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AT SPEED MOTORS / MECHANICAL PREPARATION

Service &
preservation.

Preparing a well-preserved 911 S for regular driving, with its originality and character at the heart of the work.

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The engine and gearbox are back in the car, with the clutch, seals, brakes and much of the suspension renewed. Final setup and road testing remain ahead.

LATEST / 30 OCTOBER 2026

Tuning and finishing.

Warm-white LED headlights selected; Bob is arranging the order. MFI tuning continues, with alignment and road testing to follow. The factory-correct rear muffler is fitted.

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All remaining work

38 of 38 records

Engine & drivetrain

01Engine and gearbox removal and refittingCompleted

7 August → 22 October 2026

The engine and gearbox were removed together, giving access to the clutch, seals, engine tinwork and mountings. The engine was back in the chassis by 22 October.

What the parts do

The engine produces torque; the gearbox selects ratios and incorporates the final drive to the rear wheels. Removing the assembly gives access to otherwise obstructed seals, clutch and mountings.

Parts & further reading
02Engine reseal and chain housingsCompleted

27 August → 27 October 2026

Engine resealed with new seals and gaskets. The chain-cover area was cleaned and reassembled with new hardware.

What the parts do

Gaskets seal stationary joints between covers and housings. Oil seals control leakage where shafts pass through housings; O-rings seal appropriately shaped grooves and connections. Chain-cover gaskets contain oil around the timing drive. Valve-cover gaskets seal access covers around the valve gear. Fresh hardware secures the renewed seals and gaskets.

Parts & further reading
03Timing chain ramps and tensioner inspectionCompleted

27 August 2026

All timing-chain ramps replaced during the engine-out work. The engine’s existing hydraulic chain-tensioner upgrade and aluminum chain covers were retained.

What the parts do

Chain ramps are wear surfaces that guide the timing chains. The chains synchronize crankshaft and camshaft motion; their controlled path is important to correct valve operation. Tensioners take up slack and are separate components.

Parts & further reading
04Engine case saversCompleted

Completed by 27 October 2026

Case savers installed to strengthen the threaded mounting points in the engine case.

What the parts do

A case saver is a threaded repair or reinforcement insert installed in the engine case so a stud or bolt engages the insert rather than relying solely on the surrounding case material. These inserts give the fasteners a strong, durable threaded seat.

Parts & further reading
05Clutch, flywheel and actuation cableCompleted

Completed by 27 October 2026

New clutch fitted and the flywheel resurfaced. The clutch cable and clevis were replaced to restore smooth operation.

What the parts do

The clutch disc carries friction material between the engine flywheel and pressure plate. The pressure plate clamps the disc to transmit torque; the release bearing and mechanism allow disengagement for starting and changing gear. The flywheel provides the mating friction surface and rotating inertia. Resurfacing restores its working face but leaves the original component in service. The cable connects pedal movement to the release mechanism; resistance in the cable can make the pedal action bind rather than feel progressive.

The clevis is the forked connector that joins the clutch cable to its operating linkage. Its pin forms a pivot, allowing the connection to articulate as the cable pulls.

Parts & further reading
06Valve adjustment, distributor and ignition timingCompleted

20–27 October 2026

Valve clearances and ignition timing adjusted. New spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor fitted ahead of final tuning.

What the parts do

Valve clearance is the designed gap in the valve-operating mechanism; adjustment accommodates thermal expansion and permits proper valve closing. Ignition timing determines when the spark occurs relative to piston position. Spark plugs ignite the mixture. The distributor cap provides insulated terminals, and its rotor directs high voltage toward the relevant plug lead. Ignition leads carry that voltage to the plugs.

Parts & further reading
07MFI pump drive belt, gear and hardwareCompleted

Completed by 27 October 2026

New mechanical fuel-injection pump belt, drive gear and associated hardware fitted. Final MFI tuning and road testing follow.

What the parts do

Mechanical fuel injection uses a mechanically driven pump to meter fuel. Its toothed belt transmits motion from the engine; a toothed drive gear or pulley engages that belt. Correct drive timing and linkage adjustment help the system deliver fuel in step with engine operation.

Parts & further reading
08Engine cooling tinwork refurbishmentCompleted

20 October 2026

Engine tinwork cleaned, refurbished and reassembled around the engine, with Rich carefully fitting the many interlocking pieces back into place.

What the parts do

The engine tins form a carefully fitted set of sheet-metal panels around the engine. They help separate hot exhaust-side air from the cooling-air supply and direct air where it belongs. Their fit matters as much as their finish; reassembly follows a particular order because the small panels overlap.

Parts & further reading
13Fluids and drive beltsCompleted

Completed by 27 October 2026

Engine oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid renewed, along with the engine drive belt. The oil-filter service is still to be confirmed.

What the parts do

Engine oil lubricates and carries heat; the oil filter removes circulating particles. Gearbox oil protects gears and bearings and must suit the transmission. Brake fluid transmits pedal pressure through the hydraulic system. The engine drive belt powers the fan and alternator; a separate toothed belt drives the MFI pump.

Parts & further reading
14Transmission mounts and original crossmemberCompleted

22–27 October 2026

New transmission mounts fitted. The original crossmember was blasted and repainted before being returned to service.

What the parts do

Transmission mounts support and locate the drivetrain while cushioning vibration. Renewing tired mounts limits unwanted movement under acceleration and gear changes.

The original crossmember carries the mounting assembly. Blasting and repainting refreshed its finish while keeping this factory component in service.

Parts & further reading
Keeping the original crossmember
Removed transmission crossmember with mounts
Removed for refurbishment.
Refurbished crossmember installed beneath the gearbox
Back beneath the gearbox.

The original crossmember was blasted and repainted, then returned to service with new transmission mounts. New mounts cushion and locate the gearbox on the refurbished support.

Watch the crossmember film
25Cold cylinder leakdown testPlanned

A cold leakdown test is included in preparation. Cylinder-by-cylinder results will form part of the engine’s baseline.

What the parts do

A leakdown test introduces regulated air into a cylinder with its valves closed and measures leakage. It helps assess sealing through valves, piston rings and related interfaces. The readings provide a useful baseline for future servicing.

27Shifter rebuild, linkage and bushingsCompleted

Shifter rebuilt before purchase · June 2026

The shifter was rebuilt before purchase to improve its action. Further attention to its bushings formed part of the workshop preparation alongside the clutch and drivetrain work.

What the parts do

The gear lever works through a linkage running back to the gearbox. Bushings support its moving points; play here can turn a precise hand movement into a vague gear change. The rebuild addresses the mechanism that the driver feels at every shift.

In this shift system, the ball-cup bushing supports the base of the lever, a guide bushing supports the shift rod, and the rear coupler connects the linkage to the transmission. These small pieces explain why bushing condition has such a noticeable effect on feel.

Parts & further reading
28Valve-cover refinishingCompleted

20 October 2026

Valve covers refinished during the engine work, refreshing their appearance while retaining the existing components.

What the parts do

Valve covers close the access openings over the valve gear and help retain engine oil. They are removed for valve adjustment, making engine servicing a natural opportunity to clean and refinish them.

Parts & further reading
31Cooling fan, housing and engine-bay finishingIn progress

Engine finishing · October 2026

The cooling fan is back on the engine. Refinishing the fan and housing and cleaning the engine bay remain part of the finishing work.

What the parts do

The fan supplies cooling air to the engine; its housing supports and directs the airflow. Careful cleaning and finishing preserve the engine’s original character while freshening its appearance.

Parts & further reading
33Ignition-lead servicePlanned

Engine finishing

Ignition-lead servicing is planned to complement the new spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor.

What the parts do

The leads carry high voltage from the distributor to each spark plug. Sound insulation, connections and routing help the spark reach the right cylinder reliably.

Parts & further reading
34Final MFI tuningIn progress

Tuning underway · 29 October 2026

MFI tuning is underway following the valve-clearance adjustment. Bringing the exhaust valves back into specification changed the engine readings, so Rich is working through the injection settings again.

What the parts do

Mechanical fuel injection meters fuel through an engine-driven pump and injectors. Its final settings depend on the engine being mechanically in order: valve clearances, ignition and throttle operation all affect how the engine runs. The valve adjustment therefore comes before the final mixture settings.

Parts & further reading
38Stock rear muffler replacementCompleted

Replacement installed by 30 October 2026

A new factory-correct rear muffler was fitted to replace the poorly fitting unit that came with the car from Europe. The replacement restores the intended fit, position and gray finish.

What the parts do

The rear silencer joins the exhaust outlets from the heat exchangers. Correct fit matters for the connections, mounting straps and clearance around the rear bodywork.

Chassis & brakes

09Suspension bushings and front drop linksCompleted

5–19 October 2026

Suspension bushings renewed and front anti-roll-bar drop links replaced. By 19 October, the rear suspension work was finished and Rich was completing the remaining suspension details.

What the parts do

Suspension bushings support pivots while allowing controlled movement and isolating vibration. As they age, looseness can dilute steering response and let the wheel geometry move under load.

Drop links connect the anti-roll bar to the suspension. They transfer the forces that resist body roll in corners, making sound joints and bushings important to consistent handling.

Parts & further reading
10Front strut housings and correct KONI insertsIn progress

5–19 October 2026

The front spindle and strut assembly were removed, revealing incorrect Boge inserts forced into KONI housings. The old inserts were extracted, the housings refreshed, and fitting the correct KONI units was underway in October.

What the parts do

The strut housing is the structural outer assembly; the insert is the damper cartridge inside it. The cartridge must fit its housing and be securely retained.

Parts & further reading
Why the strip-down mattered

The mismatch had not been obvious from the way the car drove. It emerged when the struts came apart. Final front-strut checks remain on the preparation list.

Watch Bob explain the mismatch
11Brakes, front and rearCompleted

5–27 October 2026

New brake rotors, pads and lines fitted front and rear. The existing calipers were inspected and retained.

What the parts do

Brake rotors are the rotating discs against which pads press. Pads supply replaceable friction material; together they turn motion into heat. Calipers apply that force hydraulically. Rigid brake pipes carry fluid along fixed runs; flexible hoses accommodate wheel and suspension movement.

Parts & further reading
12Wheel bearing serviceCompleted

Completed by 27 October 2026

Wheel bearings removed and repacked with grease as part of the chassis preparation.

What the parts do

A wheel bearing supports the rotating hub with low friction and controlled clearance. Grease lubricates the rolling surfaces; seals help keep lubricant in and contamination out. Repacking replenishes the grease around the rolling surfaces.

Parts & further reading
15Final alignment and handling setupPlanned

Before road testing

Final alignment and suspension setup will prepare the car for winding Maine roads, with responsive steering and useful feedback as the priorities.

What the parts do

Alignment sets the relationship between the wheels and the chassis. Toe, camber and caster work together with ride height, tires and suspension condition to shape steering response and stability.

22Pirelli P6000 tires and final condition checkPlanned

The existing Pirelli P6000 tires are staying with the car, with a final condition check before the journey home.

What the parts do

Tires connect the chassis to the road. Their age, condition, pressures and construction affect grip and steering feel; the final check will help establish the setup for the journey home.

29KONI red rear shock absorbersCompleted

19 October 2026

New KONI red rear shock absorbers fitted during the suspension refresh.

What the parts do

A shock absorber controls the speed of suspension movement, settling the car after bumps and limiting repeated bouncing. The torsion bars provide the springing; the dampers control that movement so the tires can follow the road.

KONI’s Classic range pairs traditional red or black finishes with adjustable rebound damping. Rebound is the resistance as the suspension extends after compression; adjusting it changes how the car settles after a bump. It is one part of finding the right balance between body control and ride comfort.

Parts & further reading
30Steering tie-rod workIn progress

October 2026

Tie rods were included in the October suspension work, alongside bushings, brakes and struts. Steering setup comes together with the final alignment.

What the parts do

Tie rods connect the steering rack to the wheel assemblies. Their joints allow suspension movement while transmitting steering input; their adjustment also sets toe. Smooth joints and sound connections are central to the direct steering feel of an early 911.

Parts & further reading
35Road testing and final adjustmentsPlanned

Road testing follows engine tuning and alignment. The aim is a car that starts cleanly, changes gear smoothly and feels settled on the road.

What the parts do

Testing will cover cold and hot starts, braking, gear selection, handling and noise. Any final adjustments will follow the way the car behaves in use.

Cabin, finish & handover

16Heat and defrostPlanned

Heat and defrost checks for comfortable driving in Maine.

What the parts do

The cabin heater uses air warmed through the engine’s heat exchangers, routed by flaps, ducts and controls. Defrost directs airflow toward the windshield. The final check will cover heat output, control operation and windshield clearing.

Parts & further reading
17Warm-white LED headlightsPlanned

Selected · 30 October 2026

OSRAM NIGHT BREAKER LED VINTAGE H4 bulbs have been selected for stronger illumination with a warm, period-appropriate appearance. Bob is arranging the order through FVD; fitting and beam alignment are still ahead.

What the parts do

The bulb, reflector and lens work together to form the beam. After fitting, the lights need to be aimed and checked on both dipped and main beam. The goal is better reach on dark roads while retaining the existing headlamp appearance.

Parts & further reading
18Two concealed USB-C outletsPlanned

Two concealed USB-C charging outlets beneath the dashboard, keeping the cabin’s appearance intact.

What the parts do

A USB-C outlet converts vehicle electrical power to the voltage and charging protocol required by a device. Charging wattage and USB Power Delivery support will guide the outlet selection. The installation also includes its wiring, fuse and mounting.

19Keeping the existing number platesPlanned

Retaining the existing plates as part of the car’s story; final arrangements are still being settled.

20Paint imperfections and cosmetic finishingIn progress

Final paint correction and detailing, plus a closer look at two paint imperfections. Photographs and recommendations will guide the finishing decisions.

What the parts do

Cleaning and detailing remove contamination and improve presentation; polishing, touch-up, localized repair and repainting change the finish to differing degrees. The finishing plan will balance a fresh presentation with preservation of the car’s existing paint.

21Dry-ice cleaningPlanned

Approved 27 October 2026

Dry-ice cleaning approved on 27 October. Work and before/after photographs still to follow.

What the parts do

Dry-ice blasting uses solid carbon dioxide pellets to lift contamination from surfaces. It exposes the existing materials and finishes beneath accumulated grime. The workshop will choose the areas and protect sensitive components.

23The journey homePlanned

A visit to At Speed and, weather and readiness permitting, a drive home to Maine. The handover date is still to be arranged.

The handover

Handover brings together the final road test, equipment checks, workshop records and the first drive as a fully prepared car. The drive home depends on completion of the work and suitable weather.

24Two batteries and their installationPlanned

Two new dry-cell batteries are planned as part of the preparation.

What the parts do

The batteries provide the current to start the engine and an electrical reserve when the engine is off. Their mounts and connections keep them secure and connected to the car’s electrical system.

Parts & further reading
26Electrical and charging system inspectionPlanned

Electrical and charging-system checks, including the switches and everyday cabin functions.

What the parts do

The alternator supplies electrical power and replenishes the batteries while the engine runs; regulation controls charging output. Cables, grounds, connectors, fuses and switches complete the circuits.

Parts & further reading
32Cabin controls, trim and rattlesPlanned

Final testing and finishing

A final pass through the cabin during testing: buttons, switches, glovebox, boots, trim and any rattles that appear on the road.

Finishing the cabin

Small adjustments to latches, trim and controls make a large difference to everyday enjoyment. The goal is a cabin that feels as carefully sorted as the engine and chassis, with the original interior’s character intact.

36Period fog lampsUnder consideration

A suitable pair of period new-old-stock fog lamps remains under consideration, subject to finding the right units.

What the parts do

Fog lamps cast a low, wide beam. New old stock (NOS) means unused parts from earlier production. The mounting arrangement and appearance matter as much as the lamps themselves.

Parts & further reading
37Optional wood steering wheel and shift knobUnder consideration

A wood steering wheel or shift knob remains an optional idea; no selection has been made.

What the parts do

Any change would be chosen to suit the black leatherette and corduroy cabin. The car’s original steering wheel is retained separately.

NEXT / MAINE

Before the drive home.

Tune the engine, set up the suspension, and test the car on the road. Then a visit to At Speed and, weather permitting, a drive home to Maine.

Ideas still under consideration