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Road trip to pick up my new 951!
I am finalizing the details of my 951 purchase. 1986 Porsche 951, in Garnet Red with a White interior. 94K miles. The PPI did not turn up any major issues - basically, the car needs hood struts, a rear wiper motor, and has a crack in the fog light lens. Interior is perfect. Mechanically perfect.
What I think might happen is that I will fly down to Charlotte, NC, to finalize the deal and drive the car up to CT. I have a few friends/relatives along the way, so I will take a few days (depending on how long I can get off work) and do the drive in stages. Well, my cousin lives in Raleigh, and I have an open invitation to stay there for the night. I have close friends in central NJ, so I can stay there for the night. THe only thing I am nervous about is the 9+ hours between NC and NJ. I really, really don't want to break down in unfamiliar territory. But anyhow, I am doing it. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what I could do in between NC and NJ to break up the trip. Any areas of interest, besides the obvious DC tourist stuff? Any great roads I should tackle? Advice appreciated in advance.
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-04-2006, 07:56 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: The Great Northwest
Posts: 122
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Congrats on your new edition. I guess its time to put alipinewolf down
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1984 944 Metallic Bronze |
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09-05-2006, 09:28 AM
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Yeah. I have someone coming to look at my 944 on Thurs.
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-05-2006, 01:22 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 147
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You could stop in and see me in boring PA!
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"I couldn't find the sports car of my dreams, so I built it myself." -Dr. Ferdinand Porsche '87 924S Guards Red, 944 turbo bars, 220lb. springs, Restoration Project even though its and original, 72,000 mile car '93 325is Red, aftermarket rims, pirelli tires, 95,000 miles |
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09-05-2006, 01:50 PM
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Last person that posted about picking up a new 944 got about 400 miles into his planed 1600 miles before the timing belt broke. I would take a timing belt and the tools to do a quick replacement. Don't worry about the tension as a new improperly tensioned T-belt is far better than one you have no idea about. Do the balance belt too.
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Hugh - So Cal 83 944 Driver Person NOT a 'real' Porsche -- Its Better!!!! When was the last time you changed your timing and balance belts and/or cam chain and tensioner? New Users please add your car's year and model to your signature line! Never break more than you fix! |
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09-05-2006, 01:50 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,554
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Quote:
who wants to enter a pool to guess which day his first major mechanical repair is?  :Pgood luck, cj 
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Kyle 2008 Mini Cooper // '83 Porsche 944 // '01 Mazda Protege [sold] // "Never break more than you fix!" - SoCal Driver |
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09-05-2006, 02:06 PM
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Hope for the best. Expect the worse.
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Hugh - So Cal 83 944 Driver Person NOT a 'real' Porsche -- Its Better!!!! When was the last time you changed your timing and balance belts and/or cam chain and tensioner? New Users please add your car's year and model to your signature line! Never break more than you fix! |
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09-05-2006, 02:39 PM
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Will work for parts
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 893
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road trips are fun and problems are an adventure.... when I get a minnute I will post about my 3200 mile "adventure". I just suggest having a good set of tools and some coolant/water and oil.
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'88 944 240,100 miles -race car '05 Boxster 110,000 - Daily Driver '74 911 Targa - long term project |
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09-05-2006, 04:51 PM
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Quote:
If I do have a breakdown, the Porsche gods hate me. Maybe I should compile a list of Pelicans "on the way" just in case...?
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-05-2006, 05:56 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,179
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Any road trip like that in a 20 year old german sports car has it's possibilities to cause trouble, no matter how perfect the car. Grab some oil and coolant just in case I'd say.
If you haven't been to DC lately I suggest stopping in to the see relatively new WWII memorial. I was lucky enough to be able to be there for it's dedication opening as I played on a drum corps group in the parade. Even got my ass on CNN for it . But the memorial is really nice and it's something to see right along with the 'nam memorial and others.Have a good safe trip!
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09-05-2006, 06:01 PM
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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oil, coolant, relays... take socal's suggestions and take a set of belts... even if you put them on yourself, the shop book time on a simple retension is 1.3 hours..... so put them on yourself and get the shop to tension it.
make sure your spare is inflated, you've got plenty of brake fluid, and a cooler full of beer... err.. coke.
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Kyle 2008 Mini Cooper // '83 Porsche 944 // '01 Mazda Protege [sold] // "Never break more than you fix!" - SoCal Driver |
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09-05-2006, 06:08 PM
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So you all think I should just have it shipped? There would be a $200-300 price difference between flying down/driving up vs. having it shipped.
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-05-2006, 06:11 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
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i dont think so... just prepare for the trip, and i think it'll be a great time..
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Kyle 2008 Mini Cooper // '83 Porsche 944 // '01 Mazda Protege [sold] // "Never break more than you fix!" - SoCal Driver |
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09-05-2006, 06:13 PM
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Well each has its ups and downs:
Flying Down/Driving Up - Plus: I meet the seller in person, transaction happens face-to-face. I get to know the car well on the way. Could be a fun trip (my old college roommate wants to come along, we have college friends we could visit along the way). Minus: Putting 1000 miles on the car right off the bat. Chance of a breakdown far from home. Possibility of stone chips. Costs: $70-150 for a one way ticket, $100-150 in gas, another $100 for food and drink. Total: $270-400. Having car shipped: Plus: Only one-day turnaround. I don't have to miss work/teaching/class. Minus: Trusting my new car with a shipping driver I don't know. Don't get to do the transaction face-to-face. Costs: $500-600 for shipping. Of course, then there are the hidden costs of missing 2-3 days of work, etc. I am really on the fence about what to do.
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-05-2006, 06:24 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,554
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first of all, dont buy a car if you're afraid of stone chips...
secondly, if you break down 1000 miles from home, rent a pickup for a day that has a tow hitch from a company that lets you return cars anywhere that rental franchise exists.. hook it up and drag it home. but i'd worry about this IF it happens..... do the most cost effective thing that eases your mind.. stock up on fluids, get an oil change if it needs it, and bring other things along with you that we mentioned... minimize your chances of a breakdown... and go from there.
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Kyle 2008 Mini Cooper // '83 Porsche 944 // '01 Mazda Protege [sold] // "Never break more than you fix!" - SoCal Driver |
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09-05-2006, 06:33 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Barrie, Ontario Canada
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it sounds like a cool trip, the PPI checks out, I think the only thing i would ask is if the car was driven regularly. I have never hesitated in driving my car anywhere. I carry an extra DME relay, fluids, airpump and some basic tools. It might be a good time to sign up for AAA as well, just incase.
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09-05-2006, 06:39 PM
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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that's actually a really good idea...
it's great to have a roadside assistance program all set out like that. and if you dont use it this trip, then it's something that just might come in handy in the future.
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Kyle 2008 Mini Cooper // '83 Porsche 944 // '01 Mazda Protege [sold] // "Never break more than you fix!" - SoCal Driver |
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09-05-2006, 06:40 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Posts: 1,199
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I think I would have it shipped if I was you. That way it gets to you in running condition and one piece. Then you have the luxury of going over the car to check it out before just hopping in and hoping for the best. A small problem can be a huge problem 1000 miles from home!!!
Have a local pelicanite or somebody else you trust finalize the deal in NC and see that it gets loaded damage free. Then sit back with a beer in each hand and wait!!!! Good luck!!!
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75 914 - Undecided. 80 931 - Gone, but not forgotten. 72 914 - old toy- sold. And a whole bunch of German scrap metal shaped like 924's. Old enough to know better, and stupid enough to do it anyway! |
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09-05-2006, 08:40 PM
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Parrothead member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Monmouth county, NJ USA
Posts: 13,833
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C'mon CJ, where your sense of adventure??
 Where you stopping at in NJ?
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Vinny Red '86 944, 05 Ford Super Duty Dually '02 Ram 3500 Diesel 4x4 Dually, '07Jeep Wrangler '62 Mercury Meteor '90 Harley 1200 XL "Live your Life in such a way that the Westboro Baptist Church will want to picket your funeral." |
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09-06-2006, 03:58 AM
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I actually do want to make the drive, by my schedule MIGHT get in the way. I student teach twice a week at Trinity college, I am starting my thesis this fall, I work full time... plus I usually like to go over my parents' house at least once a week for dinner.
I guess we'll just have to see
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Current Stable: Black 07 Porsche 987 Cayman S: Long-Tube Headers; FabSpeed Exhaust; VividRacing ECU Tune; IPD Plenum; 997GT3 Throttle Body. Blue 1983 Porsche 928S. 1985.5 Porsche 944 Rat Rod. 2011 Acura MDX. 2008 Mazda 3. Gone But Not Forgotten:Garnet Red 86 Porsche 951("The Purple Pig"). Alpine White 83 Porsche 944 ("Alpine Wolf"). Guards Red 84 Porsche 944. |
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09-06-2006, 06:28 AM
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2007 Porsche Cayman S
The Viridian Falcon
SOLD! -- The Purple Pig
SOLD! -- Mighty Mouse
SOLD!! -- Alpine Wolf
1983 Porsche 944 2.5 liter
