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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Stolen 3.2 engine
Posted by: GeorgeRud Dec 24 2017, 11:48 PM
Our good friend Eric Shea (of PMB Brakes) had a 3.2 engine stolen from the back of his pickup truck today. Hopefully everyone could keep their eyes and ears open for any sudden ‘good deals’. Supposedly missing an alternator and lower valve covers.
Posted by: SO.O.C914er Dec 25 2017, 02:04 AM
That just stinks. Nothing I hate more then someone steeling from our fellow 914 members 
Posted by: mb911 Dec 25 2017, 05:59 AM
Wow thats sad
Posted by: Edward Blume Dec 25 2017, 06:50 AM
I hate thieves. Post the EIN if you have it.
Posted by: Cracker Dec 25 2017, 06:58 AM
Pretty narrow market for AC Porsche motors....causal thieves wouldn't even know what it is - most likely. Just out of curiosity, did it occur overnight? Very sad indeed...those are quite pricey now too!
Tony
Posted by: Mark Henry Dec 25 2017, 07:36 AM
Pretty narrow market for AC Porsche motors....causal thieves wouldn't even know what it is - most likely. Just out of curiosity, did it occur overnight? Very sad indeed...those are quite pricey now too!
Tony
totally! it has someone in the hobby (911 914 etc) or biz, at minimum knows what it's worth.No one steals a dirty engine who isn't in the know. Would almost think targeted, someone who knew it was there.
Sorry Eric...that sucks.... Merry fucking Christmas
Posted by: 914Sixer Dec 25 2017, 07:58 AM
Damm
Posted by: 914-300Hemi Dec 25 2017, 08:30 AM
Posted by: Cairo94507 Dec 25 2017, 08:33 AM
I hope they find the motor, identify and arrest the thief. So sorry Eric.
Posted by: jim_hoyland Dec 25 2017, 08:38 AM
and on Christmas ???? Saddened this even happened..
Posted by: mepstein Dec 25 2017, 08:47 AM
Yea, 450lb lump. Every time something is stolen at our shop, it’s a former employee.
Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 25 2017, 09:20 AM
Somebody in the 'know'.
Posted by: sixnotfour Dec 25 2017, 09:24 AM
that sucks, I had a crank and rods stolen out of the back seat of my truck,,security cameras are under the Christmas tree...
Ill keep ears and eyes open..
Posted by: rgalla9146 Dec 25 2017, 09:51 AM
That sucks big time.
Posted by: mb911 Dec 25 2017, 10:21 AM
Yea, 450lb lump. Every time something is stolen at our shop, it’s a former employee.
Posted by: Cairo94507 Dec 25 2017, 10:29 AM
I am afraid Mark has likely hit the nail on the head. I would begin by looking at all former and current employees. Sucks, but that is usually the answer.
Posted by: Maltese Falcon Dec 25 2017, 10:35 AM
Flash #s Factory stamped near the SN of the 3.2 Family of engines;
930/20 = 3.2engine ROW (rest of world) 1984-up
930/21= 3.2 engine USA 1984-86
930/25= 3.2 engine USA 1987-89
930/26= 3.2 engine Sweden
Source: Bruce Anderson's Porsche 911 Performance.
The engine id # is either still in its place, unless removed or restamped by the thief (orig # can still be identified by most BAT* detectives) . Eric may not want to make this info public, as this is his call only.
*Burglary AutoTheft
Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 25 2017, 10:49 AM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
Posted by: cuddyk Dec 25 2017, 10:55 AM
So sorry to hear this. especially when we're supposed to focus on goodwill.
A few things for sure. 1) this was not a crime of opportunity. Whoever took it was prepared to transfer a 500lb lump of metal. 2) This person knew Eric had it, and where he was keeping it. 3) Eric should in no way feel bad for leaving it in his truck. Whoever stole the engine would've found a way to get it, no matter where it was stored. Totally an inside job. Let's hope we nail the bastards.
Posted by: Mikey914 Dec 25 2017, 11:01 AM
Is there a serial number that we should on the lookout for?
Posted by: mepstein Dec 25 2017, 11:04 AM
Hopefully there are some cameras set up.
Posted by: StratPlayer Dec 25 2017, 11:11 AM
Sad, hope they catch the fkers.
Posted by: davehg Dec 25 2017, 12:31 PM
That sucks, hopefully they can be caught and the engine retrieved. I just brought home my 2.7 from CA in the back of my truck and worried about parking overnight in the hotel lot. I have a locking roll up cover but if anyone really wanted it it...
Posted by: Porschef Dec 25 2017, 01:40 PM
A little late to this wake, but yeah, undoubtedly an inside job. Unless you are completely savvy about air cooled engines you're not gonna mess with a hunk of metal as scrap prices are way down. It would behoove Eric to examine a list of former employees/disgruntled acquaintances/sketchy customers and go from there.
And yes, cameras are most helpful.
Good luck, hang the Fucher. No one is stealing that to feed their family
Posted by: Triaddave Dec 25 2017, 01:48 PM
It might have been that old lady with the shopping cart I saw wheeling an engine down the street.
So, look for a really fast shopping cart..
Posted by: altitude411 Dec 25 2017, 02:27 PM
I heard a certain "Chris" broke down in Utah last night?? Not pointing fingers just sayin
*(don't want to be on the naughty list.... again)
Serial # so post it everywhere, Sorry Eric 
Posted by: Coondog Dec 25 2017, 02:41 PM
I always tell businesses to get two security systems. The one the employees know about when they open and close and your system that you can monitor during and after hours.
Posted by: burton73 Dec 25 2017, 05:05 PM
Car thefts are scum of the earth but Porsche car and Porsche deserve a special place in hell.
These P Eng. And P parts are worth some serious bucks, any 6 are.
We all have to make sure that we have the right insurance.
I changed my insurance to Hagerty a couple of months ago making that anything like this would b covered.
Thieves come in all levels. Some would break your window to steel your phone charger.
Old story of Porsche crime. Some of you may not of been born but I remember this very clear. April 26, in 1982, a gunman robbed rock star Rod Stewart on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard and stole his $50,000 Porsche.
The British singer and his 3-year-old daughter were standing next to his black 1977 Turbo Carrera when a gunman demanded the keys. Stewart complied, but the gunman couldn't start the car because of an electronic anti-theft device, so he ordered the musician to start the car for him.
Bob B
Posted by: r_towle Dec 25 2017, 05:48 PM
Eric, terribly sorry this happened to you!
I hope the financial impact is not to overwhelming.
Rich
Posted by: Maltese Falcon Dec 25 2017, 06:40 PM
Car thefts are scum of the earth but Porsche car and Porsche deserve a special place in hell.
These P Eng. And P parts are worth some serious bucks, any 6 are.
We all have to make sure that we have the right insurance.
I changed my insurance to Hagerty a couple of months ago making that anything like this would b covered.
Thieves come in all levels. Some would break your window to steel your phone charger.
Old story of Porsche crime. Some of you may not of been born but I remember this very clear. April 26, in 1982, a gunman robbed rock star Rod Stewart on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard and stole his $50,000 Porsche.
The British singer and his 3-year-old daughter were standing next to his black 1977 Turbo Carrera when a gunman demanded the keys. Stewart complied, but the gunman couldn't start the car because of an electronic anti-theft device, so he ordered the musician to start the car for him.
Bob B
Bob...it was also a DP slant- nose version , a friend of mine bought it at the insurance auction (pink slip days) then flipped it for a small profit. Rod moved on to a Red Countach, DP 930 is alive in someone's collection today
I sure do hope that the Law Enforcement brings justice here to Eric's theft.
Posted by: Elliot Cannon Dec 25 2017, 06:59 PM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
Posted by: carking1996 Dec 25 2017, 07:02 PM
IT's terrible that this would've happened and how it happened. It'd be hard to see inside the truck so it had to have been someone who would've known about it. Hoping for a good update!
Posted by: Rand Dec 25 2017, 07:13 PM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
Don't be that guy.
May justice be brung, and brung down hard.
Posted by: ConeDodger Dec 25 2017, 09:52 PM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
Wow
The Motronic is worth the 50 - $100 bills. The engine alone? 150. Let’s blame the victim...
Posted by: JRust Dec 25 2017, 11:00 PM
It's the holidays. I have more theft this time of year than any other. While an inside job is certainly a possibility. Eric has good people working for him. I'd certainly trust Eric & how he vets employee's. People can be disappointing to say the least. Including people that you know. I'll keep my finger's crossed it was just someone who was prepared to steal whatever they could get their hands on. I'm sure he should have insurance that would cover it. It was in his company truck. Hopefully we can track it down. Would like to get the scum in the pokey for it.
I will keep my eye's open as will everyone here. Thankfully while our community isn't small. It is tight & if the guys aren't smart. One of us will find an add somewhere
Posted by: mgp4591 Dec 26 2017, 12:35 AM
We've got the eyes and ears open in Utah.... 
Posted by: Coondog Dec 26 2017, 07:06 AM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
Wow
The Motronic is worth the 50 - $100 bills. The engine alone? 150. Let’s blame the victim...
I believe the OP was just stating that in these days you just have to take more precautions. Do I think it was a inside job ??? No. Look at the businesses in the same industrial park. Rays Garage !! Everybody knows Eric’s business. Thefts know that industrial parks are 100% vacant during the holidays. They saw a opportunity and took it. Even a dirtbag theft knows that anything Porsche has to be worth something.
Posted by: Cracker Dec 26 2017, 07:37 AM
Unfortunately, this is part of the learning process...not necessarily fault but storing valuable bits like this in the open is risky. Its been a long time since I have had something of value lifted...part good fortune and part acquired wisdom.
It also occurred to me last night (yikes) that I have a completely rebuilt, tuned and ready to install AC motor (but not a 3.2!) currently in my trailer. However, our back-up tow-vehicle Suburban is in front of the trailer with a 45000 lb motorhome to the side. This precaution was really intended for the trailer though...which are routinely stolen as well. Although temporary in nature, it is a risk I am taking by leaving it in there!
We ALL know: IF a thief wants something, they will go to great lengths to acquire it - no matter the precautions taken to prevent such an event. Dumb thiefs will be caught and slightly smarter ones will split the items into pieces to liquidate. They probably generally do not drive a Porsche...unless they stole one.
Eric, I truly am sorry this happened and as someone else mentioned, that the financial burden of this loss is not overwhelming. I would hope it would not be...
Tony
Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 26 2017, 08:12 AM
Fuck rob...read what I posted again. please. Or not.
Posted by: GeorgeRud Dec 26 2017, 08:56 AM
A friend had his entire Porsche in an enclosed trailer stolen on his way back from a Porsche Parade at a motel parking lot. As said, if someone wants it bad enough, they’ll figure out a way. I just hope Eric can get the engine number posted (if known) so folks can be on the lookout for someone trying to sell the engine. I highly doubt someone stole this for their own conversion project!
Posted by: 76-914 Dec 26 2017, 09:47 AM
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
On the other hand, I would never leave a stack of 50+ $100 bills in the back of a pickup that was in a business park. But that's just me.
So, it's Eric's fault?
Wow
The Motronic is worth the 50 - $100 bills. The engine alone? 150. Let’s blame the victim...
I think what Kevin was saying is any tradesman, which he is, will tell you that he doesn't leave his tools in the back of the truck. Why? Because of thieves. They're always on the lookout. While I do regret this happened to Erc I must say, I don't leave things of value to me unprotected or out there for the picking. And I'll bet Eric doesn't do it again either. An expensive lesson learned. I wouldn't even stay at a Hilton with valuables in the truck.
Posted by: Perry Kiehl Dec 26 2017, 10:11 AM
I'm sure Eric doesn't need to hear the post loss advice, most of which has probably already gone through his noggin in the wake of all the BS.
Keep on the lookout, that's what's really needed here, not a diatribe on how it could've been prevented.
Posted by: Cracker Dec 26 2017, 10:18 AM
Perry: I do not believe this is for Eric...it is for everyone else who are simply hobbyist at best. If it could happen to a professional - it could happen to Joe-blow and they need to see/read this. I do not believe I have ever seen Eric even post on this thread...engine details (year, numbers, pictures, etc) need to be shared if the "community" is going to help be on the "lookout" - as you suggest. I believe you are reading this wrong...
Tony
I'm sure Eric doesn't need to hear the post loss advice, most of which has probably already gone through his noggin in the wake of all the BS.
Keep on the lookout, that's what's really needed here, not a diatribe on how it could've been prevented.
Posted by: The Cabinetmaker Dec 26 2017, 11:07 AM
One of our local 914 guys kept his racecar in his trailer. The trailer was stolen. Two days later, his car was found in a mall parking lot. No sign of the trailer.
Posted by: mb911 Dec 26 2017, 11:28 AM
Just note the engine has no fan/alt assembly on it and has a cone filter in prep of 914 install.
Was messaging Eric this morning.
Posted by: raynekat Dec 26 2017, 12:43 PM
When I'm traveling and stay in a hotel overnight....everything comes out of the car and up to the room with me at night.
I learned the hard way coming back from Christmas with all my gifts in the back of my van.
Woke up and everything was gone....even my new Christmas undies.
Someone had broken into about a dozen cars over night.
It does take a hard lesson to learn and sometimes what needs to be done isn't the easiest option.
Posted by: Perry Kiehl Dec 26 2017, 01:00 PM
Perry: I do not believe this is for Eric...it is for everyone else who are simply hobbyist at best. If it could happen to a professional - it could happen to Joe-blow and they need to see/read this. I do not believe I have ever seen Eric even post on this thread...engine details (year, numbers, pictures, etc) need to be shared if the "community" is going to help be on the "lookout" - as you suggest. I believe you are reading this wrong...
Tony
I'm sure Eric doesn't need to hear the post loss advice, most of which has probably already gone through his noggin in the wake of all the BS.
Keep on the lookout, that's what's really needed here, not a diatribe on how it could've been prevented.
Point taken Tony. As iron sharpens iron
Posted by: dcheek Dec 26 2017, 01:07 PM
Something like this seems to happen to someone else, unless it happens to you. Obvious right? But, still shocking and aggravating when you are the victim.
We had our VW Club trailer stolen. Yes, it had a lock on the hitch and was on private property. We found it thanks to someone posting on Facebook with pictures, location etc.
We thought it was gone forever. Social media saved the day.
Here's a picture of the trailer where it was abandoned. Note the perps sprayed over the club graphics with silver paint. Other than some tools, tables and minor items stolen, pretty much everything else was left intact. I guess they didn't own a Volkswagen!
Posted by: mb911 Dec 26 2017, 01:11 PM
At this point lets just focus on finding the engine. We have a few tidbits of information.. Be on the look out for a 3.2 no fan alt assembly and cone filter.. Sounds like it was a nice core/possibly not a core at all. So fairly complete engine..
Posted by: Larmo63 Dec 26 2017, 01:53 PM
I hope we get some numbers to be on the lookout for. With social media and LOTS of friends, Eric has a good start on recovering this engine.
That was a pretty lowlife thing to do, I hope the perps get exposed.
Posted by: mb911 Dec 26 2017, 04:10 PM
I hope we get some numbers to be on the lookout for. With social media and LOTS of friends, Eric has a good start on recovering this engine. That was a pretty lowlife thing to do, I hope the perps get exposed.
There will be no serial number. Much like mine I have no idea what the number is until I need it..
Posted by: burton73 Dec 26 2017, 07:45 PM
Some one stole my 1973 911s in 1979, 500 miles after I rebuilt the engine. I thought my world had ended. I was made whole by my insurance company AAA but nothing for all the time I had put in rebuilding the Eng. 500 miles before that night, I was just going to change the brake-in oil from the rebuild.
In the car was all my dirty clothing as I lived by myself and it was go to the laundry mat night. I was 27.
Make sure that your car insurance will cover you in almost all situations.
Bob B
Posted by: whitetwinturbo Dec 26 2017, 07:53 PM
First my cool neighbor gets his track car trailer stolen. He buys a new one since it's never recovered. Then his Chevy Diesel pickup gets snatched. He fixes it up, once it's recovered. Last week, you guessed it..........he watches it drive out of his business parking lot on security cam.........
Posted by: mepstein Dec 26 2017, 08:18 PM
I hope we get some numbers to be on the lookout for. With social media and LOTS of friends, Eric has a good start on recovering this engine. That was a pretty lowlife thing to do, I hope the perps get exposed.
There will be no serial number. Much like mine I have no idea what the number is until I need it..
Yea, I have no idea what mine is and we don’t keep track at the shop.
Posted by: Cracker Dec 26 2017, 08:50 PM
Maybe now would be a good time to start, eh? There is a saying regarding all-things (relating to) insurance...documentation, documentation, documentation! Without it...you are likely screwed. 
Tony
Yea, I have no idea what mine is and we don’t keep track at the shop.
Posted by: GeorgeRud Dec 26 2017, 10:04 PM
Eric posted some shots from local cameras of a white pickup with a tradesman back on it. Hopefully that will help track the culprit down.
Posted by: Unobtanium-inc Dec 26 2017, 10:46 PM
Theft is one of those things that is impossible to plan for, or prevent if the thieves are good. In High School my Scirocco got stolen in the school parking lot, they had it cranked and driving out of the lot in minutes, I had a club (remember those?) and an alarm, and the whole football team was watching, even Ryan Seacrest! Yes, he was on the football team.
My brother once foiled the robbers, he hooked a push switch under his carpet that killed the ground to the fuel pump. They came, tried to start it, and failed. Well, they came back three weeks later and dragged the car about 5 blocks and stripped it. If they want it, they will get it.
I hope he finds his engine, but blaming him for doing something wrong is in itself wrong.
---Adam
Attached image(s)
Posted by: pete-stevers Dec 27 2017, 12:38 AM
Look guys.. I don't leave bags in my car for junkies or thieves to see at any time either... but thieves are thieves... they will get you if they want, or if they know you have something they might want... for all you assholes that think this is Erics fault, I hope you get your cumuppins... This is a theft, and a theft should be treated as such so keep your eyes out for the culprits, as this could be you at any time. You might keep your stuff locked up, alarmed... they may still try.... This very well may have been someone who knew what was in that truck.
Posted by: Travis Neff Dec 27 2017, 06:23 PM
That's super shitty. Sorry to hear this Erc.
Posted by: jmitro Dec 27 2017, 11:05 PM
easy there killer. Nobody said it was Eric's fault.
Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 28 2017, 08:13 AM
Assholes? Wow Steve. You might reconsider and maintain a lower tone and language.
Posted by: JmuRiz Dec 28 2017, 08:57 AM
easy there killer. Nobody said it was Eric's fault.
Maybe he's talking about the Pelican Parts board...seems to be a lot of people thinking it's an inside job or his fault. It's really quite silly over there, at least from what I saw yesterday.
Posted by: Perry Kiehl Dec 28 2017, 10:40 AM
yea, and BTW, its comeuppance
Posted by: rhodyguy Dec 28 2017, 02:25 PM
Which forum at PP?
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