3.2 Carrera - Peter - Sydney

I've been in contact with Michael waiting for a slot to get my engine built. I sent it to him in Brisbane as he was nearly half the

cost of any of the locals, and he has a great reputation online and through word of mouth. Rather than ship the entire car,

we had the engine removed and sent up on a pallet.. Mike kept me informed all the way about what needed doing and there were no surprises from his initial estimate. He even test ran the engine and sent me loads of photos and videos along the way.

Needless to say, the engine is back home with me, installed and running great. And the best part is, no leaks whatsoever!

I found that dealing with Mike, your engine is a priority and he will keep in constant contact with you all the way.

3.2 Carrera to 3.4 Carrera - Josh, NSW

After my initial conversation, I knew Michael was the expert to rebuild my Carrera’s engine. His has a passion for air cooled 911s, a deep understanding of what’s required to do the job properly, a broad network of parts suppliers and recommended smart options in order to build the engine I wanted. During the rebuild process Michael kept me superbly informed every step of the way. He provided updates via videos, calls and emails. I ended up with an awesome performing and sounding engine that puts a massive smile on my face every time I plant my right foot. Michael is THE engine guru, the best at what he does. Check out his You Tube channel and you’ll see that he lives and breathes air cooled Porsches.”

3.2 Carrera - Peter, Brisbane

Mike proved to be a no nonsense, enthusiast who prided himself on detailed technical knowledge, attention to detail, and as importantly, listened to my ongoing questions and concerns.... I was invited to observe revealed components to discuss options, and provided with numerous pertinent photographs and videos of both revelations and assembly progress, which enhanced confidence and my education. His detailed written reports will prove very useful in future. Overall, a satisfying experience, but much less expensive than vague quotations provided elsewhere.
Indeed so satisfying that I will continue seeking Mike’s expertise for important more technical maintenance tasks beyond the routine.
I have no hesitation in recommending any owner of a Porsche air cooled engine to liaise with Mike, should serious engine work be contemplated.

3.0SC - 3.5 conversion ITBS, Custom Carrillo Rods and Pistons, Custom Cams, Motec

I found Michael through social media never having had a formal face to face meet and still have not met Mike due to Covid. That said all our dealings have been transparent with full honesty. I recommend Mike as a fair and honest business person without any shadow of doubt; if Mike accepts the project he commits and takes his roll seriously and wholeheartedly.

Mike has been exceptional throughout the process and very patient. I went into this totally green... absolutely no idea. Car was shipped from interstate and returned in better condition with Mike also tweaking other minor adjustments. We started discussing a standard build for a 3.0L but then my O.C.D. and greed took over. Mike’s help and advice all along the way was priceless very resourceful particularly to acquire parts for best value and how to achieve bang for buck - great work Mike.

Mike keeps full record at all critical points and I was able to stay up to date by also following his social media updates and regular email updates. His up to date correspondence was without question excellent with great photo records & explanatory videos. Also owe a special thanks to old mate in the USA, William Knight of Knightrace who also provided valuable advice & support to achieve our goal.

My intention was to build a responsive street car with potential to track but primarily for street fun. The final result is better than expected, a 3.5L with long stroke and excellent torque through the rev range. Great work Mike, bravo, standing ovation, well done, super happy, thanks for your dedication to achieve the brief. I highly recommend Michael D’Silva for personalised and tailored air-cooled engine building without exception. 10 out of 10. Very pleased - Angelo R. - Sydney

3.0SC - Melbourne

I contacted Michael after the annual service on my 82 911SC 3.0 discovered a dreaded broken head stud. We discussed some options and gave me an out line of what an engine rebuild entails. Me being based in Sydney and Michael in Brisbane, I was apprehensive, but from first contact Michaels honesty and passion for what he does was evident.

After 3 or 4 months of messages, I decided to ship the car to Brisbane for what was essentially a drive in drive out full engine and transmission rebuild.

From the moment the car arrived, I was updated almost daily on progress, disassembly, inspections assembly. Nothing seemed to be a problem and Michael was going above and beyond, what I was ever expecting. As assembly commenced I was blown away at the level of detail going into every aspect of the engine and transmission rebuild. The workmanship and finish was nothing short of incredible.

The engine was run in and the vehicle extensively road tested to ensure everything was as it should be.

Once the car arrived home I was over the moon at the performance the performance of the car, the finish, the detail, everything was beyond all beyond my expectation.

I could not recommend Michaels services enough! It's a breath of of fresh air to deal with such an enthusiast, passionate and most importantly honest gentleman.

Thank you Michael, you made what was a stressful project thoroughly enjoyable and exciting.

Stef

Mat J. - 3.2-3.5 Conversion

Hi Mike,

Further to the text message earlier this week I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks. I’m more than happy for you to use these words and to act as a reference in the future.

I’m really really happy with the engine and dealing with you in general. As mentioned the car just pulls so hard, and sounds absolutely awesome. After my first run when I got to open it up some I was gob-smacked. I reckon I’ll be able to sell tickets to my mates for a ride in the car! I took it into a reputable Porsche shop on the Northern Beaches for suspension geometry and wheel alignment, and they were very impressed by the engine, almost grudgingly so. I cant help but feel I’ve got awesome value for money and met a really nice and helpful person along the way to boot! Anyway, I’ll spread the word whenever appropriate, and wishing you the best with future builds.

Cheers,

Mat

Michael G - Sydney - 3.5 Litre Twin Plug, ITBS. EFI

I have a 1980 3.0L 911sc and as part of the restoration needed to rebuild the engine. When it came to the decision of what to do with the engine I considered a stock rebuild initially, but thought if I was going to the effort of rebuilding the engine it would be a good time do some upgrades. I began researching options for improving the performance in a 3.0L motor and came across the 3.2L short stroke option. Whilst this looked good, the car was to ultimately be suitable for a daily driver and I was keen to prioritise low down torque above top end power. When looking into stroking 911 engines to increase capacity I came across Mike’s video on his 3.0 to 3.5L conversion with ITBs and EFI. In the drive video there was some drive footage and as soon as he opened it up, the induction roar and the instantaneous acceleration told me I had the answer of what to do with my car. I have watched that video many times!

I contacted Mike early in the rebuild phase as I was working on the suspension of the car first. Mike was amazing right from the start. We had many conversations in the lead up to the build discussing specifications, build options and cost. The most impressive aspect was his honesty with regard to modifications which were not cost effective. I was keen to do as much of the engine as I could so we agreed Mike would rebuild the bottom end with a GT3 crank, custom pistons, rod and cylinders and upgrade the cams. We also decided to twin plug the heads. I was to do the ITBs, all of the wiring loom for the EFI and build the exhaust. I was really impressed with Mike’s flexibility and his ongoing help to me even after the engine was returned. As I live in Victoria I removed the engine from the car and freighted it to Mike in Brisbane. Once his part was completed the engine was sent back down to me on a pallet.

Over the next few months I installed the ITBs, built a custom wiring loom for the Haltech EFI and fabricated an exhaust. I then reinstalled the engine and started it. Even though his part of the build was complete he was incredibly helpful with advice on getting the engine started. I don't think I would have been able to do it without him.

When it came to the first drive of the car I was blown away. The lumpy idle from the aggressive cam sounds perfect. The first time I opened it up it absolutely roared and was an incredible driving experience. I cannot speak more highly of Mike’s work and his attention to detail. The final product is exactly what i was hoping for and I feel together we have made a really special car.

If you are lucky enough to own a 911 and need an engine rebuild - you are in safe hands with Mike!

Dion Sydney, NSW - 964

I was referred to Michael by a friend of mine. I tracked my car up from Sydney to Brisbane without ever meeting Michael.

From the first day until the last day of the build I have been not only blown away by Michael's meticulous Type-A personality but his precision and attention to detail. On a daily basis I received multiple photos and long emails documenting and explaining the disassembly and subsequent rebuild of my Porsche 964. What initially was a very scary project turned into an exciting experience. My only sadness is that this whole experience is over and I will miss the regular advice and conversations with Michael however every day that I drive my car with the new engine which sounds and performs far better than I had ever expected I realise that I have made the correct decision.

Anyone who is thinking of building an air cooled Porsche engine Should definitely use Michael. He is a man of his word and goes way beyond what is expected. Thanks again Michael for an amazing experience and a perfect engine rebuild.

Steve - 3.0SC SSIs and William Knight M1 Cams

Came across Michael online just as I was contemplating an engine rebuild for my '78 SC. On meeting Michael his knowledge, contacts and passion for getting things right was immediately evident so it was an easy decision to go ahead with him.
Over the course of the pulldown, Michael uncovered a few things from previous work that were not quite right and this only served to emphasise my first assessment of Michael's know-how. We decided on a few improvements (high compression pistons and new cams) which threw up some challenges and led to Michael putting in extra time to get things perfect.
I'm an engineer and what probably impressed me most was Michael's attention to detail, no stone left unturned to get things back to new and perhaps better. Exactly what I was after. And Michael's also a great guy by the way, couldn't be more impressed.
Now my SC is ready for the next generation or two of ownership!