pp000830

I think the key to managing cost is to get a labor rate/time and parts cost quote break-out for each aspect of the work. For example removing and reinstalling the engine, removing and disassembling the heads etc. Also if some of the costs are contingent on inspection such as replacement valves they should be broken out as a separate quote up-front so you will not have any surprises and more importantly loose control of the cost of the job once your engine is all in parts on the stand. The key here is to become knowledgeable through the quoting process about the process, labor time and parts cost including any sublet work such as machine work. In this way you will know if you are paying a reasonable cost. Just getting competitive quotes without this detail does not ensure you are getting a good value at a reasonable cost as you may be paying the competitive "its good money if you can get it" pricing. I am not advocating being cheap or eve negotiating rates and prices down I am simply saying you will be happier in the long run if you manage the relationship with the shop and you feel the costs are reasonable. Also any reputable shop will give you a detailed quote as they have to do it anyway to ultimately buy parts for the job and invoice you for the work.

Andy

gandalfthegray.

A couple of reasons prompted it. First, the shop that conducted the PPI a while back led me to believe the car needed this service and the second is oil leaking on my garage floor all the time. I figured that winter is the time to put the car down and get things fixed. It may turn out that no top end is necessary.

pp000830

This does not sound like the right reasons for a top end rebuild. In most cases oil leaks are a cover, oil line-fitting or one of the oil return tubes on a cylinder. The replacement return tubes snap right in place, and are expanded using o rings without disassembly. The only reason I know of as to why a rebuild is needed is if the car is burning so much oil that it runs badly and is constantly fouling the plugs and causing a CEL light.

I bet your fix is a lot simpler than a top end.
Andy

gandalfthegray.

Well, I do hope your right. I think new wheels and suspension mods would be a more fun purchase.

gandalfthegray.

Well, the engine is coming apart. Cylinder leak down test:

1. 75%
2. 75%
3. 78%
4. 10%
5. 15%
6. 5%

On the bright side a thorough inspection of the whole car revealed a torn axle shaft boot and a bad windshield washer pump. These are scheduled to be fixed as well as the engine so when she comes home it will 100%.

NYC993

Wow. Do the valves close at all on 1-3...
Do you have compression numbers?

gandalfthegray.

No. No compression numbers. They will be inspecting rings/pistons and rod bearings as well and replacing as needed.

pegdrag

That is a lot of air leaking past those valves!

The compression numbers would be very interesting and helpful. Did they do a compression test?

pp000830

Those numbers are so high they seem suspect. The car would barely idle or would the car would seem to have no power or really gross symptoms like massive oil consumption (burning oil) with a OBDC fault code present. Leak down tests seem to be a quagmire from a diagnostic standpoint. My view is to not use them to gauge as a primary reason for engine rebuilding unless some other gross operating problem is apparent.
Andy

MarkD

Where is the leakage coming from?

A key piece of the puzzle... I would ask.
This could be rings, exh valves, intake valves... it really is important to know
And will predict exactly what needs to be done

Otherwise this could be a rather expensive endeavor

gandalfthegray.

This was about 300 miles ago.

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab122/gandalfthegray_1/20140419_163142_zpsc8e45642.mp4

Made 237 at the wheels.




Car runs great, just has some serious oil leaks and some staggering leakdown numbers.

chsu74

Assuming 10% drivetrain loss would give you 263hp. Hard to argue with that number for 95 non varioram engine that is suppose to produce 270 new.

mjsporsche

This does not sound like a top end issue. More likely than not it is about replacing the typical dried out gaskets.

Now why do so many shops push for a top end rebuild? I think we all know why.

NYC993

Did you see his leakdown results above?

axl911

How are you able to get that much power with those leakdown? It would seem like there is a hole in the engine with that leakdown.