Is it better to do PPI at a shop where the car been seviced?

[axl911]

Hello All,

I'm about to jump into the 911 pool.

Assuming the shop who maintaned the car is a reputable one. It is better to take the car to another reputable shop for a PPI so you get a different opinion?

What do you think of 911 Enterprises in Dallas?

How much should a PPI with a compression test cost?

thanks,
anthony

[jriera]

Anthony, Nine Eleven did the PPI in my car, the job they did with the PPI was good. the cost was around $200 (in '98) but I find out several problems in the next couple of days after the PPI (loose clamps, wires, etc.). I know that many people in Dallas like Nine Eleven very much but they have not had any more of my business... If you can I will recommend you to talk with Ed Mayo (817-540-4939) in Euless.

Let me know if you need any more info or details.

Good luck

[Don Plumley]

Anthony,

Come on in, the water's great!

I think it is ideal to have an independent (e.g. new/different) shop do the PPI. Fresh eyes, no biases, etc. I also think you should visit the shop that did the maint on the car and ask them what they know about the vehicle.

Some suggest you should pay for a valve adjust which lets them check the guides for wear - but again this might also depend on the year/model/mileage.

Anyway, you are on the right track by getting a PPI. Based on the outcome, lots of great info here. I encourage you to use the search function and ask lots of questions.

Good Luck!

[Wayne 962]

Paying for a valve adjust is a losing proposition, in my mind. The PPI is risky enough as it is. You don't want to have to spend $$$ just to check out a car. Also, armed with 101 Projects, (<-shameless plug) and my new engine book you can pretty much do your own PPI with the owner there.

I like independent shops. Also tell the shop that you are taking the car there for a PPI only, and he will not get any of the work if needed. That way there is no conflict of interest. (Put it politely).

I recommend Tony Callas of Callas Rennsport for PPIs on Porsches and BMWs. Alex Wong of PrecisionTech is good too. Tony will find every missing nut on the car and document it for you. (even if you insist that you are in a hurry, have a meeting to go to, and need to leave, he won't let you until he's done - trust me, I know...)

-Wayne

[Superman]

I would take it to ANOTHER shop besides the folks that work on it. I'd chat with the folks who work on it, but I'd have someone else do the PPI. At this point in my life, I would do the PPI.

[hermzz911]

Have an independent specialist do the PPI. Ask around here, or your local PCA chapter for recommendations for your area.

You add another dynamic into the mix if you bring it to the current owner's regular mechanic. They've been servicing the car for awhile and probably know the owner. I'm not suggesting that they would be anything less than fully objective, but you want the most critical inspection you can get for your money.

Just my $.02

[IXXI_carrera]

Anthony,

Welcome aboard!

You might also consider Louden MotorCars (11454 Reeder Road
Dallas, TX, (972) 241-6326) off Stemmons - just across I-35 from Nine Eleven.

I've been to both and prefer Louden.

Ed Mayo would also be a good choice.

Good luck!

Dave

[axl911]

Thanks for the responses.

I will take the car to a different shop, at the same time pull records from the current one.

The clutch on this 91 is a concern. It still has the original. Any idea to tell when/if it's going bad?

Also, are there any valve guide issue on this particular year?

Looking forward to drive a 911.

thanks all,
anthony