88 911 turbo

[brettcleveland]

Looking to buy late 80's turbo, having PPI done on 88 this week with 70k miles. What needs to be checked, what are normal compression and leak down numbers any advice appreciated. Brett

[Noah930]

Compression should be around 110-130 psi. Leak down numbers....well it depends on whom you believe. Lower is better (2-4%), but I've also heard very reputable P-car sources say up to 10-12% is perfectly acceptable. Additionally, where the mechanic hears that "leaking" coming from is also potentially very important. Take that for whatever it's worth. I suppose the variability may also lie in the fact that there are a surprisingly high number of mechanics (including "Porsche specialists") out there who don't know how to properly do these tests. Another generality: it's not only the exact numbers that you're interested in, but also how close (even) they are to each other.

[charlesbahn]

Welcome to the Board. Run a carfax- but remember it isn't full proof. For the PPI in addition to the compression and leak down numbers you'll want to know if there excessive oil use (> 1qt/5-600 miles), oil leaks, condition of head studs, turbo and tranny, and especially any history of accidents with body/frame damage. You'll also want to know if all the numbers match and if not, why. Maintenance records are important and a complete history adds to the value of the car.

Best of all let us know the price range, results of the PPI, but especially SHOW US SOME PICTURES. Don't be shy, the more the better. There are people here who can tell you remarkable things about the car just by looking at pictures you post. You'll probably learn more about your potential car here than you'll want to know

For the PPI- look here:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_prepurchase/911_prepurchase.htm

EDIT: Oh yes, be sure the PPI is independent with no bias for the seller or dealer. Although it is helful to talk to the PO's wrench, it is best not to have him do the PPI; and I added oil leaks and head studs to the list above.

[brettcleveland]

Thankyou for your insight, carfax is clean and the car is unmodified. I will try to post some pictures tomorrow. As far as oil leaks there are some at return lines. Curious, how long will a well maintained 3.3 turbo engine last before a rebuild or partial rebuild is needed also what is the life span of turbo and tranny? It seems by reviewing posts transmission or gear failure is common. Brett

[javadog]

Brett,

Engine and transmission life are more dependent on how the car was used (or abused) than mileage. There are a lot of turbos that have engine work done before 50k and there are those that go 100-150k before a rebuild. You're almost better off doing a PPI on the owner than the car. I always have prospective sellers give me a demonstration ride in a car, just so I can see how they treat it.

Gear failures occur in abused cars. Some idiots power shift these cars. One of my turbos has 50k on it. I've owned it from new and it still shifts like a new car.

Good luck,
JR

[William930t]

I hope the maintenance records are good. Also make sure the PPI includes a compression and leakdown test on a WARMED engine, preferably after a spirited drive. Let us evaluate the results! I received alot of feedback from my post "930 PPI results, imput requested"

[brettcleveland]

I'll have them by tuesday and post, this is a long distance purchase but owner seems mature and conscientious and has records. I have no clue of his driving style but he denies any track activity.

[William930t]

Wow, long distance purchases can be tough, lots that can slip through without personal inspection and owner meeting. Ask for Pelican or PCA member help in the car location area. I drove 600 miles for a surprise visit when I started dealing with my eventual 87 930 buy.

[DougM]

If there are service records, get the receits. Call the shop that did the work and ask their opinion of the car. Not a PPI, but a little extra cheap insurance. I actually purchased my '86 930 sight unseen without a PPI. However, the full engine & trans rebuild were very recent and there was some recent service at a Porsche dealer. Spoke with all involved and they all spoke highly of the car. Enough to make me feel that A PPI was unnecessary at this time. I am not disappointed in the purchase.

[Noah930]

I purchased my car long-distance. I did fly in once to take a look at it and take it for a test drive before the PPI, though. It also helped that my PO was "mature and conscientious." He had a couple motorcycles sharing garagespace with the 911, and they seemed well taken care of. PPI at least gave me confidence that the car wouldn't need a $15K rebuild within 3 months of my impending ownership, though.

Oh, and assume all owners will deny any knowledge of tracking the car. My PO denied it, though suspiciously he had "unused" harness equipment "from a friend" to sell along with the car. (OK, the belts were brand new.) He also had old pics of himself running SCCA posted up in his garage, though none with the 930 at the track. Also remember that you're buying a Turbo--people didn't buy these things to *******foot around in.

[911Atlanta]

If you're getting a good price (under $30K ?), don't pass up a reasonably good car if it's slightly less than perfect -- that'll leave stuff for you to fix/update in your spare time like the rest of us ! There aren't that many late 80's turbos in good shape at decent prices floating around, so if it's reasonably near the bullseye, go for it.

Good luck and welcome to the Board !

[brettcleveland]

compression numbers are 135, 130, 130, 135, 140, 145 leakdown not performed I am told secondary to strong compression and no evidence of air leaks. This was done on a warm engine. several oil seepage ares noted on timing covers as well at front main seal and transmission shift shaft seel. Seepage descibed as mild and not unusual for a turbo. Comments invited.

[Noah930]

Compression numbers seem pretty good. I recall that the P-car dealer back in Portland usually didn't do leakdown tests unless they felt there was something wrong. Good that the test was done on a warm engine--there are a lot of lazy/ignorant mechanics who don't. Slight oil seepage is OK.

Is the motor all original? Any crash damage? Not that you'd know, as you're buying long-distance, but is there any oil staining on the garage floor underneath where this 930 parks? How often does the owner have to top off the oil due to consumption?

[brettcleveland]

Motor is original,according to ppi no evidence of any body work, lines are clean, Car was on rack no evidence of welding, or other structural repairs. will find out about oil loss or consumption but this will be from seller.

[William930t]

so far so good, est. price: $27,000

[brettcleveland]

Option codes, C02, 018, 158, 513, 533, 586, 650; I looked these up as cat converter, sport steering wheel, reno radio, anti theft, driver seat lumbar,back support, sunroof. Does this mean 88 does not have limited slip or was this standard equipment?

[wcc]

I don't know about the '88, but my '87 has the limited slip diff. It was a $700 option in '87. Hope this helps some.

[911Atlanta]

Late 80's turbo in very good shape with 70K ? Buy it before someone else does.

[diabolos88]

so give us an update, did you end up buying the '88 car?

[Nine9six]

Originally posted by William930t
Wow, long distance purchases can be tough, lots that can slip through without personal inspection and owner meeting. Ask for Pelican or PCA member help in the car location area. I drove 600 miles for a surprise visit when I started dealing with my eventual 87 930 buy.

A $300 plane ticket sure beats a $20-30K oops. And the PPI results can be used to grind half or all the plane fare, if you think the car is a keeper.