Carrera 3.2 Newbie Intro

[bodmin]

Hi - just wanted to introduce myself. I recently posted my first post on Rennlist without an intro!

I have bought a 1989 Carrera 3.2 with 15875 miles from new. The last Porsche I owned was a 1988 Carrera Clubsport which I bought new and ran for around 18 months. Prior to that had a 1978 SC. My intention is to run the Carrera during the summer and fiddle with it during the winter. The car is near perfect and a credit to the previous owner(s). I hesitated at the mileage but the condition of the car speaks for itself.

I have already started fiddling with the car! I have removed the Carrera lettering on the sides (personal preference). I am going to fit an engine lid without the spoiler - again personal preference.

The passengers electric window wasn't working. I did some research on Pelican Parts and followed all the advice. I took the panel off the door and checked the switch - all ok. I ran a jump lead from the battery to the motor wires and still nothing. Just before ripping the plastic sheeting off the door I inserted the manual cranking handle and wound the window up and down manually, reconnected the wires and it started working! This hadn't been suggested on any of the forums I looked at.

I plan on dropping the engine during the winter, but only to give it the 'once over', and join the elite of home mechanics.

I will post the same intro e-mail on Rennlist, Impact Bumpers, and Pelican Parts.

[oregonmon]

You have to open the engine with only 16,000 miles?
Welcome to the board.

[Oh Haha]

damn fine intro, my friend!!

pics plus you have it tore apart already.

You'll fit in nicely here. Welcome aboard.

[deshetlr]

Great car. I love a red Porsche. I notice the AC compressor is missing and someone "customized" the fan. I find that odd for a 15,000 mile car.

[Wickd89]

Hi Bodmin,
Where are located?
Great pics!

[Geronimo '74]

Look like you bought a new car!!
Welcome!

[Zef]

Very nice Carrera...welcome aboard.

[bodmin]

Hi - thanks for the kind welcome notes.

I have a new wingless engine lid on order. I intend to keep both and will probably alternate as the mood takes me!

Oregonmon: The only wrench work I do on the car will be meticulous. I don't intend to strip the engine - only take it out, change all the well known seals (they are 20 years old), give it a good polish, and re-install. This has also given me an excuse to order a new set of Facom tools, Aluminum jack, etc.

Deshetler: The car was UK supplied - it is not fitted with AC. The fan was painted by the previous owner.

The only part of the car which disappoints me is the alarm installation. I think this was fitted by the UK dealer when the car was new. The wiring looms for the alarm are tape wrapped rather than sleeved, and the quality is not in keeping with the rest of wiring. ( I have removed the under bonnet carpets and panel to have a look) - picture attached.

The car is in Edinburgh, Scotland.

[deshetlr]

Your car is so nice I would be temped to remove the alarm; carfully and take it back to original. I am going through a wiring horror story because of a questionable stereo installation by the PO that eventually created at least 3 shorts and a wiring meltdown.

[Garp]

Welcome, fantastic car but why oh why did you sell the 88 CS
Are you removing the front spoiler too? I just did (easily filled the holes) after removing the rear Carrera spoiler.

[bodmin]

Yes - I think I might well carefully remove the alarm system. It should just be a case of unplugging the various connectors. Interesting enough it does raise the question about 'convenience relay' behind the instruments. It was suggested in another forum that the coupe was fitted with the same relay as the cab depending on whether an alarm was fitted:

"Cabs got the 944 615 112 02 relay to allow operation of the windows with the door open as a feature for raising and lowering the cab top. The Coupes got the 944 615 116 00 relay to allow for closing the windows and sunroof after you shut off the engine but are still in the car"

My car is fitted with the Cab relay (944 615 112 02). I can work the windows after removing the ignition key with the door open, but not with the door closed. I suspect this may be thread in itself soon.

- My Carrera Clubsport - yes I do regret selling it and had some wonderful trips to west coast of Scotland. I bought it in the days when I was almost too frightened to check the oil. I'll dig out the few photos of it from the '80's I have left. Bought new from the Porsche dealer in Edinburgh and ran for around 18000 miles before I sold it. Great car, but I did miss all the electric goodies I had in the SC (widows, sunroof, locks etc).