Who would you recommend to re-build a 2.2s engine?

murph2309 · Post by **murph2309** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:28 pm

Hi,

It looks like my long cherished 2.2s engine needs a new lease of life. I've been advised that I need a complete re-build (top & bottom end) that deep down I know is probably right (oil leaks getting more drippy, feels less sprightly than before - you know...old).

Anyway, I have had a couple of people recommended to do the re-build and am in the process of getting detailed quotes; but this is such a big (and expensive) deal, I'd really appreciate some advice from others who may have had an engine re-built and recommendations for a person / company that you trust.

Many thanks

oldtimer · Post by **oldtimer** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:48 pm

I suggest Unit 11 Warrington , talk to John Holland on 01925 852000.

Their engine builder is Danny , formerly with Tech9 , one of the best.

Post by **Bootsy** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:53 pm

Redtek
Mb engineering

There's a couple to talk to.

Bob_Salmon · Post by **Bob_Salmon** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 6:45 pm

Depends to some extent on where you are, but Crispin Manners would get my vote every time.

Bob

58A - 71E · Post by **58A - 71E** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:10 pm

I take it doing it yourself is not an option then?

If not I'd be having a trip to Kendal

http://www.mbporsche-engineering.co.uk/

murph2309 · Post by **murph2309** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 8:23 pm

No...I don't have the skills, patience, experience or time away from wife and 2 lovely little ones....I think we can safely say this is a job for the professionals.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

ian cox · Post by **ian cox** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:41 pm

Hi
The perosns mentioned are all solid. Since the engine is nigh on 40 years old whilst it is apart I would do some modifications to make it last another 40 years. As you know the 2.2s was the first crankcase to be amde from magnesium. If your car is matching numbers I am sure you would like to keep the case in one piece as it is effectively irreplacable.
On my matchng numbers 2.2s coupe from 1969 I am doing the following modifications - shuffle pin the case havles, do the well renowned oil bypass moficidcation and fit oil squitters if they are not there. They appeared from model year 1971 model. I am also balancing the crank to zero and doing the same with the rods and pistons. this should give me an insurance policy the best I can hope for.

964RS · Post by **964RS** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:50 pm

Whereabouts are you?

Chris at GCR Central in leicester is very good.

www.gcrcentral.co.uk

murph2309 · Post by **murph2309** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:25 pm

I'm in Cambs, near Kimbolton, but don't mind taking it on a trailer to the right place.

To Ian's point, I think on balance of probability it is a matching numbers engine (although not had it officially verified, the engine number is in the right range for the VIN) and really want to keep it in tact. I've had the shuffle pin & oil bypass recommended (although to be honest, not sure what either of those things are / do - if anyone has a few mins and wouldn't mind explaining it would be gratefully recieved knowledge)

It does feel that this needs to be done properly and I'm looking to inform myself - even after 10 years of ownership (and the trials and tribulations that go with that - somone once fitted SWB rear brake pipes which then worked themself loose when I first got it - don't even get me started on that one), I still know there is so much to learn!

If I know & uderstand what to ask for I'm thinking that I can get the best balance between getting a great job done and not paying over the odds for it.

Would have loved DDK to have been around in '99...!

Bertroex · Post by **Bertroex** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:32 pm

In my opinion, even if Mike Bainbridge was living in Alaska it was worthwhile to bring the car up to him. Take a few pages of A4 and a sharp pencil and just note whilst he rattles The Knowledge of your particular porsche type off.

At least you know what all is wrong with your car, and you can start planning budget, spares, your trip to the Cash machine at Asda's in Kendall and familiarise yourself with the Chippy in Gatebeck.

A trip to the sage of the lakes is always a bit magical.

Bert

silver911 · Post by **silver911** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:40 pm

Mike is good...or closer to home Bab Watson in Middle Aston in Oxfordshire...plus he has a rolling road there to set the engine up.

Dakota · Post by **Dakota** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:42 pm

Hi
there is a lot to be said for just sticking it back together in as close to the way porsche intended as you can, after all its lasted this long so they cant have done such a bad job of it , Iwould say unless your going to rev the nuts off it consistantly shuffle pins are an unnessesary expense as are piston squirters , get everything checked carefully , get the long stud that sits between the crank and intermediate gear helicoiled or timeserted as it can pull out after a rebuild if left alone and fit hydraulic tensioners and the carrera type idler arms as they have proper bronze bushes, if the top piston ring groove is not badly worn and the bores are not too bad you may get away with a ring set , and getting all the main internals properly balanced is a very good idea, Bill

gridgway · Post by **gridgway** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:33 am

My engine is currently being built by Nick at Redtek. It's a great experience so far and Nick is extremely knowledgable and a very nice chap to boot.

Graham

58A - 71E · Post by **58A - 71E** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:47 am

Dakota wrote:get the long stud that sits between the crank and intermediate gear helicoiled or timeserted as it can pull out after a rebuild if left alone

wise words indeed

domtoni · Post by **domtoni** » Wed Jun 10, 2009 12:17 pm

Chris Best at 2+2 in Brierly Hill is great. Very methodical, and reasonably priced.

He started with Porsche at Oldswinford Motors in 1975, and worked on the Harley Davidson 934 at LeMans (can't remember where they finished, but Freissinger in Germany had the car up for sale a few years back for Euro 400K plus the VAT on the new bits).

Dom