Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 1 2015, 12:40 PM

Back in 2008 I built s dedicated training room at the main shop and started offering Porsche M96 (Boxster/ 996) engine rebuild classes that were hands on. Within a couple of years the classes became too popular as I began instructing similar (not hands on) classed for the Worldpac Training Institute, with Tony Callas of Callas Rennsport.

The hands on classes got so popular that I'd host 4-5 a year and we'd have to close the whole shop down for 4 days to host them. I had attendees from all over the world show up, the furthest from Australia, and many from EU and Asia.

Having classes at the main facility turned out to be a real pain, because not only did the classes get more popular, but so did our work, and we had to shut down operations to have classes. That didn't work well, so I had to do something.

Last year I started building a dedicated training facility thats located 40 minutes from the Atlanta airport, which was much better than the 2 hour ride to the main facility, and all attendees had to source rental cars. At the main facility all the hotels were in Helen Ga and because of that they were expensive. During the off season in Helen there were hardly any restaurants open, and that made it difficult to have classes in winter, when most people wanted to attend.

The new facility solves all these challenges, because attendees can stay nearby in Athens Georgia where they can walk to eat and attractions, and we can now offer a shuttle service to the Training Facility, to make things easier. The new facility also separates training from building completely, so I can have more classes every year without impacting the shop schedule at all. I hosted my first M96 Engine Rebuild School last week at the new facility, and it was a huge hit! Attendees from Ireland & Singapore along with several Canadians, joined the Americans for a 4 day experience where we built an M96 engine from scratch.

So, since the air-cooled engine is so much a part of what we continue to do, I have considered adding some aircooled engine classes much like the M96 class to the schedule, along with Porsche DFI engine classes and Cayenne engine rebuild.

Before I take the time to schedule these classes I figured I'd try to make a survey to see who would be interested, as I need 15 attendees to host a class and make it worthwhile.

My classes are much different than a normal setting. You'll come into my world, see where I work and we'll do it all in a laid back, "shop" atmosphere with no formalities.

I plan on offering three classes:
- "Type 4 101" How to configure a Performance Type 4 engine
- "Type 4 102" Performance engine rebuild (Hands on)
- "Tuning to live" Aircooled engine tuning (For T1, T4, 356/ 616)

Here's what each class will include:
"MassIVe Type 4 101" Engine Configuration Class (prerequisite for the Engine Rebuild School)
"Its all in the combo" This class shares what you need to develop your own combo!
-2 day class, dates TBD based on interest
-Case machining basics and essentials
-Head machining basics and essentials, and performance secrets (I am sure I could talk Len Hoffman into being a Presenter for this one)
-Camshaft optimization. Learn camshaft differences, limitations, and use the Cam Doctor
-Balancing. Dynamic and static
-Choosing internal components, pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and more
-Determining compression ratio for the application and operating environment
-Oil system modifications, design and theory
-Engine Oils, what to use and when, including Break in oils, race oils and how to choose a viscosity (I will try to have Lake Speed from Joe Gibbs Driven to co- instruct this with me)
-Subsystem optimization, to include induction, exhaust, and cooling. Choosing carbs, EFI and ignition systems will also be covered.
- Labs during this class will include the Cam Doctor as well as setting up Deck height and valve train geometry. I'll show you how these are done the easiest and most effective ways
At the end of this class the attendee will understand the essentials for configuring a performance T4 engine. They will then be able to sign up for the Type 4 Engine Rebuild School thats hands on and detailed below (If we have enough interest)

Cost for this class will be 1,299.00 (499.00 non refundable deposit, then balance due at the class)

"MassIVe T4 102" Performance Engine Rebuild School
-The 3 day Class starts with a fully prepared high performance (2270- 2615) Type 4 engine ready to be assembled.
-Each morning the class will go over the assembly tasks for the day via presentation
-Each afternoon the class will work to assemble the engine. The first day the class will assemble the short block, and the second day the class will assemble the long block. The 3rd day the class will fit ancillaries and fire the engine up, taking it through the break in procedure after initial start up.
-This is a primarily hands on class with little classroom instruction, hence the additional day of class, and the additional costs. This is also why the "101" class prerequisite exists, as we need to have the essentials covered up front.

Cost for this class will be 1,899.00 (699.00 non refundable deposit, then balance due at the class)

"Tune To Live"
The "Tuning To Live" class will be a 2 day class that mixes classroom and labs where we'll go over tuning different aircooled engines (T1, T4, 356/616) from an induction/ ignition point of view. There will be mixed carburetor and EFI information, we'll set initial advance, full advance, go over different ignition systems and etc.

This class is essential for those who want to optimize the tuning of their engine, be it stock, or high performance.

Cost for this class will be 1,299.00 (499.00 non refundable deposit, then balance due at the class)

So, there ya have it. This is a tentative plan and will be put into place IF we have enough interest. I expect to only have one of the "102" classes per year, maybe the same with the tuning classes, but demand will determine this. The Porsche water cooled classes have been a HUGE success, but part of that is because technicians and shop owners can't get the info in any other way. We'll have to wait and see how things work out with aircooled classes, because I'd love to add them. These will be a ton of fun to instruct.

Pass this word around, and let's see if we can make it a success. I'll be sending this same info out in a newsletter next week.

Here's the class photo from last week's M96 Engine Rebuild School. In the background lies a lot of history, including The Bluebonic Plague (the car that started it all for me) and my old 912E, and a few more toys. The new facility is 5,300 Sq ft and incorporates presentation rooms, a theater, and over 3,000 sq ft of shop space for labs and etc.

Posted by: raynekat Mar 1 2015, 01:01 PM

I'd be interested in all 3 classes.
Thanks for considering this.

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 1 2015, 02:06 PM

Great to hear. I've gotten two emails since posting this too. I'll give a yearly discount for someone who wants to attend more than 2 classes.

Posted by: 02loftsmoor Mar 1 2015, 04:31 PM

I'm very interested in your classes, I don't know squat about a Type 4

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 1 2015, 07:59 PM

Cool.. Looks like we Will have no problem filling classes on these topics based on the feedback I have gotten this far

Posted by: Chris Pincetich Mar 1 2015, 08:19 PM

This is cool! Where to people stay? Camp?
I'm still saving $$ for parts.... and am buying an alternator tomorrow so I can keep driving my 914.

Posted by: old914dog Mar 1 2015, 09:38 PM

Hell Yes!!
Find some dates
Len buys the beer!!

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 1 2015, 09:56 PM

We have all the logistics worked out with transportation from the airport to the host hotel, then the shuttle for the class moves everyone at once. We provide breakfast and lunch, with a good chunk of southern hospitality!

If you want to camp, well, the facility sits on 50 acres and we have plenty of room!

I'll have dates by the end of this week... I will plan two of the 101 classes and then one of the 102 classes this year. The 102 class will be near the end of 2015 to give it plenty of time to fill.

Posted by: Mueller Mar 1 2015, 10:34 PM

I don't see any of these classes in my near future unless I win the lotto, I just want to add how cool it would be to go and I'll be jealous of all those that go!

Thanks for offering classes like these!

Posted by: Dave_Darling Mar 1 2015, 10:45 PM

Ditto. I'd love to try to get to the tuning class, but I don't think I can do the time and money.

--DD

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 1 2015, 10:53 PM

Thanks guys, the good thing about all my builds moving to the 2.4, 2.6 and 3 liter levels is the fact that we'll be telling it all on the 2270 and how to build one effectively!

I'll be handing out 2056 and 2270 engine combos to attendees during the 102 classes on top of explaining how to design your own.

Posted by: Mueller Mar 1 2015, 11:05 PM

Thumper motors for sure! I like...


Glad I've decided to stick with the Type IV afterall... there is a reason I gave up/sold all my other half-ass attempted engine conversions

Posted by: lonewolfe Mar 2 2015, 05:42 AM

Perhaps you could do a raffle for a few spots. You'd still make your class $+ & give a chance for folks to attend that otherwise couldn't swing it. And, it creates a lot of buzz about your classes. Just a thought!

Posted by: sfrenck Mar 2 2015, 05:45 AM

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 2 2015, 05:58 AM

If I had time to administrate them, that might work.

I like to keep things simple.

Posted by: Han Solo Mar 2 2015, 09:54 AM

I'm very interested in these classes. Sending you a PM with email to get the newsletter. Also noted your comment regarding onsite camping. Do you think I can park this for a few days?

Posted by: monkeyboy Mar 2 2015, 10:02 AM

I would be interested. Depending on when they were, I could get a couple of days off work. I would love to learn to build my own type IV and know it's right.

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 2 2015, 10:07 AM

Since its 4WD you could find a nice place on the back 40 for it... But there's no water or power back there.

Considering whats on the trailer, you should attend my M96/M97 classes, too... I have one thats designed to give you the info to keep the engine in that car alive!

Posted by: Han Solo Mar 2 2015, 10:45 AM

We're self contained for water and electric The '07 Cayman S is sold. Replaced by a '14 Cayman (not racing that at this time). However, I do co-own a 1st gen Boxster and would love to know how to re-build that. It's all a question of time and money!

Posted by: Woody Mar 2 2015, 11:04 AM

Wouldn't mind learning about some of these bigger builds. 3 liter has to be insane.

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 2 2015, 01:36 PM

Same principle as the engine you are building now, but everything gets more intense and critical. As the engine gets larger, the margin of error gets smaller. At 3 liters its pretty much non- existent. For any 3 liter to be effective it takes damn good heads with a ton of port volume, which costs the big bucks. If not, its just a big air pump that can't move much air.

For the class I'll keep it a medium displacement engine, more like what people will actually build for themselves.

Posted by: crash914 Mar 2 2015, 02:10 PM

Wish you did this years ago...

Very short money compared to the cost of building a 2.7 wrong.. just saying.. not that I have done that.

Posted by: shuie Mar 2 2015, 03:35 PM

Do you have the pricing and schedule info posted for the M96/M97 classes?

Posted by: Rob-O Mar 2 2015, 03:50 PM

Hey Jake, can you elaborate on that last statement? Handing out 2056 or 2270 engine combos?

Posted by: Harpo Mar 2 2015, 04:26 PM

This is not in the cards for me this year but I would love to do this next year.

David

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 2 2015, 07:45 PM

The schedule will be released next week for all the classes. M96 101 class is an online class thats required to attend the Hands On M96 102 Engine Rebuild School. The online class is 875.00 for 16 hours, instructed in 4, 4 hour segments over one month's time.

The M96 102 class is 1,599.00 and thats 4 days on site here at the Training Facility, and most days are 10 hours long. Its a true experience.

Yes, during the Type 4 Engine Rebuild Class I'll hand out a 2056 and 2270 engine combination to all attendees.

Posted by: Skootnasty Mar 16 2015, 03:21 AM

Interested, for sure.

Although the drive down won't be as bad ass, compared to driving down to Cleveland last year.

Skoot

Posted by: HAM Inc Mar 16 2015, 09:12 AM

Just saw this thread.

This class is much needed! With so many possible combos for the T4 there are more ways to piece together the wrong combo than you can imagine. I see this sooooo often.

Anyone planning to build one of these engines would do well to make the investment and trip. It's what you don't know that you don't know that always burns the diy engine builder!

Posted by: obscurity Mar 16 2015, 11:05 AM

Very Cool idea!! I hope I have the money when the time comes to think of a rebuild. I am curious where the shop is located.

Posted by: Jake Raby Mar 16 2015, 09:22 PM

I have built a dedicated training facility thats not at my primary engine building facility. The new place is 40 minutes outside of Atlanta, at an area off the grid.

I have set the dates for the class for July 18 & 19. There will be ONE in 2015, and I expect it to fill fast.

Do not PM me to sign up, I can't help you with that. Send an email to kaley@rabyenginedevelopment.com and she will provide all the details about lodging and transportation. We have the logistics worked out for attendees to the T. She will give you details about the hotels my shuttle picks up from, and will help you arrange the airport shuttle to get you to the hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel, we have the other transportation all worked out with our own shuttle to and from the facility.

I have decided to do the prerequisite class online only to reduce the costs for attendees to be qualified for the Hi Performance Rebuild School. The cost of the 101 class will be 599.00 and it will be 12 hours broken down into 3 sets of 4 hour sessions. All attendees who wish to attend the Hans- on class must first have the online training. This helps the hands on class flow greatly.

The Hands on Performance Rebuild School is 1,899.00

The class maximum is 20 attendees, we won't have a class for less than 15.I'll have more info posted next week, I have 9 classes to release at once, but this is the only aircooled class of 2015.