Just do it
Dear Sir,
Great mag as usual. My story below is my attempt to spread the fun and ease of working on one’s own 911 and the sense of achievement (and cost savings) it can bring.
I am the lucky owner of a 996 Targa, the very one, which according to the previous owner, appeared on the cover of issue 130 of Total 911. Being a 996, it developed the dreaded bore score tapping noise and after two years of driving regardless, I thought I’d better re-build the engine before it got too fed up.
To cut a long story short, I made foundations, rebuilt a second-hand shed (space for the engine rebuild), lifted the car, separated the gearbox, removed the engine, took it apart, split the cases, cleaned the valves, rebuilt the heads, had cylinders 4-6 machined and iron liners fitted (I don’t have tooling for that), re-built the engine, put it back in the car, refitted the gearbox, replaced all the brake lines, bought a welder, learnt how to weld (thanks Youtube), repaired and Gundo hacked my exhausts. The new engine has now done 152 miles (it hasn’t gone bang yet) and I am a very happy chappy.
As I was on a budget and cylinders/pistons 1-3 still looked very nice, I decided to only replace liners 4-6 and their pistons. For budget reasons I didn’t replace the clutch or IMS bearing, but as I now know how to access the eight bolts on the gearbox and remove the pressure plate, I can probably do this in a few hours when funds are available.
All of the above was done either outside on a sloping drive, or in my shed, using standard tools, over an eight-month period during evenings, by someone (me) with little experience. I made a ‘special’ tool to lock the cams and another to insert the gudgeon pin circlips (scary moments) and bought an engine stand. Everything else was done using standard tools. I also now have 850 pictures for reference if I ever need to do it again.
The point of my story is that I am not an expert, not a mechanic and not a genius, so if I can do it, anyone can do it. Porsches and their engines are very easy to work on, so don’t be scared just because it says ‘Porsche’. An engine is an engine. Have a go, it’s very satisfying and will make your own 911 that little bit more special.
Don’t pay someone else, just do it!
Peter Flynn
A first-class example of somebody rolling up their sleeves and giving it a go. You’re right: because the crankcase says ‘PORSCHE’, enthusiasts seem more willing to enlist in the help of experts, of which there are many who are only too happy to take your money. Kudos to you for showing that with a bit of brain and bravery, it’s possible for the everyman to tackle these engines with success. We wish you many happy miles ahead in your 996 Targa – keep us posted on how you go!