964's DIY friendly?

[Fidalgo911S]

Having owned pre-1969 911's for many years, I'm thinking of getting a newer Porsche. I'm finishing up a restoration on my low-mile-super-original 1965 911 and already it looks too nice to drive. So IF I sold that, I was thinking about a C2.

I've done all my own maintenance for years and was wondering how it is to work on a C2. Is routine maintenance out of the question? Can I do a tune-up? Are somewhat simple things like valve adjustments all-day difficult? I've read about the flywheel, distributor vents, and head leaks of early C2's so I'd look for those to be done already.

Any insight would be beneficial. Thanks,

[colo964]

I've done pretty much all my own repairs and maintenance for 10 years; most things I've had to fix are wear items: brakes, etc. which is a testament to the 964's indestructability. DME system diagnosis without a Hammer is possible but not surefire, but neither is the Hammer.

The only stuff you'll need a Hammer for is hydraulic flushes; I've got a C4 that needs a Hammer for that (ABS and diff locks), C2 might need it for ABS. Dealer stuff.

Sparkplugs take a few hours (12 of them, and need to remove alot of stuff to access). A few more nuts and you can access the valves for valve adjustment (1-2 more hours). But honestly I haven't adjusted my valves since 150k miles and I've got 200k now - still runs quiet and strong.

[stevepaa]

ditto on colo964. done all my own maintenance and engine rebuilds on all cars I have owned. 69 912, 73 vega, 69 2002, 60 mga, a chevy 350, volvo 740. I like the 964. Get the factory manuals. Sounds like you probably have all the tools you need.

Some addons are really easy: rear fog lights and daytime running lights. I have bought all I need to add headlight washers and will do that later this year. Valve adjustment took me most of a day, but it will last 50k miles.

brakes are a snap, even changing struts and axle shaft boots are not a big deal with right tools.

Just changed my turn signal, washer, OBC and cruise apparatus around the sterring column in about 2 hours.
I have 160 k miles on mine.

I would go for a 92 and above as a first cut.

[Fidalgo911S]

Valve adjustment took me most of a day, but it will last 50k miles

That's what I like to hear! If I'm going to spend all day doing something like that, it's nice to know it lasts.

I do have a wide assortment of tools so I think I'd be safe there. I've briefly heard about something called "The Hammer". Is that a computer or special diagnostics tool? Is sounds $$$, is it and would I need it?

Why a '92+? Yes, I like the mirrors of the newer C2's but are there other items (head gaskets, flywheel, etc.)?

[armandodiaz]

Why not get a 993? No valve adjustments. Or better yet a 996 (same price as the 993). The 996 is a breeze to work on and I've notice parts are relatively inexpensive.