PPI Results - What is the Impact?
 

I've just received PPI results from a 911 SC I'm hoping to buy. After I buy it, I want to immediately drive 1000 miles home.

There are some general things to be expected from a car of this vintage, but a couple issues stood out to me, and I'd appreciate some insight into their possible impact.

• Control Arm Bushings - Front end doesn't have any bounce
• Rear links need work
• Front Struts may be frozen but they suspect A arm bushings are to blame.

Are these safety issues, or something I can worry about after I've driven home?

• Front engine seal leaking some oil. Might be seal and or ring(req. case split!)

Is an engine seal or ring replacement something that can be done by a handy owner in his garage? Can I worry about this later in the summer and fix it over a couple of weekends?

I'm excited about the car, but don't want to get in over my head. The price is excellent, and its generally in great shape. The leakdown test was very good:
#1) 2%.. #6) 2%.. #2) 5%.. #4) 5%.. #3) 6%.. #5) 4%

I would be concerned about driving a car 1000 miles with a frozed front strut (or something else) that doesn't allow suspension movement...

I don't know what they mean by "rear links" but it doesn't sound that bad.

I did a little reading and replacing bushings seems to be something I can do myself. I just need to be sure I'm not going to damage the car if I drive it as-is.

I assume the PO has been driving the car with the suspension the way it is

I also assume that your 1k mile journey home will be mostly highway

these minor problems would not scare me but you should speak with the seller and ask his honest opinion

Tolga (the mechanic at European Performance in Raleigh) called me and the car is a winner. Hurrah!

Let me second the motion to fix the front struts before driving 1000 miles. Probably inserts, and the PPI mechanic can do it. The 'while you're in there' stuff would include ball joints & tie rod ends if necessary.

I’ll have to concur, even though you can do the work yourself, pay someone qualified to fix the suspension prior to the 1000 mi drive.
It’s pretty straightforward stuff.

Have someone else (not ‘related’) align the 911 and render an opinion on how the work was done.
A good ‘safety check’.

Take your cell and AAA+ card.

Best,
Grady

I'd get fresh inserts loaded up front, before driving her (although I would agree it won't -shouldn't do harm, as is). As JW mentioned, it's a straight up job to do,..as long as you know what you want in there (and all that goes with that decision),..ball joints, tie rods, etc.,..can be done later...then with a fresh alignment.

Cell and AAA+ card, for sure....a healthy CC card, as well.

best,

Doyle

the inserts are bilstiens that were rebuilt at the factory about 7 or 8 years ago. Tolga told me they were sticky and once you started driving they loosened up. I have no clue what they are talking about. I pushed down on the front bumper and it went right back into position. I have never seen or felt it stick. The bushings are nylon and they are well lubricated. I am confused by the sticky strut idea. There didnt seem any use in discussing it further with EP. They had their minds made up. A second opinion is in order

..and no; I don't believe you can do a rear main in the garage by yourself. Well, nothing is impossible but that it is a helluva job.