Re: Is this a steal?!?

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/10/17 10:12:43

West's estimate of $25K for a proper engine rebuild could end up being very much on the low side, something one needs to anticipate. Many new Twelve owners, first starting out with an engine rebuild with the best of intentions, begin to realize what the final cost will be and take shortcuts that either need to be redone or even worse, more work to make up for the damage done. For example a friend purchased a Twelve where a prior rebuilder had decided to eliminate the 1500 or so needle bearings in the valve lifter train with simple bronze bushings, with consequent disasterous results. It took nearly $20K from one of the few really top-notch Twelve rebuilders just to correct the valve train.

When purchasing a Twelve, best to get the credentials of whomever did the engine job and as many details as you can, ask lots of questions, and when in doubt, assume a rebuild with be more than expected.