The Maestro Harry Pellow Instruction - Changes with Time?

[Dennis Vogel]

Is the advice found in Harry Pellow books and videos still correct and timely? Has anyone uncovered any errors or misleading info? I realize the mechanics of the cars haven't changed, but certainly the availability of parts and pricing of things have.

I'm starting rebuild of a 1960 T5 Super 90 engine. Based on internet research, and advice of forum members here, I am using Harry Pellow's Secrets of the Inner Circle book and The Maestro's Engine Assembly Video as my guide.

To be clear, not a criticism of Harry at all. Just wondering if times have changed and I need to take anything into account. For example, I notice him tossing a fair number of things, and I wonder if that's still considered good and current practice. I believe the video came out in 1986.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and observations.

[Wes Bender]

I believe the info is still good. There have always been differences of opinion regarding some issues. I.e. Do you put two-stroke oil in the gas for the first couple of fill-ups, etc.

Of course, NPR sets are no longer available, but there are much better products out there now. I like Shasta P&C sets.

You'll probably get quite a few more opinions, but Secrets is still the bible (when used alongside the Factory Service Manual).

[Dan Epperly]

I believe the info is still good. There have always been differences of opinion regarding some issues. I.e. Do you put two-stroke oil in the gas for the first couple of fill-ups, etc.

Of course, NPR sets are no longer available, but there are much better products out there now. I like Shasta P&C sets.

You'll probably get quite a few more opinions, but Secrets is still the bible (when used alongside the Factory Service Manual).

You can also use the far cheaper AA Piston and cylinder kit. If you order through CIP1.com it's even less than if you order through AA itself.

[Steven Clarke]

Dennis:

As mentioned already, the 2-stroke motor oil might not be such a good idea. You can read my story here:
http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... 0&start=15

In my case it was probably a case of tight valve guide clearances, but the oil didn't help.

As St. Harry would say,
KTF,
Steve

[David Jones]

Harry liked to throw away original distributors and replace them with the aftermarket Bosch 050 distributor which is OK but it would be a better idea to get your original rebuilt for an original car and engine. He also liked to replace the original carbs with Webers which entails a lot of work to get the linkage and jets correct. Nowadays it has to be a better idea to install whatever was original to your car, Zenith or Solex depending on engine configuration.
The difference in cost would be minimal to do it right and the resale value of the car would definitely be better.

[John Brooks]

Don't drive the cam gear on the crank with a giant screw driver, heat it up on a stove top. Slide it on. I just rebuilt one of Harry's engines and it had six big impact marks on the gear, just like shown the video

[Ron LaDow]

Harry 'estimated' the dome volumes on NPRs, figuring them equal to the stock ones NPR copied, but neglecting to account for the larger diameter. It doesn't take a lot of measuring to find that 'estimating' the volume of a frustum does not give you usable data.

[Greg Bryan]

I had to look it up …

[Ron LaDow]

Greg, any of you guys who majored in chem can leave me behind in a New York minute. Start discussing 'valances'; that was the signal for me to start napping.

[Adam Wright]

Greg, any of you guys who majored in chem can leave me behind in a New York minute. Start discussing 'valances'; that was the signal for me to start napping.

I was Pre-Med my first year in college, Dr. Wright was very excited, until I took my first Chem class, that was the end of that....
BBA it became.

[Paul Ahnell]

I used Harry's "Secrets" to replace the "rear main" seal under the flywheel and to do a top-end job on my '60 Normal. No video. Small potatoes, but I found it very helpful and accurate. No issues yet after Ks of miles.

[Vic Skirmants]

I found that his compression ratio numbers were way off.

[Ron LaDow]

I found that his compression ratio numbers were way off.

That's the reason I checked his dome volumes (and deck-height numbers, for that matter)

[Phil Planck]

Its still a good reference for those unfamliar with the nuances of these engines. For example, years ago, my first 356 engine build, I believe he suggested measuring replacement bearing thickness. Sure enough, one main was for 1st or 2nd under when I ordered std, as crank was still within as new limits. Plus, an entertaining read, at least for me. This was pre-internet, so we corresponded by mail and phone.

At one time, Bill Block was putting together an updated version which would incorporate current thinking and parts usage.

[gregg hake]

When I began my "B" rebuild, I had zero knowledge of rebuilding an engine, so Harrys tapes were extremely valuable in telling me what to do first, second, etc... And then after I had the machining done and new parts purchased, it told me what sequence to put it all together. I had the videos running the whole time I rebuilt my motor.
Of course, I used local 356 guys and the registry faithful to give me much needed pointers and suggestions also. When details were required, I could ask for elaboration on the registry and, often times I would have an answer in minutes.