Found broken head stud, need rebuild advice!

[sushinav]

Bad, bad weekend, Found a broken head stud on my 134k mile 87 911. I'm on a tight budget, fairly new to SoCal, and I need your help.
1. What absolutely should be done while the motor is apart. Keep in mind I need $$ help more than dyno help. But this car has to last me a long time.
2. Who is a solid engine builder, I live near Temecula, so the closer the better.

I've been searching Pelican and making calls already, so any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.

[sushinav]

50 views and only one PM response (thanx Nettles). Throw me a bone here folks. I've been doing research so here is what I have so far.

Do while in there: all steel head studs, valve guides, chain ramps, oil tubes, exhaust valves if needed, gasket reseal, check springs, check rod bearing.

Good shops: Mindover, Black Forest.

One controversy seems to be on ringing the pistons or not. Any ideas here?

[kary]

oth of those shops should be able to guide you in the right choice given your car use. Best of luck!

[MikeD]

Might try Rennlist. Possibly find someone more local. Also, there's a larger pool of people from which to gather information.

[ttweed]

Do while in there: all steel head studs, valve guides, chain ramps, oil tubes, exhaust valves if needed, gasket reseal, check springs, check rod bearing.

I would not rebuild a 3.2 without replacing the rod bolts w/ ARP or Raceware.

Good shops: Mindover, Black Forest.

I guess I would add Dieter's to that list, too, since they have worked on all my cars for many years now.

From Temecula, you aren't that far from the Orange County shops. I would consider
Henry Schmidt @ SUPERTEC PERFORMANCE
2951 Grace Lane #A
Costa Mesa, Ca. 92626
phone- (714) 429-1863
fax - (714) 429-1864
email - supertec911@earthlink.net
www.supertecperformance.com

I would also think about calling Randall at Aase Motors in Fullerton and/or Vision in Irvine or Hergesheimer's in Lake Forest or Andial in Santa Ana (if money is no object)-- there are tons of shops up there. See this link for contacts:
http://platz.com/servicecenters.html

One controversy seems to be on ringing the pistons or not. Any ideas here?

I think that depends on whether your cylinders are Alusil or Nikasil and how worn they are.

[Dan Chambers]

Also; in Huntington Beach:


Factory Werks
Work: 714-373-4828
Fax: 714-373-4830
15631 Graham Street, Unit C
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Personnel: Gary Topal, Owner

He's good, thorough, and fast. He does what you tell him, and usually won't do anything extra without your consent. He'll go through the entire car and leave nothing unchecked. Private garage means really competitive pricing. only the best parts and materials installed.


Good Luck!

[sushinav]

All very helpful. Thanks guys for the contact info and ideas.

Turns out I have 2 broken studs (found another on the other side) and the car runs fine. 2 of the expert opinions are to button it up and drive it till it has running problems or explodes. Since it has 133k miles, a complete rebuild including bottom end could be years away if left as is.

Hmmmmm. Still researching.

[David J Marguglio]

Replacing a couple of parts will just lead you to the next weakest link. Once you start replacing the worn parts that are now working against new parts will start to rear their head. Besides, if you already have the engine out and open (most of the cost) I would throw all the parts at it that I could. It will save more $$$ in the long run.