[mti88m3]

My first front engined Porsche just arrived today.  I've always had 911s, and I saw this little guy pop up for sale for cheap and decided it'd be a fun project.  It runs and drives, and needs a variety of misc odds and ends.  I'm hoping I can get some good advice and info here to help me work through it.

 

http://www.968forums.com/garage/vehicle/229-porsche-968-cabriolet/?tab=images 

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[MCL968]

Welcome! There is a ton of advice on here for new owners.

 

For the sake of brevity, here are the consensus bits of advice:

 

1) you need new belts (timing, balance, and accessory drive belts), and they MUST be Gates. Conti stretches, Dayton/Dayco are noisy.

2) do the airbox mod, it's easy and the instructions are very clear.

3) check the alternator to starter and ignition switch to starter wires, replace if necessary (it will be).

4) get a Stage 1 chip and do the exhaust mods.

5) chassis braces and a firewall brace help a lot, especially for a Cab.

6) do the dash light tunnels and put in the proper bulbs, replace the odometer gears while you are in there.

7) while the dash is out you may want to replace the ignition switch, be certain you get the proper unit (Sunset Porsche has it)

8) buy and carry a spare DME relay

9) if over 120k, start planning for a head gasket and variocam pads/chain

10) use the right pressure plate when you replace the clutch

11) don't cheap out on the motor mounts, the cheap ones are cheap for a reason

12) flush your brake fluid

 

There are more, but these are the big ones to start with.

 

Enjoy the ride!

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[ds968]

MCL968's post above should be pinned and saved to the forum's home page as the " 12 commandments " to observe by anyone who buys a 968.

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[az968]

Welcome, and see, you've already received advice well worth the price of admission!

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[Rap]

Enjoy your new ride!

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[mti88m3]

Thanks for the warm welcome!


Where do you recommend buying parts? I’d like to do a tune-up, and it seems like handling the belts then would be smart.

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[az968]

Several Porsche dealers have good prices. Sunset is good, Scottsdale Porsche offers 20% disc for PCA members, Pelican, Paragon. The timing and balance shaft belts are internal

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[tejon007]

I'd throw in AutoAtlanta as another part source, but also think you should stick to Bosch &/or original parts, not the cheap ones.

 

MCL968 put together a very good list.  I'd only add a couple things:

 

to his item #1 - - this is a lot more involved than just changing the alternator belt on your Rambler, there are special tools (locking bar, belt tension gauge) and other parts you really need to/should replace like the rollers, seals, etc.  Just don't want you to underestimate this job.  (with tax and shipping, for just the parts you're looking at around $500, depending on manufacturer and supplier)  If you haven't ever done a job like this, understand it's a job you don't want to screw up...have it done by a competent mechanic.  

 

change the filter and oil...which is a whole huge can of worms - - but, read the discussions about oil/lubrication issues and pick the right one...

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[94SilverCab]

Buy a new clutch inspection port plug (yours is missing)

Fix the power steering leak on the front passenger side (it IS leaking), replace the bulging bushing on the turning rack.

Correctly adjust your throttle cable.

 

Mods are great and add a lot to your enjoyment. Make sure everything is 100% before you begin to add mods.

 

Enjoy your ride, and this site,

 

Jay

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[mti88m3]

Awesome, thanks for the parts suggestions!  I also ran across RS Barn, are they a good source?

 

Thanks for the heads up tejon007, I've rebuilt a few engines including a 3.0 flat six and a BMW S14, granted I've had good manuals.  I downloaded the Workshop manual here, are there any other good options: https://web.archive.org/web/200603220016...anuals.htm

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[94SilverCab]

RS Barn is awesome, Pete is a great resource.

 

Jay

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[tejon007]

Since it's your first "front-engine" Porsche, try this site:

 

http://www.clarks-garage.com/ 

 

Lots of 944/951 parts and procedures apply to 968s and Clark's Garage has good and relevant info/documentation of how to fix/maintain your 968 with photos that can supplement manuals.  

 

So, it looks like you'll need a mid-engine Porsche to round out your fleet...??

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[mti88m3]

Thanks Jay!  And thanks for the link tejon, Clark's Garage seems like a great resource!  I did have a 914 several years ago and absolutely loved it.

 

I found a pretty serious looking belt tensioner tool here: http://www.arnnworx.com/catalog/index.ph...g8wpbA-c9U

And then I came across this option, would this work out well, or should I splurge for the one above? http://rennbay.com/Timing-Belt-Tools/kri...-tool.html

 

Thanks guys!

Jon

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[Bulti]

Forget the tensioner. You can do it by hand twisting the belt at the waterpump pulley. Read about it and save some money. To fix the firewall for instance ;-))


Welcome anyways!

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[MCL968]

And don't forget to post some pictures once you receive permission.

 

Also on the list of modifications should be a supercharger!

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[94SilverCab]

And don't forget to post some pictures once you receive permission.

 

Also on the list of modifications should be a supercharger!

 

Except there are no D1R superchargers left. Wait until Flash licences to someone new, don't trust any others.

 

JMO,

 

Jay 

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[mti88m3]

That's what I like to hear Bulti!

 

Will do MCL968

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