Porsche Education?

[kanji]

What formal mechanic programs exist for Porsche enthusiasts?

I have searched google but just get the generic technical/mechanic schools.

I am not confident enough to tinker on my own car, but would love to learn in a more formal/structured environment. I will try to inquire at the local dealer too, but wanted input from you all.

[bpoteat]

I don't know if you want to go quite that hardcore, but Bruce Anderson does an engine rebuild class. I'm sure it'll turn up with a quick search.

Wish I could be more help. You are in SF though, so I imagine there would be lots of experienced folks around who would be happy to offer some help/lessons for cheap - maybe even just for a few beers.

[RWebb]

local community college
then
BA's & JW's class as per above

unless you think you can just pick it up on your own (?)

The original John Muir Guide to VW repair is the best auto self fix it book I ever saw. You could take a look at that.

If really in the dark then start with how it works on the web -- remember the crazy idea is to turn the wheels in a circle by (almost) exploding some liquid in a small space...

[barney911rs]

Wayne's 101 Project book would be a good start. You did not say what year car you have, but most things are not that difficult to do.

[Grady Clay]

kanji,
Welcome to the forum
You will find a lot of help here.

All good advice above.

You don’t say your car model and year. A lot has to do with that.

While some of the seminars may be premature, there are three approaches that aren’t.

First is searching the forums (particularly Pelican). You will find a wealth of pertinent information for free.

Next is to buy every book and manual you can. While the Factory Workshop Manual (FWM) for your car (whatever model) may be expensive, it is the horses mouth. There are MANY other additional sources.

Third is to start yourself a “personal technical manual” specific to your car. I recommend both paper and digital. This is something you personally edit. You learn in the process. The source material is everything Porsche. You end up with a vastly extended FWM that is specific to your car.

With some effort, you can gather an amazing amount of technical skill. Perhaps more than some (many?) professional mechanics.

Best,
Grady

[livi]

Welcome!

When you say "tinker" on your car - does it mean you want to learn how to do the basic service/maintenance work or an engine rebuild ?

I had not even changed oil in a car when I got my 911. After that, the passion and this forum along with 101 Projects and Bentley´s has got me to do general maintenance and several upgrades myself. I was on the lowest, most tech ignorant level possible and actually had to google 'how does it work'. I still am, but on a slightly higher level.

[kanji]

Thanks all for the responses. I have been planning for over a year and reading these forums, regarding pro/cons of different model years/engines, etc. Fascinating stuff, I love to learn.

Early last year I was close to buying an '87, then I backed off, wanted something newer and started looking at 993s, eventually I got the feeling they were not what I wanted, the styling seemed to 'soft'. Now I am about to buy a '99 C2 996 and I am almost certain I will follow through (99.99%).

I am comfortable with general car maintenance, I do my own oil, installed a few goodies on my 'poor mans porsche' (a 2004 VW GTI VR6 - its about 230bhp now) but I have to admit the Porsche engine/parts and mechanics costs are intimidating. I really want to learn once I have my car and when something goes wrong I want to do a good majority of diagnosis and repair myself. Sounds like this is possible, based on your insights? I will certainly use the feedback you have given!

The 996 I will buy has all records, low miles, new brakes and clutch, fully dealer serviced, and RMS check when clutch was done says its dry. Last owner was meticulous as far as I can tell and traded it for a GT3. Anything else I should be concerned with before buying?

THANKS A MILLION! I will put some pics up once its in the garage.

[RWebb]

996??? that changes everything

I would never touch one except for an oil change - very complicated electronic beast -- NOT considered a 911 in most parts

[jester911]

IMHO you won't be doing much DIY on a 996. Unless you are planning on buying a computer diagnostic machine. But then the car will be new enough hopefully it won't need much.
This forum is pretty much air cooled 89 and older so it won't get much attention here.
Good luck.