Getting My 2.7 Rebuilt with L/N IMS upgrade
 

Well a few weeks back I saw the dreaded cloud of smoke in my rearview mirror and noticed the oil lamp warning light flash. Needless to say I was optimistic that it was just the AOS but unfortunately it wasn't. Turned out it was the 5th and 6th Cylinders and few other technical terms that I can't repeat due to lack of engine vocabulary. I guess I was due as my `00 Box had 117k miles on it and needed to get in the shop for the IMS upgrade and a new clutch. Oh well, turns out that I needed to make a decision on whether I should rebuild the engine, get a Porsche replacement engine, used engine or buy another car. Thankfully, Pedro at Pedro's Garage referred me to TuneRS in Coral Springs, Florida and they are Porsche specialists that perform the IMS upgrade, and provide rebuilding services for Boxsters and Carrerras for a much better price than going to Porsche for one of their engine swaps. Better yet with all of the beloved Boxsters and Carrerras dropping off of the roads due to expensive engine and tranny issues it is glad to know that there is a way to keep the original engine and tranny numbers in the event our cars ever become worthy of a collector. I doubt it but its always nice to be optimistic I guess. Anyway, I thought I owed it to Mike at TuneRS to share this information with my Boxster brothers and sisters looking for a reputable place in the southeast in the event that anyone needs to have major work done on their cars.

His site is http://tunersmall.com/

How much did the repair cost you " Ultimate1" ? I also had extensive repair work done on my 2000 Boxster S (cylinder head rebuild due to leaking valve seals), and the repair bill was $7K, versus about $14K total for a Porsche replacement engine + the installation cost.

Even for major engine repairs it's often cheaper to find a Porsche specialist who can fix the problem instead of going the full engine replacement route.

It is a slippery slope once you get the engine out
 

how many parts to repair or improve while you have it out. AOS, water pump, IMS, ...and where does it stop?

I've always felt that if I did, I'd not go half way. It probably doesn't make sense economically but then it wouldn't be the first car I over-improved.

Good point, Mike. Things like the water pump and AOS are just plain smart to do anytime the engine is pulled. I do these things even on my CPO engines because anyone buying an engine doesn't expect it to break anytime soon.

One mass producer of engines even states that they don't even replace the AOS, it is "Cleaned and inspected".

With these engines the money will be spent either initially or later and sometimes even more. No matter what route you go always understand exactly what is included, ask a ton of questions and get references. These are the things I expect from purchasers that are making well informed purchases. (if someone doesn't ask me questions or ask for references its a red flag that maybe I shouldn't work with them)

I am looking at a similar bill for the engine removal, rebuild and reinstallation with the LN IMS upgrade. The parts being replaced are:Piston Ring Set
Main Bearing
Rod Bearing
Engine Gasket Cylinder Head Gaskets
Intake manifold Gasket
Exhaust manifold Gasket
LN IMS Bearing
Timing Guide Rails


There are a few other things that I am having done that might as well be done with the engine out of the car. I feel comfortable because Pedro at www.pedrosgarage.com/Site/Technolab.html referred me to Mike at Tune RS www.tunersmall.com and I must say that Mikes treatment towards me has been first class.

I was impressed to learn that Mike also preps race cars as well. Here are a couple of video links.

]Youtube Mike Mathe's Tune RS Prepped Carerra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwaOjFQ780&feature=player_embedded

Youtube TuneRS Motorsports and AP car design
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8dn7UR6pTQ

Maybe one of these days my budget will allow me to borrow one of his race prepped Carreras for a weekend race event.

LMAO! Yeah, right, Jake. Like anyone from this forum would actually feel the need to ask you for references!

I'd like to send you my car for an engine upgrade in a couple of years time, (hopefully before it detonates!) and it would never even have crossed my mind to ask you for a reference. This forum is reference enough, imo. :cheers:

Happy to report back that my car is running beautifully. I have put on about 600 miles on her since the rebuild, LN IMS upgrade and new clutch. I am lucky to have Porsche experts such as Mike at Tune RS Motorsports as well as Pedro from Pedro's Garage who referred me to Mike. While it was a little painful to have to write the check due to the timing of year end business expenses, I am glad that I am keeping my Boxster.

Mind sharing with us the cost of the rebuild? And why not overbore it to 2.9L while you're at it?

I kept everything stock. The price is really going to be dependent on what you want done and what needs to be replaced. Since I kept my engine atthe stock 2.7L specs my cost was a lot lower than what it would have cost to go to a 2.9L or to buy another engine and have it shipped.

Probably best to contact Mike or Taylor at TuneRS and get a quote from them for the work that you want or need to have done on your engine or car. Their number is 954-345-7877.

I had the complimentary 1000 mile oil change and they double checked everything over the weekend. I got my car back this afternoon and it drove even better on the way home.