recommend a place to rebuild my 987 engine (t/chain broke)
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Discussion

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Tuesday 17th April 2018
quotequote all
I would be very grateful for recommendations on who to approach to rebuild my 987 engine as a timing chain has broken. Preferably in the West Midlands. All replies will be appreciated. Thank you.

mikefocke

78 posts

127 months

Tuesday 17th April 2018
quotequote all
You may find a replacement engine swap from a wreckers is more cost effective.
http://www.porsch-apart.co.uk
www.douglasvalley.co.uk
www.boxsterbits.co.uk

Where are you located?

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
quotequote all
Thank you for the advice and links. Is it possible to fit an engine from another model? A 986 3.2L or 987 3.4 perhaps?

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Wednesday 18th April 2018
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One other thing. How do I determine the engine 'model' fitted to my car?

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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Thank you cmoose. My car's a year 2007 987 2.7

I think I'll opt to have the existing motor rebuilt subject to a borescope inspection. I'll make enquiries of Hartech, the company you advise.

Thanks again.

ooid

5,931 posts

122 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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Curiosity, how many miles your car had before the timing chain gave up? 2.7 987 always seemed like a safer option but looks like they are not.

Redbaron1973

637 posts

275 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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Defo avoid a "used" engine unless you are 100% clear of its history.

Hartech is an option however they are quite busy- perhaps using one of the specialists who can remove and strip your engine (at a lower labour rate) and then send the bare block to them for a quick turnaround.

Many of the TIPEC guys in the north use Unique Porsche in Westhoughton - Darren is great and can collect your car on his trailer - do the work and keep the bill down. Don't forget of course that you can have the engine upped in spec during this process - out to 3.7 Litres IIRC...




ooid

5,931 posts

122 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
quotequote all
If you use any of the local - shops (which is fine, as long as they do a good job), make sure that you have a warranty, at least 1 year!

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Thursday 19th April 2018
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The car's done about 130k.

I agree with the advice given here. Having my existing engine rebuilt will give me piece of mind in the knowledge that everything's been taken care of and good to go for some time, rather than fit an unknown quantity and expect problems.

I intend doing as advised, have the motor taken out locally, remove the ancillaries and send it off for repair. I trained as a vehicle technician (car mechanic smile) but I don’t fancy the job even if I had somewhere to do it.

I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity to have the specification (read performance) upped while the motor’s stripped. What options do I have, what would it involve and cost (extra)- anyone got any figures?

Longodds

Original Poster:

8 posts

94 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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In light of the last post I think I'll settle for the standard power of my little 2.7 : )

There has been a development since I last posted. Last night I found time to use a borescope to peer into the cylinders, 4 of them at least. I'm not sure how they are numbered but 2 of the passenger side cylinders seemed to be intact with no obvious damage or signs of broken bits in them : ) That seems to confirm that only the timing chain for the opposite bank of cylinders broke.

That's something that can't be said for the drivers side cylinders. I wasn't able to examine the foremost cylinder, but the middle one seems intact and ok. BUT, the rearmost cylinder has suffered catastrophic damage. The piston is smashed and in pieces, the cylinder liner is destroyed and there are bits and pieces of broken, mangled metal all over- it was a disheartening sight.

Which alters my plans. Now I intend to have the engine removed from the car and tear it down myself to inspect the damage and determine if the motor's salvageable. If it is, I'll assemble what I can then send it away for repair work and professional reassembly. If it's unserviceable- no idea; perhaps break the car.

I'd value members opinions as I could do with as much advice as I am able to get.

LordGrover

33,994 posts

234 months

Friday 20th April 2018
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Ouch. Best of luck.