Since we are taking this in reverse, it's time to address Processes... Once again, I highlight the Avanti method and the fact that it is proven to have tremendous positive impacts on projects by saving over 50% in cost and increasing quality by over 70%! So BreitWerks has decided to apply these same principles to build engines.
The project of rebuilding your Porsche or other high performance, tight tolerance motor can have a budget ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and a schedule from one month to one year. Are you comfortable entrusting your local service shop with that magnitude of responsibility? Do they have the processes in place to ensure that your time and money are most efficiently and effectively employed? These types of projects require a different level of skill than the average oil change or brake job.
BreitWerks projects are led by a globally recognized leader in Project Management. Not only does he know how to do it, he has been entrusted with training the top employees of Fortune 100 companies in these same skills before turning his attention to building some of the most beautiful engines in the world.
Speaking of engine builders and processes, what type of processes does your proposed builder use? And, when were they last trained? BreitWerks technicians consistently strive to improve our skills and techniques within our overall assembly processes. Older motors require different techniques than late model motors. And, all of that knowledge can be tossed in a bucket when it comes to the newer, water-cooled, mod motors that Porsche has developed. BreitWerks has travelled around North America meeting face-to-face with the most respected peers in our industry to discuss best practices. Ask your proposed engine builder when was the last time he or she sought out others in the industry for conversation and made the effort to meet them in person. There are a handful out there spread around North America and we offer our services to you as one of those handful.
The basic building blocks of any engine builder are founded upon original factory guidance. Does your proposed engine builder have access, at a minimum, to factory records and procedures for building your engine? Experience is an amazing teacher. The old adage of, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" can work against you in the engine building world. Just because it's been done that way, by someone, for 30+ years doesn't mean it can't be improved. New sealants and gasket materials have made it more likely to build a leak free engine. Current EFI systems can be retrofitted that make your engine idle like a grocery getter and still scream like a banshee at 7,500 rpms. There is a fine line that must be considered between valuable tradition and complacency. And, who knew that an air-cooled, Porsche engine could be punched out all the way to 4.2 liters and have a street worthy life expectancy???
Yes, all this and more is possible. Good, baseline processes, and a willingness to learn and grow all contribute to the selection process when you are trying to decide on who to allow to care for your precious pride and joy. Ensure that good basic processes are followed and then start to probe your prospective engine builder and see what his or her thoughts are with regard to keeping up with the latest and greatest processes and methodologies. If you look at the classic, uber-successful, supercar Marques you will notice that all of them have progressed. Porsche's are now water cooled, Ferrari has a phenomenal "automatic" gearbox, and Lamborghini has built a car with a working rear view mirror. If the OEM is willing to keep up with and pace new processes and techniques, shouldn't your engine builder be willing to do the same?
Only you can answer that question. However, we invite you to contact us or stop by and discuss how we can make your engine rebuilding experience the best possible!
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