Gold Meister Engine Specialists
Porsche Engine Rebuild
Expert Porsche engine rebuilds by factory-trained Gold Meister technicians. M96, M97, Mezger, air-cooled, and GT car engines rebuilt to factory specifications with OEM parts and proper diagnostics.
Gold Meister Certified · 5 Technicians · OEM Parts · Stratford CT
Why Choose a Gold Meister Shop for Engine Rebuilds?
Engine rebuilding requires more than mechanical skill—it requires factory training on Porsche's specific tolerances, assembly procedures, and diagnostic protocols. A rebuild done incorrectly can fail catastrophically within months.
Gold Meister is Porsche's highest technician certification, requiring years of advanced training beyond basic certifications. Shops claiming “racing engine experience” without factory certifications may not understand the critical differences between building race engines and rebuilding street engines to OEM reliability standards.
At Repasi Motorwerks, we have five Gold Meister technicians—more than most Porsche dealers. Every engine rebuild is performed by certified technicians using factory diagnostic equipment and genuine OEM parts.
Why Connecticut Porsche Owners Choose Us
5
Gold Meister Certified
Five Porsche Gold Meister technicians—the highest certification Porsche offers. More Gold Meisters than most dealers.
PIWIS
Factory Diagnostics
Complete PIWIS diagnostic capability for accurate diagnosis, coding, and software updates. The same tools Porsche dealers use.
#1
GT Car Expertise
America's leading Carrera GT specialist. Extensive experience with GT3, GT2 RS, and other Mezger-powered cars.
100+
Combined Experience
Over 100 years of combined Porsche experience. Our team has seen every failure mode and knows how to prevent recurrence.
Porsche Engines We Rebuild
We rebuild all Porsche engine families, from classic air-cooled to modern turbocharged powerplants.
M96/M97 Engines
1997-2008Boxster, 996, 997.1, Cayman
These water-cooled flat-sixes are known for IMS bearing and bore scoring issues. Our rebuilds address the root causes with upgraded components and proper clearances.
Common issues: IMS bearing failure, bore scoring, RMS leaks
Mezger Engines
1999-2012GT3, GT3 RS, GT2, GT2 RS, Turbo
The legendary Mezger engine powers Porsche's GT cars. These race-bred engines require specialist knowledge for proper rebuilds that maintain their incredible performance.
Common issues: Chain tensioner wear, valve guide wear, rod bearing wear
Air-Cooled Engines
1965-1998911, 912, 914, 930 Turbo
Classic air-cooled engines require specialized knowledge of thermal expansion, proper case preparation, and period-correct specifications. Our Porsche Classic certified technicians specialize in these iconic powerplants.
Common issues: Case sagging, chain tensioner wear, thermal damage
9A1/MA1 Engines
2009-Present997.2, 991, 718, 992
Modern direct-injection Porsche engines benefit from our factory diagnostic capabilities and latest technical service bulletins.
Common issues: IMS (early 9A1), coolant pipe leaks, timing chain wear
Carrera GT V10
2004-2006Carrera GT
Jimmy Repasi is among the most experienced Carrera GT technicians in North America. We've serviced more CGT engines than any other independent shop in America.
Common issues: Clutch wear, engine mount service, valve adjustment
Common Engine Issues We Solve
IMS Bearing Failure
M96, M97, early 9A1During rebuild, we install upgraded IMS solutions (LN Engineering, Flat 6 Innovations) to eliminate this failure point permanently.
Bore Scoring / Cylinder Damage
M96, M97Cylinder boring to oversize with new pistons, or LN Engineering Nickies cylinder liners for permanent fix.
Rod Bearing Wear
Mezger, M96, M97Full rod bearing replacement with proper oil clearance measurement. We identify root cause (oil starvation, contamination, etc.).
Chain Tensioner Failure
Air-cooled, MezgerUpdated tensioner installation with proper timing chain replacement if worn beyond specification.
Case Sagging / Core Shift
Air-cooledCase boring and align-honing to restore proper cylinder alignment and bearing clearances.
Porsche IMS Bearing: Complete Guide
The IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing is one of the most discussed reliability concerns for 1997-2008 Porsche owners.
What is the IMS Bearing?
The intermediate shaft connects the crankshaft to the camshaft chains. In M96 and M97 engines, Porsche used a sealed ball bearing at the flywheel end that receives minimal lubrication. Over time, this bearing can fail, sending metal debris throughout the engine.
Which Porsches Are Affected?
- • 996 Carrera (1999-2005)
- • 997.1 Carrera (2005-2008)
- • Boxster 986 (1997-2004)
- • Boxster/Cayman 987.1 (2005-2008)
- • Early Cayenne V8 (2003-2006)
Note: GT3, Turbo, and GT2 models use Mezger engines and are NOT affected by IMS issues.
IMS Failure Warning Signs
- • Metallic debris or glitter in oil
- • Grinding or rumbling noise from rear of engine
- • Oil analysis showing elevated metal particles
- • Sudden loss of oil pressure
- • Check engine light with misfires
⚠️ By the time symptoms appear, engine damage has often already occurred.
IMS Bearing Solutions We Offer
- ✓LN Engineering IMS Solution — Larger bearing with dedicated oil feed
- ✓Flat 6 Innovations IMS Pro — Ceramic hybrid bearing upgrade
- ✓Single-Row Retrofit — For early dual-row bearing cars
Preventive Recommendation: We strongly recommend IMS bearing replacement during any service requiring transmission removal (clutch, rear main seal, etc.). The additional cost is minimal compared to the insurance it provides. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Porsche Bore Scoring: Causes & Solutions
Bore scoring is another significant concern for M96/M97 engine owners, causing increased oil consumption and eventual engine failure.
What is Bore Scoring?
Bore scoring refers to vertical scratches and damage on the cylinder walls. In M96/M97 engines, this typically results from debris (often from deteriorating cylinder coating or piston ring fragments) circulating between the piston and cylinder wall, creating deep grooves that compromise the seal.
Symptoms of Bore Scoring
- • Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 qt per 1,000 miles)
- • Blue smoke from exhaust, especially on startup
- • Rough idle or misfires
- • Low compression on affected cylinders
- • Metallic debris in oil filter
Bore Scoring Detection
We use borescope inspection to visually examine cylinder walls without engine disassembly. This allows early detection before catastrophic failure. Compression and leak-down tests confirm severity. We recommend borescope inspection during any PPI or major service on M96/M97 engines.
Bore Scoring Repair Options
Option 1: Overbore with New Pistons
Bore cylinders oversize, install matched pistons. Good for minor scoring.
Option 2: LN Engineering Nickies
Steel cylinder liners installed in place of original aluminum-silicon. Permanent solution that eliminates scoring risk entirely.
Option 3: Complete Engine Replacement
For severe damage, a rebuilt or used engine may be more cost-effective.
Preventing Bore Scoring
- • Use high-quality synthetic oil (Mobil 1, Motul, etc.)
- • Allow proper warm-up before spirited driving
- • Change oil at 5,000 mile intervals (not 10,000)
- • Address coolant issues immediately
- • Regular borescope inspections after 60k miles
Our Recommendation: For M96/M97 engines with confirmed bore scoring, LN Engineering Nickies provide the most durable long-term solution. We've installed dozens of these cylinder liners with excellent results. Combined with an IMS bearing upgrade during the same rebuild, this addresses both major M96/M97 reliability concerns.
Our Engine Rebuild Process
Every rebuild follows a methodical process to ensure quality and reliability.
Diagnostic Assessment
Complete PIWIS diagnostic scan, compression and leak-down testing, borescope inspection, and visual assessment to determine rebuild scope.
Disassembly & Inspection
Complete engine teardown with detailed documentation. Every component measured, inspected, and catalogued.
Machine Work
Cylinder honing or boring, deck surfacing, case machining, and all precision machine work to factory specifications.
Parts Selection
OEM Porsche parts used throughout. Upgraded components installed where beneficial (IMS solution, LN Engineering, etc.).
Assembly
Assembly by Gold Meister technicians using factory torque specifications, proper assembly lubricants, and meticulous attention to detail.
Break-In & Testing
Proper engine break-in procedure, leak testing, PIWIS coding, test drive evaluation, and final quality control.
Engine Rebuild FAQ
How much does a Porsche engine rebuild cost in Connecticut?
Costs vary significantly based on engine type and damage extent. M96/M97 rebuilds typically range $15,000-$25,000. Mezger (GT3/GT2) rebuilds range $20,000-$40,000. Air-cooled rebuilds vary from $12,000-$30,000. Contact us for a specific quote based on your engine's condition.
What is Porsche IMS bearing failure and how is it repaired?
IMS (Intermediate Shaft) bearing failure is a common issue in 1997-2008 Porsche M96 and M97 engines. The original sealed bearing can fail due to inadequate lubrication, causing metal debris to circulate through the engine. We repair this with upgraded solutions (LN Engineering, Flat 6 Innovations) that use larger, properly lubricated bearings. Learn more about IMS bearing →
What causes Porsche bore scoring and how is it fixed?
Bore scoring in M96/M97 engines is caused by debris creating vertical scratches in cylinder walls, leading to oil consumption and loss of compression. Solutions include boring oversize with new pistons or installing LN Engineering Nickies steel cylinder liners. Learn more about bore scoring →
Should I replace IMS bearing preventively or wait for symptoms?
Preventive IMS bearing replacement is strongly recommended during any major service (clutch, rear main seal) on M96/M97 engines over 50,000 miles. The cost during other service is minimal compared to engine damage if the bearing fails. By the time symptoms appear, damage has often already occurred.
What certifications should a Porsche engine rebuilder have?
Look for Porsche Gold Meister certification—the highest level Porsche offers. Be wary of shops claiming only “racing experience” without factory certifications—rebuilding race engines differs significantly from rebuilding street engines to OEM reliability standards.
How long does a Porsche engine rebuild take?
Complete rebuilds typically take 4-8 weeks depending on engine type, parts availability, and machine work required. We provide detailed timelines after initial inspection.
Do you ship engines or require the whole car?
We prefer the complete car for proper diagnosis, removal, installation, and testing. However, we can work with shipped engines for out-of-area customers when necessary.
Need a Porsche Engine Rebuild?
Contact our Gold Meister technicians for a professional assessment. We'll diagnose the issue, provide a detailed estimate, and rebuild your engine to factory specifications.
Porsche Engine Rebuild Service Areas
We serve Porsche owners throughout Connecticut and the tri-state area for engine rebuilds.
Connecticut
Stratford, Bridgeport, Milford, Fairfield, New Haven, Stamford, Greenwich, Norwalk, Danbury
New York
Westchester County, White Plains, Rye, Port Chester, New Rochelle
New Jersey
Bergen County, Hackensack, Paramus, Fort Lee
Nationwide
We also accept shipped engines for customers outside our service area