Porsche® Air- and Water-cooled
Cylinder Heads Experts.
Now part of the LN Engineering Family.
Serving Chicagoland
Since 1984.
Our goal has been to provide quality services using the latest in technology
and constant research and development of new methods in cylinder head repair..
Quality.
Our reputation has always been based on quality of our product. We have always understood that holding ourselves to highest standards is the best way to attract customers and develop long term relationships based on trust and loyalty. Our reputation allowed us to grow and become the largest company of its kind in the Chicago area.
Experience.
Because our field of operation was mainly in uncharted territory, it was up to us to decide on equipment and technology. Meticulous record keeping and cross-referencing of our data with available specifications gave us a chance to create an extensive bank of information. Our open-minded approach and long term commitment allowed us to establish ourselves as the leader in cylinder head rebuilding field.
Development.
At first, trial and error was the only method of developing new technologies, but after years of extensive research and development work, we were able to come up with techniques resulting in product of superior quality. As forerunners in aluminum cylinder head repair we constantly have worked on procedures based on thermal expansion of the metals and stress control. We have implemented usage of various ovens, liquid nitrogen and cryogenics.
In 1984 two people decided to start a business venture.
Their objective was to provide a service in the field of cylinder head rebuilding. It was a new concept – up to then machine shops were working on complete engine rebuilding. In order to do better job in rebuilding the cylinder head – aluminum heads in particular – they decided to specialize in this field.
In August 1984 Werner Machine was founded.
Robert Weimer, experienced engine rebuilder joined forces with Wally Werner, young and energetic European immigrant. The combination worked great. The experience and knowledge in conjunction with energy and new ideas shortly produced results in development of new methods and procedures. Both partners agreed to use newest equipment available and procedures they developed during many test and experiments.They closely worked with manufacturers of equipment and frequently tested the prototypes, taking active role in development of cleaning, presure testing and machining equipment for the industry
The company enjoyed the success for many years, growing and working out of multiple locations.
In recent years Wally decided to develop a niche market based on his lifelong passion for road racing and Porsche cars in particular. After a few successful attempts to improve performance of Porsche engines and cylinder heads he decided to build a race car, used later as a test bed. The 1974 Porsche 911 #934 GT4S was created, and most of the ideas were tested in this car.
Porsche Cylinder Head Rebuilding Services
Our cylinder heads benefit from years of experience with thousands of Porsche cylinder heads rebuilt by our specialist to date. Not only an expert in M96/M97 Boxster, Cayman, and 911 cylinders heads, he has decades of experience reconditioning aluminum cylinder heads including aircooled Porsche cylinder heads. 100% of components are tested, reconditioned, or replaced and all cylinder head rebuilds feature a multi-angle Serdi valve job, Viton valve stem seals, and all critical surfaces are CBN machined, exceeding original manufacturer specifications. All components including valve seats, valve guides, valve springs, retainers, and locks are inspected and replaced if worn. M96/M97 heads are always pressure tested and all cylinder heads are vacuum tested after final assembly as part of our standard quality control checks.
Our dedicated cylinder head technician Wally Werner has been rebuilding cylinder heads since 1984 in the Chicagoland area. Besides being an avid Porsche and F1 fanatic, he’s been servicing both Porsche dealerships and independent shops offering his machine shop services including engine rebuilding for many years through his company, Werner Machine Ltd. not only does he do all of our cylinder heads, but he is also responsible for all the M96 and M97 engine rebuilds provided by RND Engines. His focus has always been on quality over quantity, holding his work to the highest standards using the latest technologies. For years he’s found that the best way to attract customers and develop long term relationships based on trust and loyalty and building a reputation that has allowed him to grow and become at one time one of the largest cylinder head rebuilders in the Chicago. Wally has since downsized to focus primarily on serving his Porsche customers and no longer accepts outside work, so we’re lucky to have him and that we are able to offer his services through LN Engineering for a select few Nickies customers.
Featured Story: The 959 – a timeless classic at Werner Machine
Porsche 959 – the supercar that redefined what supercar means. For the 1986 model year, Porsche introduced the 959—a twin-turbo, all-wheel-drive, 444-hp, range-topping 911 built with little regard for cost and packed with every bit of racing technology the company could spare. Just 337 examples were built, but they shook the world. It was also an instant legend, the kind of thing ready-made for poster duty on some kid’s bedroom wall. The 959’s technological DNA abounds today not only in the world’s 911 Turbos and Panameras, but in plenty of practical, affordable cars that people don’t think twice about.
Werner Machine was recently asked to rebuild cylinder heads for Porsche 959. It certainly was one of a kind experience. It also allowed for direct comparison of technologies and design used almost 40 years ago.
Customer testimonials
Great job with the bottom-up rebuild, you kept me well informed throughout each step of the process, and I really enjoyed the end result! I will not hesitate to use you again, thank you !
Neil French, PCA Car #331
Thanks to Wally for a great PCA Club Racing Season. The heads withstood the beating I gave them all season. Even nicked a few upper RPM’s with no consequences! Wally’s heads are the BEST!!!
Joe Gaucher, PCA Car #469
Werner Machine has always gone the extra mile, getting projects completed with precision, quality, and being thorough. These guys live and breath what they do and there is NO substitute.
John Donovan, Chris Schuh Motorsports
The Green Approach
We use the most environment-friendly equipment available. Our cleaning devices use biodegradable detergents and chemicals. Thermal degreasing system is fitted with an afterburner in effort to minimize the amount of exhaust gases. As an abrasive media we use baking soda, which does not leave any polluting by-products and assures superior cleaning capabilities. Various filtration systems are implemented in order to maintain clean work environment. Ultrasonic cleaner provides final cleaning of parts and minimizes the damage to the surfaces.