Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

belts on my S2 needs to be done, im just thinking to pull engine out and get piston rings, main bearings, headgasket, cam chain and etc done in one go. engine runs fine, 127k on it. but if hg goes in 6 month or so?
whats your opinion?

Is the HG the original? If so then I say do that and check the water pump, but leave the block alone unless it's using a lot of oil. The rings are expensive and difficult to do properly on these engines as the block requires specialist honing, otherwise you'll end up with a worse engine than when you started!.. Only if the bottom end has issues should it be cracked open as there should be an awful lot of miles left in it with the mileage it has on it!!!

It goes without saying that if the head is coming off it should be skimmed, rebuilt and the timing gears/tensioners checked and any required bits renewed.

I am going to be (and probably called mad for this) of the opinion that if it's not broke why fit it?

I would change the 'belts if you are doing them yourself and see what happens. IIRC Paul Smith's S2 is on over 220k on potentially the original HG with him being the owner for a very long time. He is now getting the engine rebuilt mind you, but it is still a runner.

Of course if the cooling system has been neglected etc. then it is a different matter.

got new water pump already waiting, still original HG.

engine feels abit underpower. ill have my workplace garage for my own usage as it will be closed for 2 weeks holidays. engine shop is 100 yards away

Hi

There is NO such thing as a quick rebuild...lol

OR a cheap one...

Just do the belts etc....

All the best Brett

I was advised (By Jon @ JMG) to have Head Gasket changed every 10-12 years.
Had mine done with (Widefire? + skimming) when 2nd set of belt/W-Pump changed in 2013 (every 4 years 2009, 2013 next 2017) as a precaution after new engine rebuild in 2005 10 years ago (on 312hp & 377Ft Lb). Didn't want to risk the 12 years so had it done after 8.
If you are keeping it have it done thats my Op FWIW
Clive

I would if the car has good history change belts and water pump. 127000 seems like low mileage for a car if it's been looked after.

Hi

That 12 year figure is wrong...although I admire Jons knowledge....

There is NO figure at all on any engines head gasket change time...

My 928 (which basically has the same bores/head gaskets as yours) just two of them...

Has done 170,000 miles and NEVER had a head gasket changed....

The other end of the scale, is the Top Fuel dragsters I used to work on ...

We pulled the heads and checked (although rarely changed) the copper head gaskets after ONE 1/4 mile run...lol...

The point being , if its running fine, with no overheating or drastic oil use....dont bother...

I wouldnt lol

All the best Brett

You're right Chas but I did have the HG changed as a prevention about two years ago on 210k miles. I am glad I did because the original gasket was very ropey and holed in a few places (none of which allowed oil or water to mix).

Afterwards at the Dyno Day in Thruxton I only recorded 187bhp so it will be nice to get those lost horses back when I do have her rebuilt (other priorities at the moment though)

The old HG debate will rumble on for many years to come I'm sure... But I'm firmly of the view that preventative maintence is wise on a part that is known to degrade over time. If the car is driven as Porsche designed it to be driven then it's better to replace it at a convenient time rather than when a weakness is exposed, which Sod's law dictates will probably be at the most inconvenient time!

Granted boosted cars are most at risk of a sporadic HG failure due to a rotten gasket, but the risk is still there for any motor particularly if driven enthusiastically.

I don't agree with the Jon Mitchell 10 year approach though as I feel it's a little excessive, but can understand his risk adverse approach to ensuring his customers' cars are in tip top condition.

Ultimately it's up to you though Brewer!

I'd go for the rebuild. If you enjoy it, have the kit, cash and time I can't see a reason not to.

Just remembered I took some pics of the 24 year old 210k mile headgasket

thanks for opinions, i`ll do the belts, HG, water pump, front seals. time to start orderings bits
just not fancy having a brake down in autumn then weather gets ugly. its my only mean of transport, not counting pushbike

I've been thinking the same with my 140k Turbo. It had a head gasket last year and since then has been getting through about 500mls of oil every 500 miles. Not awful but by no means good, I would have thought.

The lads who did the head gasket assured me the bores were unscored and teh head didn't need a skim.

I need the torque tube bearings doing first (they whine and rumble everytime I take it over 5k rpm, which is every time she goes out), but I am pretty sure I can hear a nasty noise like the bottom end

It needs belts in 2016 and will need a water pump too, as I've no evidence it has ever had a new one.

...most people tell me to keep driving it until it fails.

Mine is on 216000 miles and is at the moment in the garage having the following done - mainly for peace of mind.

Water pump (never been changed), cam chain and tensioner pad, gearbox oil change, all belts, new accelerator pedal (original one about to break), and a full service.

If you look after them things last well. As I've said many times before - my clutch lasted 201000 miles.