PPI Results on '83 SC

[Matthew_VA]

recently had a PPI done on a SC I'm considering. Mechanic said car is in overall great condition but there were issues/concerns with the leakdown. here were the results:

Cylinder #1) 29%/ 49% 2nd attempt.
#2) 55% , exhaust valve.
#3) 92%
#4) 58%/ 85% 2nd attempt.
#5) 20%/ 85% 2nd attempt.
#6) unable to test due to spark plug seized. didn't want to risk damage without sellers consent.

mechanic thought the poor figures could be due to carbon build up since the second attempts (after burst of high pressure air and some oil added) had better figures--also car hasn't been driven much over the past year.

He suggested a valve adjust, fuel cleaning additive, and just drive the heck out of it and reassess over winter.

I was told by the seller headstuds were replaced (top-end rebuild) 15/20 years ago.

Just wondering if should move forward...

[dg567]

What are you paying for it? Is it a good enough deal where you can factor in those repairs and still be ok? If not, move along and find one with better results.

[Coastr]

I bought mine with one cylinder a bit high in leakdown. Can’t remember the numbers. I drive it and don’t care, starts every time and goes great. Uses a bit of oil. I hit same advice - drive it fiir a while and retest. Never did the retest.

[Locker537]

Does the price of the car take into account the potential need for a partial engine rebuild?

Do you want the project?

[Matthew_VA]

I pulled the trigger. paid $41.5k. '83 in Ruby Red. Original owner, 84K miles and extensive service history. The mechanic that did the PPI said “It is a nice example and very hard to find in this condition. Anything you buy has potential for problems. But overall this is a very good base line.”

Plan is to do the recommended service and recheck in the Fall.

[GothingNC]

Very nice !

Congrats !

[Lyle O]

Definitely run a bottle or two of Techron through it now, and don't be shy about running the revs up (meaning don't lug the engine); give it a good ol' "Italian Tune-up". And congratulations on what looks like a great car.

[Coastr]

Cool well done on pulling the trigger. Your mechanic gave you good advice, may want to continue to use them.

I would give it plenty of beans and a few heat cycles. Check your oil frequently and document how much it uses. That will probably tell you more over time than the leak test. Oil is cheap and you probably won’t do that many miles. One owner car has killer to get, they are only original once.

You can’t de-risk buying and old Porsche.

[Nditiz1]

congrats on the purchase! Add another local owner to the mix in the DMV.

[theiceman]

you didn't mention mileage in original post
I think it will be fine at only 84K .. the SC is as rock solid as they come, especially with studs sorted.

[Locker537]

Looks like a very nice car! Enjoy it!

[Pedro '84 Coupe]

Welcome! Car looks terrific. Nice pick up. Re: fuel additive - I've had great results with BG44K. Techron is good too, but BG44K seems to have a little extra "oomph".

[Oneredspyder]

Congratulations, I have had an 86 Targa, since 2006. You will love it. And being Italian, nothing like the Italian tune up to get my your head and heart racing.