924Board.org

that_jer_guy · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject: New member with 924S

Hello everyone.
I am new to the form. I Just purchased a 1987 924S. I plan to use it primarily for autocross.

From what I have read on this forum so far I am very pleasd. It appears to be a very supportive online community.

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Welcome Friend,

Do you have photos to share with us (of the car) ?

Did you get any maintenance records with your new car?

In the interest of preserving your engine, how old are your timing and balance shaft belts?

Good Luck

Khal · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 5:29 pm Post subject:

G'day!

Are you new to Porsches? New to 924's? Or are you an old hand?

You've picked the best of the bunch with the 924S, I reckon.

We've got a fair few Canadian members so there's a good chance there's one of us near you...

_________________
'80 924 Turbo

that_jer_guy · Posted: Wed Feb 08, 2006 1:13 pm Post subject:

Chrenan · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 3903 Location: Canada

If it were me, I'd have it towed the 75 kms home, just to be safe. If a timing belt lets go, you'll have to open your wallet pretty wide.
_________________
1987 951 - M193 Version for Japan

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Without knowing how many miles and years are on the belts, I am not sure that I would drive the car the 75kms either.

It would be a real bummer to destroy the engine of you new toy on the way home.

After running a Honda Civic, you are probably going to be shocked at the cost of parts and labor to properly maintain a 944 engined car.

It has happened to other people in the past, as the "front of engine" service is fairly expensive, and in many cases can exceed the selling price of these cars. Many owners sell their cars after driving them well past the scheduled maintenance periods, because they have no interest in paying for the service.

You will need a collection of specialty tools that are only used on the watercooled Porsches to replace the tming and balance shaft belts. The correct tools will actually cost more than some competent, experienced 944 engine mechanics will charge you for the labor ($600-$800 plus the service manual), but you will make it up in the long run since the belts need to be retension ad 2k miles, and then again every 10K miles to 30K miles or three years when the service needs to be done again. Most mechanics charge $75-$100 for the 10K belt check and adjustment, so you can see how the savings from buying your own tools adds up. You can also Mickey Mouse some of the tools, but I would not recommend the less expensive alternative belt tensioning gauges.

Kaos · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 76 Location: Detroit

Hey Jer_Guy

I have a 1988 Porsche 924S that I autocross here in Detroit. You should bring your car to a Detroit SCCA event this year. More competition is good.

I went to school in London (Ontario), and I know that the autocross events they put on there were pretty small. The Detroit region events are usually 200 people with 60s courses. Fun, Fun. and not too far from Chatham.

that_jer_guy · Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 2:05 pm Post subject:

Safe at home.

....Belt service next....
I think I am prepared to do what I need to do to keep the car in good repair. I very much enjoy doing the work and am kind of looking forward to it.

and Kaos, I will make it to a Detroit region slalom. I have heard from other competitors that they are fantastic (much bigger venues, siffer competition, etc).

In defence of the health of Ontario Autocross- club events average 40 to 75 people and regional events in Toronto range from 100 to 120 competitors. This is smaller than SCCA, yes, but I wouldn't exactly call them unacceptably small. Courses are often in the 50 second range (although probably much lower average speed than a regular SCCA region event).

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Your car looks great. Glad to see you got home in one piece. It looks just like mine would, if I could get around to finishing the new engine for min.

And now the adventure begins....

Make sure that you replace everything when you go in to do the belt service (timing and balance shaft belts, pulleys, rollers, front of engine seals, and the water pump). Then you know exactly where and what the time on the parts is.

Would probably be a great time to do the oil coolers seals and get that over with, while you are in there....