Newbie - First Porsche

[RSWiser]

I just committed on a pretty nice 1980 911 SC. This is my first Porsche.

The car has been garaged and sitting for most of the past 4 years. It has been started up a few times and run to warm up. I plan on picking the car up Thursday evening. I have about 60 mile drive home.

My plan is to immediately put a full tank of new gas in with some Fuel Injector Cleaner. Drive home and then next weekend change the oil.

What other maintenance items should I be looking at before I go to get the emissions test run?

Thanks,
Rob

[FinallyGotOne]

Check the brake pads. may be a good idea to drain and refill brake fluid. I'd make sure to plan on picking the car up 1st thing in the AM on a weekday, in case it decides to stop along the way without your consent. You'll have all day to take care of whatever may have popped up. (just being cautious though, you'll most likely be just fine on a 60 mile drive.)

These cars basically just run along and then pop goes something. I'd be sure that the plugs and wires are in good shape too, as well as the distributor.

You may find yourself replacing the strut inserts soon also.

Post pics, and welcome to the site! This site will become your best friend quickly.

[efhughes3]

Did you have a PPI done? I'd guess they found some items to address, that would be a starting point.

[mike_dunn]

Fresh transmission fluid, check motor/trans mounts, check for date stamp on fuel filter, replace all old/cracked vacuum lines.

[p911sc]

They're not regular maintenance items but I would recommend:
1. Pop off valve in the air box if there isn't already one
2. Hydraulic tensioners on the timing chains.
Rick

[Gogar]

60 miles? Credit card and a cell phone. Make sure the brakes are working, and make sure no fluids are gushing out the bottom. Drive home carefully, and don't get frisky with the car. Get a ride with someone who has a tow rope and knows how to drive with a tow rope.

[RSWiser]

Thanks for the suggestions. Go ones all around.
My son will be following me in my Tundra.
On the Pop Off Valve. Is that visible on the air box looking into the engine compartment?

Rob

[Paul K]

RSWiser:

Please add your location to your profile. That way we can help you better.

Definitely flush the brake fluid.

I'd put a new alternator belt on it too.

Post pics asap!

Cheers,

Paul.

[FinallyGotOne]

Pop off valve is very noticable-unstrap air box remove filter look at the thing that looks a bit like a toilet trap. Hydraulic tensioners are a bit tougher to spot, but still noticable.

[Scott Douglas]

If I may be so bold to suggest, while I'm all for having an adventure getting an old car home to my garage, I'd advise you to rent a U-Haul car trailer or dolly to get it home.
First off, even if it's been started every once in a while to warm up, the brakes haven't been used. Is it worth the risk?
I'd rent a trailer, get it home and go thru all the pertinent systems to make sure it's safe to operate.
Besides the brakes, I'll bet the tires are flat spotted from sitting too.

[Zeke]

Have you driven this car? Have you seen it, or did you buy it blind? I bought one blind and trailered it so I could go over it thoroughly.
If you've driven it, you know a bit more, but I wouldn't take the seller's word for anything. Not that he/she is a bad person, they just obviously had no interest.

Now it's your interest. Treat that well.

[kidrock]

I'm with the trailer crew. Chances are the car is in good shape, but why risk it 60 miles from home? Day rent for a flatbed trailer will cost no more than $40-$50 bucks, a worthwhile investment to get your new baby home.

Once at home, you have the comfort and leisure to go through her with a fine-tooth comb. It's just good sense.

Good luck, and post some pix soon!!

[Mia911]

Welcome................i'll rent a trailer also, and trailer it home...just incase.............Also post some pics of it...

[80-911SC]

rent trailer, tow homw
change oil , adjust valves, bleed brake fluid and check pads, change belts,check steering and tires then drive the sh________t out of it. they like it


welcome home .........

[bxtech]

Congrats on your purchase! Welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here who are always willing to help.

I agree with most of the others here..............It would be wise to trailer it home and go through it before actually driving it a considerable distance. As the saying goes............"Better safe than sorry."

Post up some pics when you get a chance. We'd love to see your new "toy"!

[fredmo1947]

I agree with the trailer bunch. When I bought my first 911 (a few short months ago), I drove it and thoroughly check it out. It was owned by a perfectionist and all was in order x10. Rather than take the chance however, without further personal investigation at my shop I used my AAA card (up to 100 miles) and had it transported to my home. It was painless, the tow truck driver knew his stuff and that he had a special car. The car made it without any issues on the back of a flatbed tow, the driver got a good tip, and I got a good nights sleep.

[rnln]

there many but this is my first list, all the time:
1- engine oil, tranny fluid, brake fluid.
2- tires, plugs...
3- pay attention to gas hoses.
Good luck.

[azasadny]

Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Read this forum and get Wayne's "101 Projects" book and you're all set for a new adventure. I've had my 911 for 7 years and it's been an expenience!

[FinallyGotOne]

I'd probably recommend trailering it home too, but for 60 miles myself, I'd just tell the wife to come along and follow me back. 60 miles is a short stint, and i'd bet that drive would give you an immediate list of things to do. I just would not really get on it at all. But if it was cooking along the hiway just fine and feeling solid i may just get on it once or twice to see how it did.

[JP911]

If the oil hasn't been changed in 4 years, the gas has been sitting in the tank for 4 years, and the brakes haven't operated in 4 years you should DEFINITELY trailer it. You might create more problems than you bargained for, the worst of which could be fire (old fuel lines) or an accident (brake failure).