987 Engine Failure Help

[Anker]

Why don't you do some of this work yourself? Anybody can unscrew an oil filter, cut it open and look at the contents. If the result are inconclusive, send the used oil in for analysis. There are lot of us here who can help you.

[husker boxster]

You can't over-rev the engine if you drive it up to redline. You have a rev-limiter that will prevent you from going into the danger zone and bending valves. If you miss a down shift (5-2 instead of 5-4), you will over-rev your engine and cause problems. But my understanding of your description is you did the former not the latter, so no need to worry about over-revving.