Flat 6 Innovations M96/M97 Rebuild Video Series

Bobby here, coming to you from the Flat 6 Innovations team and we�re interested in hearing from you. I am a new member of the team, adding my talents on The Knowledge Gruppe side of the house, where I act as Director of Digital Media. As most of you are aware, Jake Raby holds exclusive Porsche M96/M97 hands-on rebuild classes at his training and research facility. Over the years, many people have sent him messages about producing a M96 video series as an alternative to the hands-on classes. Here is where we need your input. There are many ways to distribute a video series of this nature. Earlier this year we started the YouTube channel called "Rennvision", which has been an overwhelming success. The resource materials that we have been able to put together, and share on this channel has helped many enthusiasts diagnose their own engine issues, and even carry out repairs themselves. While these free videos will continue to be posted to YouTube, we have finally decided to offer engine rebuild videos for sale. The sales of these videos will help fund the �Rennvision� channel, and the free content that it is able to distribute worldwide. Once we see which medium is most desired, we will create another poll to see the length/ detail of video(s) you desire, and what you�d be willing to pay for this. Filming of the assembly video is scheduled to happen over the next two weeks. In this video a �Stocker� 3.6L/ 3.8L M96.03/ M96.05/ M97.01/ M97.21 engine will be assembled from scratch. The engine being used for this video will specifically cover the exact assembly order of all of these engines. A supplemental chapter will be added for all other engines in the M96/ M97 series, completing the coverage for the entirety of both engine families. This means that someone with a 1997 Boxster, or a 1999 996, or any other M96/M97 family engines can take advantage of the video the same. We will go over preparation of the work area, the components, machining, balancing, and all items associated with the assembly of a stock engine. Extra time will be spent to illustrate camshaft timing, and piston installation, as these are the trickiest portions of engine assembly. The engine will be built up to �long block� form. If demand is great enough we will produce a teardown/ inspection video, as well as a video to go over the proper way to �dress� the ancillaries to the engine. If the demand for these other two videos is great enough, we can offer a �box set� of all 3 videos once all are completed. These 3 videos would take an engine from the point of being extracted from the car, to being reinstalled as a completely rebuilt beast. For now, the focus is on the engine assembly video, and that�s what we�d like to hear from you most about in this poll. Our plan is to release this video on Black Friday, 2019 as a tentative premiere date.

Just for posterity. If I were FSI I'd release it on several platforms... Maybe start with the Amazon/Youtube and then follow up with DVD/BlueRay depending on inquiries... Either way, I think it will be a huge success. The quality of the current productions is very good...

Quotes source post: 15928824

Thank you. We are just about to begin shooting the first segments of video this morning. We will more than likely need to offer this in several formats. Since we do not really sell anything other than engines, having a partner to buy the packages DVD/ Blu-ray�s in bulk, and resell them will be a necessity. We wanted to avoid that, but it looks like something we will need to deal with.

I did not, and will not be voting, but here's my take on it. Access to the internet sites is ubiquitous. Anyone can get on anywhere with the right credentials. However - if I am not mistaken, the hosting and distribution costs are wildly disparate. The cost models for Amazon and Vimeo seem to be miles apart. So, all I would care about is price, as the quality of the product remains exactly the same, no matter the distribution method. Since price and costs are not discussed, there is no way to make a quality selection. Amazon prime(requires membership) maybe $99 YouTube(membership optional) maybe $79 Vimeo(one time membership/full membership) maybe $49 or $39 for full members ? Anything put on digital media will eventually be hacked, if not in the US, certainly in Bangkok, or India, or China in a matter of days. Bootleg copies will show up within a month on download sites or as physical media from overseas. This has happened to the John Deere, and Kubota, and Case tractor stuff already. Thank you RIAA!

The video would be a wonderful resource to have available, but could you also put together a print/manual/guide as well? It could be distributed on Amazon and Apple as an online book. Maybe the purchase of one gets you access to the other.

Bobby, For me, the best option offered is Amazon Prime video. I can access the videos for leisure study on any device and on my pad or laptop in the garage for the hands-on work. Plus, no materials, packaging or shipping costs; less reliance on third-party QC. Few to zero platform compatibility issues. However FSI decides to proceed, I’m looking forward to the release. Mike

Quotes source post: 15928914

I agree. I love the idea and would definitely enjoy the videos and content. Mike

My personal opinion is anyone who is interested in the content will be interested in buying it no matter what media it is on. The audience is small. It's not like you're marketing a drifting video where the audience is bigger and their interest in buying can be swayed based on how they can buy the content. The people interested in 996s are more likely an older group. We tend to still view forums over Facebook groups, etc. Potential buyers of the M96/M97 engines either will want the content or not. I personally like DVD format because I no longer buy from Amazon (personal and political reasons) I dont have an Amazon membership and have literally bought less than 10 things from Amazon in my life. I'm definitely in the minority though. I hope you're able to bring this content to us!!

Quotes source post: 15928928

Jake here. Ive been working on this resource for 6 years now. It is very far along, but has more work to be done. I lost my graphic layout guy to another project, so if anyone is in that field, I�d consider employing them to get this finished up. We are shooting the crankshaft carrier assembly portion of the video now.. its coming along nicely!

Quotes source post: 15929404

CRAP! I have trouble staying inside the lines with crayons...so I'm out. Six years! That is dedication. Patiently waiting for the finished product.

Put me down for the DVD media. I can add it to my library that starts with the 356 series of cars. I like the physical media.

I’d purchase the box set DVD in a heartbeat

I would just assume that as previously mentioned, once out of the box,, you cant put it back, I suspect your sustainable price on the video is < 50 bucks,, or at least will be a balance, too high and its pirate-able too low you cant afford to produce it.. I suspect the hard media is more desirable, at least for me,, I'd likely be playing it on a laptop when sorting out what I thought I should do next.. Would make a fantastic companion to the Bently manual.

Quotes source post: 15933159

Same here.

I can't imagine ever taking this on (but who knows?) but will purchase to support Flat6/Rennvision. Can't put a price on what I have learned already. What I would really like to see is a Flat6 vid on step-by-step process "for idiots" for dropping/re-installing engine for routine service - maybe those steps are included in this production? (voted Amazon btw - don't have much use for hard media anymore)

Quotes source post: 15934154

I would never attempt to rebuild my engine but I would consider dropping my engine to do required and expensive maintenance on my Cab Tip. I'm old school ( and probably fall into the Idiot category) and would prefer a hard copy and accompanying printed documentation.

Quotes source post: 15934154

This video we are shooting this week is all about the heart of the engine, and assembly. This is the hard stuff, that has no other resource material that supports it. I will likely not produce any videos that require an engine being removed. The potential liabilities of these are something that we'd rather avoid. On top of that, there's a factory directive on the topic of engine removal and replacement, as well as the Bentley 996 book that also covers it. I don't care much about recreating things that already exist. that's too boring, and if it already exists, its not worth my time.

Quotes source post: 15935938

^^^ This^^^ Engine/Transmission removal/installation is very straight forward and is really just all about taking your time and paying attention - label/bag all fasteners, be careful with your jacks/hydraulic table (make sure your loads are evenly distributed, strap thye tranny to the jack), be systematic about lines/electrical connectors (label both ends as well) and there's not a whole lot else to it.

As much as I love the convenience of streaming technology, there's something to be said (IMO,) about owning a physical copy of this manual. I consider my manuals to be part of my toolbox, and I like the idea of being able to access the BluRays or DVD's at any time despite my access to WiFi or internet. Hell, I'd probably buy a copy of both, just so I have access on any device to boot PS: I'm also a Knowledge Gruppe M96 Rebuild Class attendee (April 2018).

I prefer streaming media. For whatever reason when it comes to movies/tv I don't care about owning the physical media. Perhaps with something so niche it might not be a bad idea to have on physical media as well.

Voted for Amazon Prime. Has convenient integration to both mobile and most tv streaming boxes. Digging out a DVD player does not give viewers as many options for mobile/garage playback unless they have a Tv and DVD player in there. Prime can stream to phones, tablets, or laptops - all inherently more mobile. Also suspect that while piracy is ubiquitous, Prime was built for streaming purchases/rentals of standard commercial video productions, so your chances of making it EASY for people to steal are decreased. Its in their interest to make sure users all "buy their own." Attended 2018 M96 rebuild online course. Hope to attend in person soon.

Quotes source post: 15929404

I don't know if you've tried an on-line freelancer/gig worker using something like upwork.com, or fiverr.com? I have colleagues who have put together substantial product catalogs entirely using over-the-internet talent.

Will you be providing this series on VHS or Betamax tapes?

We had a great week of filming the video.. 4 solid days of shooting 10 hours per day, and we only got the short block portion completed. The detail I included has doubled the amount of time that I thought this would take to shoot. Of course, I spent the most time on the areas that give people issues, especially piston installation. Next week we have summer shutdown for the 4th, and I'll be at the beach. We will likely get the shooting completed in July. It looks like we will have about 45 hours of raw content to be edited. I have set this video up so someone can literally assemble an entire engine step by step by hitting "play" and "pause" on their choice of device. They will watch what I do, then they will do it. I shot this between scenes.. https://youtu.be/5nc838rt79g

Whatever you do keep us internationals in mind!

I voted Amazon, but I don’t care which medium, I’ll buy it! I attended the M96, 9A1, and Used Oil Analysis online courses this year.

Awesome Jake.....after doing the online oil analysis course and seeing more and more of your videos.....I feel like I know you. Great job in sharing this! It will be well worth whatever the cost. Paul

Great work on the current youtube video series. Very professional! Thanks for sharing. I look forward to purchasing when you launch, regardless of the medium used.

Picked up my 06' CS couple years ago (and yes, I love it). I have done extensive search and research on different forums for the "care and feeding" of my Cayman. Honestly, there is so much wrong information posted up that I spend much too much time just verifying this info. I appreciate the fact that the postings are intending to help out a fellow Porsche owner, however bad information with good intent is still bad information. On that note, to have Jake and crew (the "gurus" of all things Porsche) as reference.....that's a "no brainer"! Yes, I'm in......all in. -Jake I have watched your Rennvision series on "Bore scoring" and I can't tell you how much (good information) I've learned on the aspects and prevention of this issue. Thanks Jake! In reference to media type, I voted for the DVD version. My logic is simple.... I believe you'd be hard pressed to find a Porsche enthusiast who already doesn't own/use the Durametric system which means they already have DVD availabilty that's portable using their laptop. This would translate to accessibility in the garage and viewing/researching in one's spare time.....yes, I'm a geek about my CS. Thanks again Jake for what you contribute to the Porsche community. ....my 2�