Rebuild the engine or look for a tested used one?

[uvachief]

Good question. Lufteknic did have a lot of "completely go through" this and that. I crawled under it and checked the brakes and suspension a couple of nights ago. Appears to have original front struts and shocks. KYB shocks on rear. Brake hardware appeared in good shape but rotors looked really old. Took it in to a brake shop near my office today. Had them install a remanufactured brake master cylinder, flush the brake fluid with new DOT 4 and check hoses and hardware. They confirmed the rotors are boarder line but everything else is in good working order. I can already tell a big difference with just the new brake fluid. Firmer pedal. I ordered new rotors, pads and brake lines (I see braided steel brake lines on the front - isn't that a bad idea?). Work today was cheap. I had the fluid and the BMC. They charged me $95 in labor to do it and that as it. Electrics work except for my cigarette lighter and I have bulbs out in my front and left and right marker lights and the little light bulb under the hood. Lufteknic mentioned going through all the electric connections, cleaning everything, changing out any and all old relays, things like that. Not a bad idea but not critical either. The same went for their recommendation on the braking system and HVAC system. The HVAC does need a major overhaul but the other systems do not in my opinion. I need new shocks and struts and a better quality set of shocks on the rear. Rubber bushings here and there are past it. However, that isn't a large job. The braking system will be totally updated in 8 business days when the parts are made and delivered (Brake Rotors Brake Discs Drilled Slotted Rotors makes the rotors). I think I am just going to take care of things as I can with finishing the brakes and the HVAC first. I will do the suspension next. I don't think it will be more than $2,750 to do all 3 of those projects even using good quality products.

Originally Posted by alfadoc

There's an awful lot of "completely go through" this and "completely redo"that on your list. The biggest problem with your car is that you aren't doing the work yourself. What's wrong with the electrical system? How bad is the interior? Does the headliner really need to be replaced? What is your goal, a reliable driver or a show car? Hell, I'd even give you a hand with some of that stuff, though we're two hours apart. Any other 944 owners in Richmond, who might be willing to get together for a tech session? I think there are ways to keep this car and enjoy it without completely opening your wallet to a mechanic. My two cents.

[uvachief]

Project list update:

1. Brake master cylinder done
2. DOT 4 brake fluid change done
3. Brake rotors, pads and lines (on order)
4. Replace front and rear shocks and struts
5. Replace a/c condenser, hi/lo pressure switch and drier (on order)
6. Interior overhaul (dash cracks, headliner, etc.)
7. Who knows

[seafeye]

7. Who knows.........
Fuel lines. I took a look at mine yesterday and it really scared me. I didn't sleep last night worrying about it. They look that bad. No driving it till they show up.

[uvachief]

Did the fuel lines in 2011. The idea of catching on fire wasn't thrilling to me.

Originally Posted by seafeye

7. Who knows.........
Fuel lines. I took a look at mine yesterday and it really scared me. I didn't sleep last night worrying about it. They look that bad. No driving it till they show up.