Engine rebuild?

[blau996]

Hey, I’m looking for expert advice. I have a 2000 996 3.4L with 106K miles, IMSB, AOS, clutch replaced at 105K (IMSB was good). Check engine light came on, flashing then steady, I had to drive 1/2 mile out of traffic before shutting it down. Engine now torn down completely. Mechanic diagnosed head gasket failure due to overheating cylinders 1-3. Cylinders and pistons “look” really good, I.e., no scoring at all, no obvious cracks. Heads actually look good, but at a minimum I would have them done along with pinning the IMS, ARP rod bolts, oil-fed LN IMSB Solution. Mechanic wants the go full-bore with new Ps&Cs (LN Nickies), and upgrade to 3.8L for an additional $5K. For occasional track use, is it necessary to do the pistons and cylinders? Am I getting taken?

Edited April 4, 2019 by blau996

[JFP in PA]

9 hours ago, blau996 said:

Hey, I’m looking for expert advice. I have a 2000 996 3.4L with 106K miles, IMSB,  AOS, clutch replaced at 105K (IMSB was good). Check engine light came on, flashing then steady, I had to drive 1/2 mile out of traffic before shutting it down. Engine now torn down completely. Mechanic diagnosed head gasket failure due to overheating cylinders 1-3. Cylinders and pistons “look” really good, I.e., no scoring at all, no obvious cracks. Heads actually look good, but at a minimum I would have them done along with pinning the IMS, ARP rod bolts, oil-fed LN IMSB Solution. Mechanic wants the go full-bore with new Ps&Cs (LN Nickies), and upgrade to 3.8L for an additional $5K. For occasional track use, is it necessary to do the pistons and cylinders? Am I getting taken?

 

Let's start with the obvious:  If you blew a head gasket, you are the very first one to ever do that.  The multi layer steel head gaskets in these engines are stronger than the block or heads, and never fail, ever.

[dporto]

The "mechanic" clearly knows little or nothing about the M96 (as JFP has pointed out in a low key manner). When you say "Heads actually look good, but at a minimum I would have them done along with..." What exactly do you mean?