Been following along for awhile, finally jumping in (long)

[Drago]

OK, so here's where I'm at:

I've got a 1986 944NA that's in the shop right now for a bunch of work. The car was originally my father-in-laws daily driver (currently at 120K). It's never been driven hard as he prides himself on getting the best gas mileage possible. Unfortunately, he also seems to pride himself on driving cars for as long as possible while doing as little preventative maintenance as he can get away with. So, presented with a deal that I simply couldn't refuse I've become the proud new owner of a 944 that's in need of some care.

I am a reasonably competent DIY'er but without any service records I decided to let the professionals give the car the once over before I start messing with things. Here's what I've had done so far:
Full Service (tune-up, fluids), pan gasket, front engine seals, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, balance shaft belts/bearings, oxygen sensor, and motor mounts.

For services rendered the shop is charging me $2200. Does this seem like a reasonable price? I was going to have them do the rotors, pads and CV joints also but figured that these items are probably a good place for me to jump in, plus they wanted another $1500. Is there anything unusual about the 944's with respect to changing out these parts? I've done similar work on other makes. Next up is the clutch (I take it from previous posts that this can be a challenging job) and a new exhaust. I'm thinking of installing a test pipe and one of several aftermarket cat-back systems...any and all suggestions will be appreciated. The car will eventually need a bunch of cosmetic work done as well. Mechanicals first though. This BBS has already been an extremely valuable learning tool for me. Thanks to all those who help.

[Obin Robinson]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Drago:
OK, so here's where I'm at:

I am a reasonably competent DIY'er but without any service records I decided to let the professionals give the car the once over before I start messing with things.

good idea! though these cars aren't that complex, they can be intimidating a first.

Here's what I've had done so far:
Full Service (tune-up, fluids), pan gasket, front engine seals, timing belt, water pump, thermostat, balance shaft belts/bearings, oxygen sensor, and motor mounts.
For services rendered the shop is charging me $2200. Does this seem like a reasonable price?
let's see what that would be separately (all these include parts and labor at approximate shop rates assuming parts are new and dealer-obtained: $300 + $200 + $400 + $350 + $100 + $150 + $500 = $2000. but i am also assuming labor rates that are cheap around here (upstate NY). seems just about right for all that work on your car.


I was going to have them do the rotors, pads and CV joints also but figured that these items are probably a good place for me to jump in, plus they wanted another $1500.

great idea! these jobs are painfully easy on a 944.

Is there anything unusual about the 944's with respect to changing out these parts? I've done similar work on other makes.

to tell you the truth, the Porsche 944 had the EASIEST rotor and CV joint replacement of any car i've worked on in my life. the CVs technically can be replaced without even jacking the car up (ask me how i know ). the front rotors are very easy to do. with a jack and 2 jackstands, you can accomplish all this work in a saturday afternoon.

Next up is the clutch (I take it from previous posts that this can be a challenging job)

yeah, i would leave that to the experts if this is your first clutch job.

and a new exhaust. I'm thinking of installing a test pipe and one of several aftermarket cat-back systems...any and all suggestions will be appreciated.

exhaust work? well, bolt it all up yourself, and then drive it to a Monro or Meineke and have them weld anything you need. exhaust work on a 944 is VERY easy, but the welding and pipe bending part is best left to the experts (or people with the tools and the time).


The car will eventually need a bunch of cosmetic work done as well. Mechanicals first though.

agreed! that is the best plan!


This BBS has already been an extremely valuable learning tool for me. Thanks to all those who help.



no problem! good luck!

obin

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A straight line is the most BORING distance between two points.

[Drago]

Obin, thanks for all the information. I've done clutch jobs on a variety of vehicles before. Just not on a vehicle with a rear transaxle (nor a front-wheel-drive for that matter). I've read all the posts on this BBS so I feel somewhat prepared for the ordeal. I'm also going to order the factory shop manual set before I start the project. The mechanic that did the initial inspection said I had about 10mm of wear left. It's the original clutch too, with 120K on it. I'll be replacing it with the updated steel sprung unit when the time comes.

[asidrave]

Drago, if you have done clutches before the 944 clutch is no diffrent, just time consuming.

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Raul 84 944 8v n/a yellow

[T86951]

Do the rotors, pads and CV joints yourself, real easy work! I think the clutch also, I had my na 944 done at 77,00 miles but this time at 199,000 miles I am going to do it myself and put in a spring centerd disk I guess rather than the rubber centered disk. Make sure you put the ground strap back to the bellhousing before starting after the clutch job or it could burn up the DME (computer).