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Top end rebuild

C

carrerageorge

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My 3.2 has 128,000 miles and is from 1984.At a recent srvice with a well know independent specialist in Essex i was told a cylinder head bolt had sheared and was recommended to have a top end rebuild at the same time.They have done a good job on the car in the nine year ownership and i know our cars often need a top end rebuild after 100,000 miles.
I have been quoted c£4-5k,plus vat, which fits in with typical costs quoted in 911 world etc but it seems a huge proportion of the car's value at c£13,ooo.My other alternatives include "just " getting the bolts replaced which are £600 fo r a set of 24 plus labour.Any ideas would be welcome form those have had had the work done,or decided not to.
 
If it pulls ok, compression fairly consistent and no knocks or bangs, I would go for just the bolts.
 
I know of cars that have had top ends with mileage as low as 75k but also as high as 175k, all depends how they were driven and maintained in their youth (Yuppie owned cars lots of short drives in town, oil not warmed through, etc). £4-5k is about right but before you spend get a second opinion to see if it's really required, depending on how much mileage you put on ypur car, it may go for another 2-4 years before the top end needs rebuilding that should provide ample time to save Regards
 
Hi, Had my SC done about 3 years ago at Carrera Engineering (01992 892333) at reasonable cost might be worth contacting Tony and get an alternative quote, had all my head studs replaced, new rings, oil pipes, tensioners, valve guides done etc replaced did a first class job[:D]
 
Thanks, there was no separate quote for just doing the studs but the 3.2 register secretary also has said to me just doing the studs would be a waste as there is so much labour involved.
 
Hi George So what are you haveing done just the studs or a top end rebuild it would be good to have some photos Charles
 
With that many miles, there must be more needing a re-fresh. Personally if its going to be taken apart then I'd consider doing other things. Valve guides, re-seated valves, Seat all the heads, rings, and if you are feeling very adventurous a twin spark conversion........
 
When I owned my 87 3.2 Carrera it had a top end rebuild at 80k rings & valve guides, it was using 1 litre of oil to 400 hundred miles max despite have a AFN service history every 6k. No blue smoke at all from exhaust at any speed puffing up through the oil tank. Think mid 80s 3.2s had a ring problem as many seemed to have had the rings and valve giudes done.
 
My 1989 3.2 SSE had 68K on the clock with full service history and it needed a top end rebuild. In truth when it was stripped we found the rings had worn to 1.7mm (1.0mm max) and a few other issues. So the whole motor was rebuilt including new barrels and pistons, balanced, heads cc'd, new oil pump yet the motor had never been thrashed as the bearings still had their factory coating on them All in al it cost me about £5500 but the rebuild was not carried out in the UK. These engines are a simple design and not rocket science. The figure should be £2500 max. But top end at £6K and at least £10K for a total seems the norm.
 
I have a 3.0 SC with a 3.2 engine. That figure seems steep; I can't imagine Mike Bainbridge (who is one of the best) charging that much. My car has 964 cams/ssis/ M and K back box putting out 270 bhp on Wayne Scofields rollers (on which my 993 RS gave 300bhp before he started work) and didn't cost much more all in ! I'd shop around.
 
ORIGINAL: Richard Dawson I have a 3.0 SC with a 3.2 engine. That figure seems steep; I can't imagine Mike Bainbridge (who is one of the best) charging that much. My car has 964 cams/ssis/ M and K back box putting out 270 bhp on Wayne Scofields rollers (on which my 993 RS gave 300bhp before he started work) and didn't cost much more all in ! I'd shop around.
Click to expand...
Shopping around is very important. You'll also learn alot about potential engine builders reputation along the way.
 
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