Need Advice for 87 Work

[Joehand1]

I have owned my car since new. I do not live near a Porsche dealer or mechanic, but I have never had a major problem with my car, other than the sucky A/C. I have recently changed the oil, spark plugs, air, fuel, and oil filters. I had the valves adjusted at 12K miles... many years ago at the New Orleans dealership.

The car seems to run fine, but I have noticed that the car's suspension now squeaks if you push down on the fender and the steering feels a bit loose. I have finally found a decent mechanic, but I need a LIST of what I need changed and checked.

I already know to get the tranny fluid changed, but what about the suspension bushings and joints, steering tie rods, shocks,brake pads, hoses and belts?

My 18 year old car has only 37K miles, always garaged and covered if not being driven.

Thanks for the advice.

[Steeve]

After 18 years, IMO, there is quite a list that I would want checked out and replaced. Others will probably disagree, but (I am assuming you are not much of a DIYer) I would take it to the mechanic (hopefully it is one you can trust) and tell him what you have told us, and get ready to open your checkbook...

[Joehand1]

Well, I was hoping not to just hand the guy a blank check, you know the saying , money corrupts and an absolutely blank check corrupts absolutely (or was that power?).

And you are right, I can only do the most elementary repairs, like steering wheel bushings and changing the chip.

Thanks for the help.

[charlesbahn]

"And you are right, I can only do the most elementary repairs, like steering wheel bushings and changing the chip."

If you can do those things, you can probably do everything else you need to, and have a lot of fun doing it.

Just my .02

[Joehand1]

OK, let me be more specific.

1. Do shocks need to be replaced after a certain time period? (The "bounce-rebound" test is, I understand not valad with 911s.) I know you need an alignment with shock changes, but what about struts and such if the car still drives OK?
2. Can you really tell if hoses and belts need replacing or should you just do it after an extended amount of time, even though the miles alone might not warrant it.
3. What is a reasonable amount of time to warrant new tie-rods and other steering maintainence?
4. When do your valves need readjusting after the initial 12k adjustment?

I really appreciate your (ie Pelican Forum Guys) opinions. I am sorry for my ignorance on these elementary matters, but I really am trying to learn.

Sincerely,

[Joehand1]

OK, I got the message. Pulled out ole Wayne's book and did some searches on this forum, and I have decided to do the following.

1. Replace all 4 shocks
2. Replace A-Arm and Sway bushings (and all other rubber bushings)
3. Upgrade to Turbo Tie-Rod
4. Get an Alignment
5. Change Brake pads
6. Change all rubber belts and hoses
7. Check Throttle Mechanism
8. Adjust Valves
9. Install H-4 Headlights
10. And FIX my odometer, headlight dimmer, Air conditioner, heater fan, and fog lights
11. Replace Tranny fluid

Have I left anything out?????

[Steve87-911]

Originally posted by Joehand1
...
4. When do your valves need readjusting after the initial 12k adjustment?
...

Every 15k miles, if not sooner. See page 25 of your mainentance book. (The red one that came with your car.) Might as well look over that whole book or get the Bentley manual if you lost it.
Your car won't perform well at all w/o valve adjustments...plus it can eventually ruin your valves if they are out of whack.
And time alone will rot your belts and hoses.
Good luck.

[Joehand1]

Thanks Steve

[Por_sha911]

Brake and clutch flush, G50 upgrade, medium size loan from the bank to cover the list above if you aren't doing the work yourself. Just look at the cost of a valve adjustment alone.

[nostatic]

and when you do the brakes, change out the rubber brake lines.

[Joehand1]

Thanks Joe, you have been my mentor on this board.