924Board.org

moped · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Madison, WI

During a road trip between Memphis and Atlanta, I had an oil leak, and my engine (1979 924) seized up. I was surprised, since I got it back from a mechanic 1 week before, after a full inspection.

The Porsche dealership in Atlanta looked at the engine for 5 min, and said I blew a rod, and the engine is completely dead. The oil was completely gone, and the engine was bone dry. I called some mechanics around town, and they think they can fix it.

So I'm wondering - is it worth the cost of an engine rebuild? Or should I try to find a replacement engine?

Brockoli · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject:

main bearings are no longer available, so i dont know if you can even get the parts to rebuild it...
_________________
'80 924 M471,Wideband O2, Full coilover susp,23/19 sways,Bilstiens,KLA Strut Brace,Roll Bar,Test Pipe,BBS RS, Willwood BBK

25% of a '87 944 Chumpcar http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=2454

'79 924 Sebring Edition(Sitting)

Eturbo924 · Joined: 09 Nov 2002 Posts: 2212 Location: Londonderry NH

Well depends... how much money are you willing to spend?

I have a good 1980 motor that will cost you a lot less. Though... I am in NH so it would be a road trip to come and buy it from me.

Eturbo924@yahoo.com

Eric
_________________
1982 924
1992 968
2003 C4S
Parts Parts Parts and More parts.
E-mail me for parts you need!
Drive Fast!

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Cheaper to buy a used engine to replace it.

Brockoli · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 2:21 pm Post subject:

+1 to what gohim said,

Thats what i did, i got a parts car for $300 it had a complete non running engine, you can probably find better for the same price where you live.
_________________
'80 924 M471,Wideband O2, Full coilover susp,23/19 sways,Bilstiens,KLA Strut Brace,Roll Bar,Test Pipe,BBS RS, Willwood BBK

25% of a '87 944 Chumpcar http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=2454

'79 924 Sebring Edition(Sitting)

StienbargerR · Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 1362 Location: Richmond, IN

I think you should look at the crank before you make any decisions. IIRC, I was able to just polish the crank and use standard mains. I got them about 6 months ago. Brockoli, when did you check last? I got mine from EBS

It is a nice feeling to have a freshly rebuilt engine. Mine is running strong. Alot less to worry about in my opinion.
_________________
1978 924 NA
-250lb lowering springs, Euro Pistons

Brockoli · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

StienbargerR - i havent checked in a while, however, word on the board is that they are no longer available. Ideola is going through a lot of work to get a custom order made right now.

http://www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=27377&highlight=main+bearings

i just checked ebs website, they dont have them listed anymore...
_________________
'80 924 M471,Wideband O2, Full coilover susp,23/19 sways,Bilstiens,KLA Strut Brace,Roll Bar,Test Pipe,BBS RS, Willwood BBK

25% of a '87 944 Chumpcar http://straightpipe.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=2454

'79 924 Sebring Edition(Sitting)

924RACR · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:00 pm Post subject:

I'll bet that the crank is so trashed it'll need turning... BTDT. Can't guarantee, but suspect...

I'm with gohim; if anything, get a good used one, put in new rod bearings, rings, and do a valve job, clean parts and all new gaskets/seals, you'll basically have a new engine.
_________________
Vaughan Scott
Webmeister
'79 924 #77 SCCA H Prod racecar
'82 931 Plat. Silver
#25 Hidari Firefly P2 sports prototype

PORSCHEV · Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:58 pm Post subject:

I have a rebuild I would sell, but I am sure the shipping would kill that idea in a hurry!

It has 9.3:1 pistons, piper cam, new bearings, valves were reground and new seals. All sealed up with fresh gaskets and seals all around.

Best part is you could brag how the engine was raced all over the world.

Well parts were raced in NZ and Canada!

_________________
1976 924
5 lug conversion, 17'C2 wheels,custom body work,327 vette engine.

1978-#53 "D" track racer.

Boostsideways · Joined: 11 Feb 2009 Posts: 100 Location: CT, Southbury

I would also say suck it up and place out that engine with a 944 upgrade or something well yer at it.. But that'll cost you.. Then agian what dosn't tho ?
_________________
Just wait 'till my turbo starts firin' the RPM LZR!
My car= Porsche 924 turbo, 1982.

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Nobody can give you an accurate, honest diagnosis and estimate of repair costs over the phone on an engine that has been run without oil, unless they are planning on replacing it. There is no way that they could plan without breaking down the engine to see what's inside.

From a financial standpoint, your car is not economically repairable if you are planning on rebuild the engine because the cost of the labor to do the job, or the cost of replacement engine parts will exceed the value of the car each by themselves.

Unless you have thousand of $$$ to burn are are emotionally attached to that particular car, and cannot part with it, buy another car, or a used engine and install it yourself.

moped · Joined: 12 Feb 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Madison, WI

To everyone - thanks for all your replies.

I'm on a college student's budget, so I'm looking at whatever is more affordable. I'm from Wisconsin, but am currently in Atlanta with a broken car. My mechanic in WI says he can rebuild it for ~$1500, and can get it towed back to WI for $300. So then, I'm trying to find repairs for under $2000 around Atlanta.

I've been calling shops around town, but more and more, it seems like it's gonna be cheaper to get it back to WI for the repairs.

As for the engine - any suggestion where I could find a replacement? Or another type that would fit in the car for a similar price.

ideola · Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 15550 Location: Spring Lake MI

Used the JaXeD parts mash and search Craigslist for donor cars:
http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/sd.cgi

With some persistence and luck, you might be able to find an entire donor car from which to swap the engine (and potentially lots of other stuff) for $300 or so. You just have to be patient and persistent.
_________________
erstwhile owner of just about every 924 variant ever made

StienbargerR · Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 1362 Location: Richmond, IN

I've got some US spec pistons if you need them. Also, make sure to call out to EBS, they are really good to work with and can help you get the parts you may need.

Ryan
_________________
1978 924 NA
-250lb lowering springs, Euro Pistons

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

For $2000 you should be able to buy a VW MKIII Golf or Jetta as a beater, AND a decent running 924. You can also sell your car for parts.

Unless your dead car is in nice original condition, it isn't worth fixing if you have to tow it and pay someone to fix it for you.