Timing chain tensioner kit upgrade for 82 SC
 

My ‘82 SC Targa has 106 K miles on the clock and I've been advised to upgrade to the later style timing chain tensioner kit. I've been warned of possible disastrous consequences if I don't do it and also that it could go at any time without warning. :(

I am unable to do the work on it myself and the P-shop wants an arm and a leg to do the work. I was wondering how many SC owners have had this done and how many have decided to leave it as is and what the general views and recommendations are.

I did mine. You should not go by statistics to decide if you should or should not do the upgrade. Your car is the only one that matters, so do it for peace of mind. If they failed you would be out a lot more money than the cost of doing the upgrade. If you are going to keep the car, think of it as it as an investment. What did your shop quote for the job? The kit from Pelican cost $420.

Timing chain tensioner kit upgrade for 82 SC
 

John

I got 2 estimates: US$650 and another for US$1,030 - both etimates were for parts and labour.

The low estimate sounds a little low? For a reference, the Porsche dealerships here in the states charge around $1,500 USD. I recall a recent post asking how much the job should cost. Check the archives.

I would not be in a panic to do this right away, but it also depends on how you drive the car, if you have a lead foot and shift at high RPMs than you probably want to do it right away. There are alot of Porsches out there without the upgrade, if a tensioner goes you will hear noise right away from the chains before you destroy your engine.
My 83SC has 85K miles and I will do it some day but for now I drive the car without worry.
GB83SC SmileWavy