Really? The tech I talked with didn't know whether the '88 Carrera had a rubber centered clutch disk or a spring one. He insisted that I was wrong and that it was spring centered. They, Porsche of Arlington, also refused to install a turbo clutch set up saying that it wouldn't fit. Huh? Refused to adjust ride height. Didn't know what Euro ride height was (I had to provide it) or how to measure it. Please.

ASG is the way to go.

You could also try Pitstop Performance off Eisenhower in Alexandria. I thought that they were very nice and competent. They called me the other day, just to make sure everything was running well - I've only been there twice!

Where is Pitstop on Eisenhower? What did you have done? They have a clue you say? Hmmmm...

I just bought the car and needed brakes done. No big deal. I also flunked emissions and they adjusted the mix to get it to pass. (Then they put it back in running condition.)

They are about 2 blocks from the Van Dorn metro. Across the the power plant and UPS transfer facicilty. The used to be called Porscha Pitstop until Porsche made them stop. :)

Mihn rebuilt a dorkiphus guy's car. Can't remember who though...

You may be right, Holder, but I would recommend asking the service manager lots of detailed questions about the experience his / her mechanics have with the model of car in question. I asked P of A to do a tech inspection for Driver's Ed (on the 73E) and the fella said that none of their techs were experienced with cars that old. He suggested I take it elsewhere. Bottom line...make sure the shop has people with the right background and hopefully you won't be disappointed.

I'll put a good word in for ASG. When I moved here I visited and interveiwed most of the local shops here in NoVa. ASG has turned out to be the most competent. (IMHO) It also impressed me that they had a 356 as well as a bunch of 996 cup cars in the bays. I have never had a bad experience with them and they are not afraid to tell me when a mod I'm contemplating just isn't worth the money. Good guys all of them. Ask for Taylor Chapman, He's the ONLY one who touches my car.

Ted

Wait a second. P of A admitted that they were unfamiliar with a certain vintage of Porsche and sent you to more competent help? Unbelievable! How many dealers do you find that can admit their areas of non-expertise? This is what I like. Admit what you don't know and stick to what you do know. Anyone who pretends to be as expert on a 996TT as a 356GT and everything in between is kidding themselves and their customers. P of A never pretended to know anything older than the 964 that I had them inspect for an independent verification that another well-known area expert had missed. Guess what? They told me what was wrong and knowing that I DIY, they sent me on the path to my own repair. Service advisor was also a PCA 914-6 racer, we understood each other. Maybe I got lucky with the right people, but similar experiences were the rule for me at this establishment. I'm going to want another late model car next year, and I'll have them eyeball my best candidate, and if the situation has changed I'll come right back here let you know. My two cents (plus).

The real turn off for me going to P of A was that I was discussing tranmissions with the service advisor and I said that the G-50 is a better shifting tranny than the 915". And he SAID: "I have never seen a Porsche 915 car." (!!!!). OMG. He is ADVISING me?

Agree with Ted. Taylor Chapman at ASG is probably one of the best. He has done quite a bit of work on my car and 1. Knows what he is doing. 2. Will spend time discussing anything Porsche with you. 3. Will teach you pro bono. 4. Will actually talk you out of silly stuff that will cost you money but won't get you anything in terms of performance.

Stay away from dealers unless there is a part you really gotta have.

I am going to go do my own shocks and struts now...

If you happen to be in the Dulles, Chantilly, Herndon area when you get the car I'd suggest Dulles International Motorsport. I don't think you'll find many that are more knowledgeable than Dave and his crew.