DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

911hillclimber wrote:Maybe you have already, but use the Type911 lower rocker cover gaskets with the silicon bead on them, none of mine have ever leaked for years and years.

Yes, already had those on. Will get another set for the rebuild. I think most of the oil was from the uppers but it was such a mess it’s hard to tell!

You probably have heard this already but I heard that the magnesium covers expand and contract in different proportions to the aluminium cam boxes which makes leaks inevitable.

Graham I'm guessing you have the aluminium covers on your 3.2.

RobFrost wrote:You probably have heard this already but I heard that the magnesium covers expand and contract in different proportions to the aluminium cam boxes which makes leaks inevitable.

Graham I'm guessing you have the aluminium covers on your 3.2.

Yes, but the difference is almost negligible on a part this size. The problem is more that the covers just aren’t stiff enough by design and distort.

Those bolts on my covers would have to be performing miracles to hold those surfaces true .

I’m sure they will distort again, but at least they are flat at room temperature now! Some special Wurth sealant will be added to help

What about Cerakoted aluminium uppers and lowers for that original look?

911hillclimber wrote: ↑Tue Jan 20, 2026 8:42 am Maybe you have already, but use the Type911 lower rocker cover gaskets with the silicon bead on them, none of mine have ever leaked for years and years.

Which ones are you on about Graham? the billet aluminium ones?

My 911 engines (both 3.2) have the turbo bottom covers and are decades old. When I do the tappets etc I reuse them and fit new bottom gaskets from Type911. They are far better in my experience than the plain gaskets. This combo gives leak free joints where it really matters.

Finally summoned the courage to order the bearings today! Even my credit card was declined twice in the process… think they were trying to tell me something!

In the end I’ve bought the five unique bearings from Porsche at £1355 (with a discount…)
Some standard ones inc the diff output bearings from Bearing Boys at £121

Due to my card being declined just at the point of completing that last transaction I got a ‘you have items in your basket’ email offering a 10% discount to encourage me to complete! Result

One positive bearing purchase was the needle rollers inside the gears. They are Honda parts. I’ve used them before over 10 years back having done some research on sizes. Been absolutely fine over 50k plus of hard mileage.
For context 1 bearing is £12 inc shipping from Japan
From Porsche they are £139 each
And there are 5 of them!

All the box cases, fan, housing, rocker covers etc have now gone for a light vapour blast and Ceracote paint. Fan centre, exhaust clamps and a few bits also being zinc and passivated.

And I have a not very exciting box of bearings and bolts. Full hardware refresh for engine and box as everything looks a bit tired.

££££££££
Strewth!

Yes, it’s adding up.

And I need a flywheel…

Been off to Sweden recently which is always fun as it’s just so different and challenging driving from the usual! Managed to get ill on my return so box progress has slowed, but did a few bits this afternoon.




The cases and all the other stuff are due back Tuesday and remaining bearings from Porsche Wednesday so it can start to come together.

Today I cleaned up the gears and swapped in new synchros as they were visibly past their best. Only forth felt slow through the stick, and definitely looked polished!

The dog teeth aren’t as sharp as you’d like, but it’s going back as it is!

Input shaft coming together, just needs all the bearings on the end now before putting the nut on.

Got some parts back from vapour blasting/coating

Starting to look the part now even if I’m still missing bearings

Main gearbox cases are still in the bubble wrap, but are the same colour as the fan/upper rockers.

Lower rockers have been left clean ali as they are later turbo ones

Lovely

Looks lovely Gary

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Ooh - those do look good !


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