Costs of a 911 rebuild

[Twinkeeler]

I am curious at what the costs are for a DIY full and/or a top end rebuild for a pre-1989 911?

Also, what do shops charge?

I am looking into buying a pre-1989 911, and I was wondering if I got one needing a rebuild, what I would be looking at, and also can a novice do the work? I have heard good things about a couple of books that are available. But is that all hype to get you to buy the book, or can a novice really rebuild a 911 engine?

Thanks,

Jason

[Bleyseng]

A novice? No, its not that hard but does take special tools and some mechanical experience with air cooleds.
_________________
70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles

[Rescue912]

Ballpark figures

http://www.motormeister.com/suz/911_engines/911_engines_5.htm

A novice could do it but like bleyseng said, specialty tools for getting the timing and tensioners correct aren't easy to come by.
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Beauty is in the eye of the key holder ...

[Twinkeeler]

Thanks for the link Bleyseng!!! That looks like a lot better option than doing a rebuild myself.
Has anyone used them? Do they do quality work?

[bt]

Before you spend your money at MM check out www.pelicanparts.com( the best site for 911s). Search MM. you will be shocked at what kind of rep they have. The parts for a 911 rebuild cost more than MM is charging for a rebuild. So how are they able to build it at that cost????

There is a great book called"How to rebuild & modify Porsche 911 engines" by Wayne R. Dempsey (Plb. motorbooks). Not only is this the best book on do it yourself 911 engines, every 911 DYIer has it as a reference. Its on $29. get it before you do anything.

Do your due diligence!!
Go to Pelican and read,read,read... and then read some more. 911 engines are very expensive rebuild. There are no short cuts with that engine. Dont ask how I know.
Bryan

[bt]

To put in terms that a VW person can understand MM is the Porsche worlds Gen-Tex at 5 times the price.

[Bleyseng]

Hey, I would never recommend MM!!! They are like Gex. Used mis matched parts, wrong pistons, dead cams....lots of horror stories on the 914club.com site too.
_________________
70 Ghia Black convert-9/69 build date-stock w/133k 1600 SP-barn find now with a rebuilt tranny and engine
77 Westy 2.0L w/Ljet, Camper Special engine-95hp and with LSD!(sold)
76 Porsche 914 2.1L L20c, 120hp Djet (sold)
87 Syncro Westy Titan Red 2.1L 2 knob 100k miles

[sushinav]

It's not a DIY job for the first timer if you want it done right. And done right (IMHO) means the engine will regain the longevity these engines are known for, not just run. Figure 6-12 large for a rebuild, 2-4 for a top end, meaning valve guides, head studs and everything else being in good shape. Again, these are ballpark figures just to get you started. If you shop for a rebuild by price alone, it will cost you more in the long run.
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Aircooled for Life. Sick with gearheadia.
71 SuperBeetle
70 Square Chop

[bt]

Yes, the man said $6000. to 12,000. (he aint talk'n Pesos). !!!! That is correct. Make sure any 911 is checked out by a pro before you buy because the cost of a rebuild is big league money. This is why you see 911s that need engine work go cheaply.

If you dont have any engine building experience, 911s are not the place to start.
DYIer have done it well and it can be done but you should have some prerequisites.