944 Mechanical

[cix]

I've been reading a lot about these cars, and know enough to know that I'd want one in good condition. And I see over and over that if you're not careful a little bit of money can double because of problems that occur. I've also seen (what looks like to me) outrageous labor fees.
Now, I'm not a mechanic, but I am in a vo tech for mechanics. What makes exotics different from normal cars? There's ONE mechanic in my city that will work on Porsche - one guy I called (Import repair) actually sounded mad at me for asking about it!

Compare this - Hypothetically, if someone had a beautiful 1986 944 N/A and a wonderful 1986 Mustang 5.0 (first year of fuel injection), both needed to be rebuilt, what would be the differences in procedures?

And other than the tools, what, if anything, would prevent me from working on a 944? This really bothers me, and almost scares me into thinking that they're too good for me. I've always been able to work on my mustangs, even a complete rebuild - let alone a dang waterpump!!

Thanks, Josh

[MrPants]

if you can fully rebuild a mustang i think you could work on a 944. i think generally the 2 hardest things are clutch and belts.
the only tensionining tool for the timing belts casts $500 which is the most difficult part about that (also you cant afford to mess up or the valves will get bent)
and the clutch just takes a long time. clutch up front + transaxle in rear = dropping rear end to get to the clutch.
and things are more expensive. an oem clutch kit from a porsche shop could be $800