Engine use/abuse question
 

Thank you in advance for any and all feedback.

I am considering a mid to late 80's 3.2 Carerra (preferably < 100K) and plan on using it as much as possible.

I have heard comments that these cars do not really like short commute treatment and this could cause me problems.

My typical day would consist of about 8 miles one way in the morning and the same home from the office in the evening. I live in Southern California and I have the option (typically use it) surface streets the whole way in. Typical speeds between 20 to 50 mph, relatively light traffic wide straightaways. I can also chose to jump on the freeway and can get up to 65 to 70 for about 5 of the 8 to 10 miles (I think it's a couple more by freeway).

Please discuss the possible problems this use may be for a car like this and if it is an improper usage. I could take it out every three days or so and run it for 45 minutes or so (the sacrifices we make) in the canyons at 60 to 70 mph to warm it up and get the engine lubricated if that would be good preventative maintenance for the shorter runs during the day (and undoubtedly would anyway).

Thanks again for all feedback.

Mark

Will not be an issue.

Get it up to operating temps. everytime and you will be fine.

They do like long, fast drives though.

Hey - wait a minute - Is this Mark? - You're still worrying too much!

Seems you're closer to pulling the plug on the car of your dreams. Congrat's!

Good luck and can't wait to see pic's when you get it!!

I believe you have it figured out already. I think the important issue is to get the engine fully warmed up at most of the runs. Here in cold Sweden it usually takes me at least 15 miles, often a bit more. Maybe 8 miles is sufficient in your climate, but probably not completely. Anyway, with a couple of good, long runs in between, you will likely burn away any moist and build up that may occur during your shorter trips.

I believe the real danger lies in much shorter trips, like only a mile or two, turning off the engine cold.

Then again, I almost never start my 3.2 if I can not drive at least 30 minutes.

I honestly think, many of us are passionate bordering on anal regarding our 911´s. How we, as the 3-18 owners take care of our 100k miles cars is probably not as important as how the previous owners used or abused it.

Nobody ever laid on their deathbead and said 'thank goodness i bought that smart, economical honda accord to commute with'

Now a few guys HAVE said 'holy **** i costs how much to rebuild a flat 6?!'

But those guys have great stories!

Mark,

buy the car -- you won't regret it. get up earlier in the morning and take the 20 mile route to work. I live in OC too. the traffic is a pain but there is always a way to make a short trip longer.

Enjoy.

Get the car... you will love it.

It should be said however, that usage in the fashion you describe will result in "harder miles"... that is, 30,000 miles driven in the fashion you describe will be harder on the engine than 30,000 miles driven in longer stints. This is simply because the engine spends a smaller percentage of those miles running at operating temperature.

Don't let that deter you however...

Drive it slow all week, and then take it out early on Saturday morning on PCH and open it up in 4th gear. It will be fine.

Eight miles one way will be fine. On colder, winter days, put a few more miles on it. The occasional, long, hard drive is a good thing too.

my brother has been commuting from the Marina to Santa Monica for over 20 years in a 911. Absolutely no engine issues. And he keeps the oil changed every 3k miles.

Buy the damn car = the only question you will be asking after driving it awhile is; why didn't I do this earlier?