PMB Engine rebuilds?, Rebuild recommendations Options

[Sm914650]

Hi all
Curious if anyone here has an engine built by PMB that can give me a review on their
performance/reliability?
Going to need to split my case to replace lifters, and I don’t have the experience to do it myself confidently. Considering an upgrade from my 1.7 while engine is out, maybe a PMB 2056 build in the near future. I know they are great people, and do great work. Just wanted to see if any of you are running something from them so I can learn more.

Also open to any other recommendations on engine rebuild shops or anything else. Located in SF Bay.
Cheers

[NARP74]

Could also consider Red E motorsports in the same area. They do a lot of air cooled. Done some Kindig stuff and helped Ian Karr out of his motor build jam. Nothing against PMB, I just don't know anything about their engines. Always good to have alternatives.

[Sm914650]

Thank you for that reference, only see beetle builds on their site but I will give them a holler. I am definitely open to other recommendations or ideas.
Ideally looking to find the most cost efficient solution while still maintaining reliability. Seems like the price point for the PMB 2056 along with their reputation is pretty unbeatable considering I was soft-quoted 30-40 hours on just replacing lifters/camshaft on my 1.7.

[VaccaRabite]

I have one of the PMB 2.3i engines in my car and I love it.

It is not as highly strung as some other engines, trading some peak power for longevity. Then engine came turnkey with complete fuel injection (Holley Terminator X.) You take it out of the crate and install it in your car. There were a handful of wires that needed to get connected. But its run like a top!

Eric does not like them, but I do suggest a tuna can on the sump. If you are hammering curves, you can starve the engine of oil. Its not a fault of the PMB build - just a fact of life with a type4 engine. And with double the HP and torque on tap you can HAMMER some corners.

With the 2.3i you have about the same power as a stock 2.7 /6. 150-160hp.

The PMB engines are under constant development, and mine was an early one - #2 I think. In fact its mine that are on their website.

The big think is that you are not just buying an engine. You are buying a tuned engine with modern fuel injection set up ready to go in the crate.

Zach

[emerygt350]

I have one of the PMB 2.3i engines in my car and I love it.

It is not as highly strung as some other engines, trading some peak power for longevity. Then engine came turnkey with complete fuel injection (Holley Terminator X.) You take it out of the crate and install it in your car. There were a handful of wires that needed to get connected. But its run like a top!

Eric does not like them, but I do suggest a tuna can on the sump. If you are hammering curves, you can starve the engine of oil. Its not a fault of the PMB build - just a fact of life with a type4 engine. And with double the HP and torque on tap you can HAMMER some corners.

With the 2.3i you have about the same power as a stock 2.7 /6. 150-160hp.

The PMB engines are under constant development, and mine was an early one - #2 I think. In fact its mine that are on their website.

The big think is that you are not just buying an engine. You are buying a tuned engine with modern fuel injection set up ready to go in the crate.

Zach

If I had some money, I would definitely take a hard look at PMB. Perfect world for me would be 'shelve' the 2.0 djet for posterity and put a 'new' 2.4 in in there. I do like the fact it is turn key and a bit more future proof.

[Ishley]

I agree with emery.... I'd like to have one. My 2.0 Djet is fine... but it leaves me wanting a bit more. The PMB team is great and Eric is just a down right honest pragmatic guy. Everything you want in an engine/parts supplier.

[fiacra]

I can't speak from personal experience, but I think I'd go with PMB as well if you have the financial wherewithal. If you are looking for a more local place, then Ken Jansen in Belmont is top notch. The problem with his shop is that he is busy and you will be waiting for a while unless an unexpected gap in his schedule come up (ie: someone got tired of waiting). However, would you want to go to a shop that is not in demand? There's usually a reason why.....

[930cabman]

PMB for the win and do not tuna can
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[TRP]

I called PMB for the 2056 and they said they are 3 to 4 months out. Which leaves me looking to Ken in Belmont.

[iankarr]

I just took a ride with @eric_shea in a 2.3 and it had monster torque and an amazing exhaust note. I want one now. Badly.

[rudedude]

I looked at one on the hoist here and was impressed by how clean and dry the motor was. I also drove it and it had a great torque band and drove very well.

[Sm914650]

Thanks for all the great info, everyone! Hoping to keep the car mostly stock besides the engine rebuild, so will probably stay away from the 2.3 from PMB even though it seems like a great option. Curious if I could stick with my D-jet that is oh-so dialed in over the years if I went with their 2056 build..

@fiacra definitely planning to get in touch with Ken as well! Might try to swing by his shop this week . I honestly would prefer to stay local. Might see what two cents Rich has to chime in as well while down there.

[emerygt350]

Absolutely, tuning a djet to the 2056 is not at all difficult or expensive. You just need the tangerine racing kit for your mps (cheap), an air fuel gauge, and a cheap vacuum gauge.after it is tuned you can lose the gauges of course.

[TRP]

I just took a ride with @eric_shea in a 2.3 and it had monster torque and an amazing exhaust note. I want one now. Badly.

Waiiiit, don't you have a 6 now? How many 914's do you own? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[TRP]

@fiacra definitely planning to get in touch with Ken as well! Might try to swing by his shop this week . I honestly would prefer to stay local. Might see what two cents Rich has to chime in as well while down there.

Maybe we can do a bundle deal with Ken. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) Or I let you go first and see how long it takes/how it turns out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Ted

[bajafreaks]

I had Soren Anderson build a 2056 for me recently. I haven't run it yet but it's an excellent quality build. Soren has a strong reputation of a master Porsche engine builder and machinist. He's located in Santa Rosa .(707)  217-4405