The engine was rebuilt in November 2025 — a joint effort between Spiro at SLK Automotive and seasoned air-cooled Porsche specialist John Forbes of Black Forest Racing. The process took three months and included splitting the case, machining the cylinder heads, replacing the main and rod bearings, timing chains, valves, valve guides, and more. The car has fewer than 1,000 miles on the rebuilt engine.
The interior was completely refurbished to original specification in 2020. Work included reupholstering the front and rear seats, installing a new carpet set, retrimming the rear parcel shelf and door cards, fitting new speakers, and installing a Porsche Classic Communication Management (PCCM) radio.
Additional work included a full transmission rebuild, an upgraded air conditioning system, the installation of a Mocal external oil cooler, and a professional repaint in the original Gemini Blue Metallic in early 2025.
Transmission Rebuild
- Synchros replaced
- Ring & pinion
- Transmission bearings
- Shift detents
- Gaskets and O-rings
- Axle bolts and flange gaskets
- Shift linkage bushings replaced
- Shift rod bushing
- Shift lever ball socket
- Red Line 75W80 fluid
Suspension & Brakes
- New brake pads and rotors (x4)
- Engine mounts
- Transmission mounts
- New Vredestein Quatrac tires (installed 2024 @ ~61,343 miles)
- Alignment and rear torsion bars reindexed (July 2025)
- New Boge shock absorbers (x4)
Interior
- Front seats reupholstered
- Rear seats reupholstered
- All seats refoamed and fitted with perforated inserts
- Door cards retrimmed
- Carpet set replaced
- Rear shelf reupholstered
- New passenger-side kick plate
- PCCM radio installed
- New speakers
Note: The interior work was completed to a very high standard using quality materials. Fit and finish are excellent throughout.
Engine
- Timing cover gaskets
- Upper & lower valve cover gaskets
- New clutch and flywheel
- Main bearings and rod bearings
- Piston rings
- Head studs
- New valves and valve guides
- Spark plugs
- Oil return tubes
- Rebuilt cylinder heads
- Crank pulley
- New timing chains and timing ramps
- All necessary gaskets replaced
- SMC Classic A/C Upgrade Kit: upgraded compressor, lines, evaporator, condenser, dryer, and dash vents
Body
- Stripped, disassembled, and repainted in original Gemini Blue by WRG Paint & Body (Charlotte, NC – February 2025)
- PPG two-stage clear coat applied
- Brightwork throughout window trim refinished to a high standard
Note: This is only a summary of major work performed. Dozens of smaller items have also been addressed over the course of the refurbishment. Full documentation is available, and receipts can be provided upon request. There is simply too much to capture here.
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