Learning about Porsches

[mgbruno]

Hi All,
I'm relatively new to the forum but have been reading along for quite a while. I did post pics of my 84 911 Cab and previously asked questions about seats. Still haven't bought any. Can't seem to find nice manual leather sport seats that I can actually afford. Anyway, after reading many posts here as well as trying to read Bruce Andersons 911 Performance Handbook, I finally realized that I am absolutely clueless about my great car. Reading alot of the technichal posts here concerning torsion bars and different suspensions, and offsets for different rims etc, well it might as well be russian. And the 911 Performance Book, isn't much better either. It just assumes that you have at least some knowledge about engines and cams and transmissions and suspensions. I don't. Was wondering if many of you were in the same boat when you first got your car and how did you learn? Did you take classes, have a book you'd recommend, have a mechanic actually show you, and, and, and. Would be very interested in your recommendations.

Mike

[RSBob]

Patience Grasshopper. Continue to read and learn. It will all become clear.....

[Netspeed]

I'm kind of lucky as I was involved in the car repair business since 1985. The best way to learn about your car is to try and work on it and learn the basic fundamental theories (electrical and mechanical) of what makes any car work. Other than that, just read, read, read, and then read some more.

[stormmaster]

Just read everything you can get your hands on. I was lucky in my early years of Porsche ownership, my brother had already owned several Porsches, he is very knowlegable, I also belonged to the Warbonnet region of PCA which at that time held a Tech session every year and brought in guest speakers (very well known). The 101 Projects book available from our host has a wealth of knowledge in it...and is very user friendly. Start hanging out with as many Porsche people as you can find in your area....you will learn quite a bit....just remember....these cars were built by engineers that knew what they were doing....and the cars are quite capable of being handled far beyond typical driving skills....If you want to learn about your car...try going to an autocross or two....or a DE....maybe even take some driving lessons in other cars....it just depends on what you are wanting to learn...the information is out there....lots and lots of information

[Dan in Pasadena]

Mike, Not to worry. Spend enough time here and you'll gain enough knowledge to think, "I can do that". I am assuming you've never really worked on your own cars much? I would suggest buying Wayne's 101 Projects books (among others) and pick a few Level 1 projects. If you have worked on cars, step up to a few of the more difficult jobs. The GIGANTIC advantage is that you have this board to help you.

For example, I am over 50 I've worked on cars all my life, I've done dozens of brake jobs on all sorts of cars, got lots of tools, etc. but I have never done a brake job on a 911. On another current thread I asked a relatively inane question and got very nice responses from guys including Bill Verbug (one of the guru's here especially on brakes.) It was a patient response complete with pictures. No matter what you think you know there is always someone here to help you through the rough spots. Good luck, get reading. Its only a machine, a collection of parts.

[snbush67]

The Porsche car was built by men. It is a simple machine.

You could always seek an apprenticeship at a local Garage.

Don't be afraid of making mistakes, Just get dirty.

I have found out that if you tear something apart it is usually the best way to figure out how to put it back together.

Spend less time on the computer and more on your car.

If it runs good and you like it then drive the dog snot out of it.

Don't look at your neighbors Porsche until you have cash in the bank, Ignorance is bliss.

Kind of like , do not covet thy neighbor's ass.

The thing I like most about Pelican Porsche People is that they aren't stuck up snobs who just drive Porsche's they are real genuine worldly people who love and nurture all Porsche's (besides the ocassional Targa basher) and help each other.

[tedder]

Well, one thing that helps is having a degree in engineering (I have 2 of these). The main advantage in them is that when you are totally ignorant about something mechanical you can sit back and think,

"This was made by a bunch of guys. Not all of them were genius's"

Basically, as was said before, read and ask questions. pelican is a great place for dumb questions. All of mine were answered anyway and the best way to learn is to ask questions and try things.

Another thing to remember is that at the cost of labour to have someone else do some work for you, you can usually wreck and re-purchase a part or tool several times and still come out ahead financially...

[Dueller]

I may get challenged on this, but the 89 and earlier models are RELATIVELY (relatively relative) simple cars. I mean, you don't have a radiator or water pump or power steering or ABS or traction control or ....

That being said, there are some nuances, especially with the engine, that I wouldn't trust to myself or the guy at the corner gas station. But, contrary to the fears of most quicky oil change shops, an oil change ain't rocket science and is not any more difficult than on any other car (so long as you understand it is a dry sump system, versus a wet sump ala most street cars) and you remember the compression washers when replacing the drain plugs. A brake job is routine DIY. You can easily change your own plugs so long as you have the spring loaded tool that came with the car. Ditto for the air filter and fuel filter and light bulbs.

If you have absolutely no mechanical skills whatsoever you are at a disadvantage but its not insurmountable. In addition to perusing this board, try the 101 projects book like someone recommended. But perhaps the best thing is to crawl over, under and around your car. Look at the systems (e.g., the suspension, brakes, steering, intake, exhaust) with an eye to understanding how it all comes together and works. Put it on a lift or jack stands and look at how everything underneath fits together/seems to work. |Take the wheels off and look at the brakes and suspension....it'll make technical pictures more understandable. Figure out how the front and rear suspensions are adjusted for ride height, camber and toe.

Ask questions in here explaining your lack of experience; search the archives for questions of even the simplest nature.

In addition, hook up with other enthusiasts and volunteer to help with their DIY projects even if it is to only shag beers. You'll be amazed at how simple these cars can be.

In short, just get familiar with it all and things will completely fall into place.

[Grady Clay]

Mike,

A few weeks ago a fellow Pelican asked what technical information
was available for his 1973.5 911T. I answered:

“If I owned a 1973.5 911T I would have the following manuals:
Haynes
Clymer’s
Owner’s Manual
Factory Workshop Manual (FWM) with supplements through ’83.
Spec Book – ’72-’73 WKD.422.020 and others.
Service & Training Information, Model 73, 4516.21
Adjustment of the Continuous Injection System 911T, 4524.21
All of the relevant VoA-P+A Porsche product circulars of the era.
PET CD.
PET price list
Original paper parts manual ’72-’73 911 with updates.
My own personal, car specific manual/scrapbook/resource
notebook. This would include downloads from all the forums
relevant to my car. I would distill this and much of the above
into my own version of a manual.

The Bentley 911SC manual has a lot of stuff that is applicable.

What is best? Unfortunately there isn’t a single, all
encompassing manual. Each has its strengths and
weaknesses. Only in combination do you get fairly
through (but not absolutely complete) coverage. An
experienced tech with access to all this material and
the necessary tools is a valuable asset.

Most important – Pelican shared knowledge and archive.”

For your purposes all of these are available for your ’84 911 Carrera Cabriolet.

There are some terrific books on the technical and racing history of Porsche. The “Bible” is Ludvigsen, Karl E., Porsche: Excellence was expected: The Comprehensive History of the Company, its Cars and Racing Heritage. 2nd Ed. It is 1531 pages in three volumes and covers 1900 - 2003. Expensive as books go but worth every penny.

Add Wayne’s two books; 101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 and How to Rebuild & Modify Porsche 911 Engines.

There are some periodicals that are worthwhile; Panorama (comes with PCA membership), Excellence and Christophorus (the Factory magazine).

You haven’t put your location in your profile. Local Porsche Dealers and shops are a valuable source of info. Stop by with a digital camera and inspect engines and transmissions that are out of the car for service. This is a great way to develop your “X-ray vision" of your 911. This is particularly true if there is a salvage operation. Does someone nearby have a race 911? Those are regularly apart for service and tend to be much simpler than street 911s – just the minimum basics.

If you are unskilled about automotives in general I’m sure there are some basic, easy and free on-line sources.

When there is a Pelican discussion you are following and something isn’t clear to you, ask for clarification. If it is unclear to you, it is too for many others lurking. The only dumb question is the one un-asked.

Best,
Grady

[gassy]

mgbruno,
I got my 911 about 14 mos ago--I'm not very mechanically inclined but the first thing I did was buy Wayne's book. I've read through it twice, even though a lot of the time I'm not sure what I'm reading. I'll go out and just look under, around, inside my car. Making PPtech forum as your home page doesn't hurt either. . Things start to connect in your head and make sense. You're not alone. Above all, listen to Grady!
Christian.

[randywebb]

Wayne's book has some nice photos -- Bruce Anderson & Jerry Woods have a tuneup class and an engine class you can attend.

It sounds like you might need some simple books on how an engine works (??). If so, browse your local library - the 911 has two separate banks of cylinders (like a flattened V-8) and it is overhead cam (OHC).

You could also try How Things Work on the interenet.

[felix_browne]

just tell yourself that whatever happens (within reason if you are just starting out) you will take care of it yourself. Your fear of honking up your baby will make you read everything there is out there about that aspect of your car and before you know it, you will be really comfortable with all of its systems. bently, the fsm, the tune and modify bosch injection book and all of the websites - you will become intimately familiar with all of them.

[plymouthcolt]

Buy the 101 Projects book here and start out small with the oil change.

I started small with the oil change 15 months ago--last week I replaced the clutch.

[djdsc]

Ok, so I didn't join in on the "how old are you thread" but I did turn 16 in 1967. I would have just died to have someone explain to me then what "gap the points" meant. Or why was I taking apart the voltage regulator and messing with all those clicky things when a new one was most likely $3.50 at the Western Auto store for my '55 Chevy. That Chevy was the last Detroit Iron car that I owned.

The internet and all the books that are available are an absolute god send, but you still have to get the grease under your nails. Ok, go buy a box of nitrile gloves.

If you know very little about the internal combustion engine, let alone an air cooled one or really do not have the foggiest notion of brakes, fuses or whatever, then go get this book. Sorry but Wayne's book will do little good except for the great color pictures until you understand the basics.

It was a mind blower in the '60's and is worth 10 x the $25 it will cost you today. It is worth every penny just to read the section on setting the valves on an air cooled engine. I make no apologies for recommending this book; it is hands down the best intro to auto mechanicing book ever!

How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive,
A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot.




By John Muir
Trade Paperback
19ed
Avalon Travel Publishing
ISBN 1566913101

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1566913101/qid=1148695599/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-3828798-4526245?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

Remember, it really is just a car.

[afterburn 549]

I would advise : b4 you make any changes to the car...go kind of slow to you figure what camp your in.....pimp your ride-polish it late every night or race it , or a nice light street machine......and there is the purest thing for those that are....nuts ???

[masraum]

for some more basic mechanical stuff go here and surf to your hearts content.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/

[esmail1]

Porsche 911 Story by Paul Frere is a great reference...

[mgbruno]

Meine Geehrten Herren (Distinguished Gentlemen)
Yesterday I was getting more and more frustrated concerning my lack of knowledge and also my failure to make significant progress with my car. Waynes book, I have, but reading it cover to cover - kindof like trying to read a... cookbook cover to cover. Ok, everyone stop laughing, I am a U.S. Marine (infantry) but I like to eat, so I also like to cook - hence the analogy. And Bruce Anderson's book is also too advanced. So I finally thought I'd post a "stupid" sounding thread here and see what you all thought. I couldn't be more pleased with the advice you've provided and its helped me focus. My thoughts after reading your posts. Waynes book was never really meant to be read cover to cover. I will pick an easy project and get going. Work my way from one project to the next. The VW book - yep, I'll definately take a look. My father is from Berlin and mom from Leverkusen and we always had old Beetles. In fact when I got my Pcar, I was amazed at the similarities. Yep, what I need is a basic intro to air cooled engines, etc. I also have a Porsche history book by Ludvigsen - not the three volume set but a shorter one. It has lots of pictures - so just the thing for a grunt. Thanks so much for your advice and assist. I have to reread everything, make notes, and then think some more. Oh, I'm in the Washington DC area BTW and also joined the PCA recently. Will update my information. OK, enough for now. I'm getting off "the great time sucker" as my wife calls the computer and will consider my first project. Will of course keep you all posted.

Semper Fi,
Mike

[Komenda Fan]

When I was getting started, I first read the Readers Digest Complete Car Care Manual (1981). Very simple but worthwhile introduction to all the stuff under the sheetmetal. You can get one on Ebay for a few bucks and I think its worthwhile if you need to start from scratch.

[livi]

Let me put it this way: When I joined this superb forum a little more than a year ago, I was a total rookie with cars in general. An academic nerd. I am very eager to learn though and with the fantastic guidance of these gentlemen I have already done several bits and pieces of maintenance and upgrades. For extra help and inspiration I have Wayne´s 101 Projects and the Bentley manual.

I tend to start out every project wildly hesitating, doubting my capability, and come out proud as a little boy when I am done.

This tech forum is invaluable !!