jstolich

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to see so much discussion about my car: www.stolich.com/911/ for photos

I'd just like to set the record straight. The car does have 228,000 miles on the original engine. My mechanic believes it likely needs a complete rebuild.

However, the rest of the car is in very good shape:

-new, gorgeous leather seats
-newly covered targa top in original leather
-rebuilt transmission (cost me $4k)
-new clutch (cost me $2k)

Exterior is in fair shape but has one small rust spot (needs to be sanded) and a few dings and scratches. No dents, whatsoever. Car runs great (good compression, etc) but smokes occasionally, mostly while idling at intersections.

However, it is not uncommon to drive around the city for an hour and see no smoke at all.

I'd like to see this car go to someone who will restore the engine and drive it and enjoy it. If I don't find a buyer in the next 2 weeks I will donate the car to a charity. I can be reached at 415-425-3444. Best...James

umfan866

James,

Welcome to the forum! Glad you could join us to talk more about your car!
What were the estimates that you got on the price of a rebuild from either
your mechanic or other mechanics? Also, how far back do you have receipts for service?

Marv

epbrown01

Having the engine rebuilt can run over ten grand, but a replacement engine might not run that much.

Emanuel

Serge944

How about you give me the car and I will write a $1000 check to a charity of your choice.

EDIT: Ill put your name on it so you can get some tax credit too! :-D

jstolich

Hi Marv,

Here are the costs that I came up with:

1) Rebuild the engine with a reputable mechanic in the city: $8,000 - $11,000
2) Rebuild the engine with a reputable mechanic near Stockton: $5,000
3) Purchase a used engine: $3000 - $5000 (price varies of course)

Once the engine is redone (or replaced) the car is going to run great. The transmission and clutch are both in very good shape now.

-J.

Serge944

Im confused now; how is the 911 "bulletproof" if it needs a 5+k rebuild every 100k? Seems like an excuse Porsche enthusiasts use to justify their cars.

That's a rebuild every 3 years with the amount I drive.

an6drew

This will be the engine's first rebuild in 220,000 miles-?!?

Serge944

::and the 944 guys bust out in laughter::

epbrown01

If you actually drove it a lot, the need for a rebuild wouldn't exist. Porsches like being driven, and the more your pile the miles on the better they drive. Most rebuild stories start with someone buying a low-mileage example and trying to start driving it, or buying a poorly maintained car.

Emanuel

umfan866

I talked to the James and he has records going back from when he bought it at 189k, and it hasn't had a top-end or full rebuild since then (189k). The same mechanic has worked this car for 12 years and may know more about what was done beforehand or have more records. This particular car has been *driven* as a daily driver all its life - is no low-mileage turned high-mileage car, 228k miles on it! So...maybe it doesn't need a rebuild after all? Would a PPI determine it once and for all?

epbrown01

A good PPI should tell the tale, but if James has been told it needs a rebuild, he should also have been told why: broken head studs, low compression on a cylinder or cylinders, damaged valves, something.

umfan866

For the record/books--I passed on this car since it was too much of a project for my situation. But last I heard James had a buyer and the car is now sold for my guess somewhere between $5,500 and $6,000 based on the last conversations I had w/ James.

pig4bill

I think someone got a nice deal. Contrary to what some people on this board think, not every 911 has to be a low-mileage concours car for people to have fun with them. If it passes smog it looks like you could have lots of fun driving it until you accumulate the parts to rebuild it yourself or find a nice replacement engine in reasonable shape.