1987 911 Coupe New to Me
07-13-2014, 09:27 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
1987 911 Coupe New to Me
Well, I just officially joined the Air-cooled club. I purchased my car in NC and drove it back to CT today. During the 700+ mile drive I burned about a quart of oil. I would guess that would be about normal? Any recommendations for Oil. A friend mentioned a Synthetic blend.
The transaction went well and I am very happy with the purchase. I am really impressed with the G50 transmission. The car shifts really well and is smooth. The paint is really nice and the car is in great shape.
This will be my first "old" car and I am excited to have a car that might appreciate vs. lose 50% of the value in the first 5 years.
The A/C blows cold, but... seems to have a compressor leak because I saw some oil around the area and a big puddle/stream of water near the right front. The unit must not be running efficiently and the water is probably a result of the water freezing. So, I will have to decide on next steps for AC. Other than that just little things like key light not working (I did order a new battery), broken black plastic vent handle, etc.
The transaction went well and I am very happy with the purchase. I am really impressed with the G50 transmission. The car shifts really well and is smooth. The paint is really nice and the car is in great shape.
This will be my first "old" car and I am excited to have a car that might appreciate vs. lose 50% of the value in the first 5 years.
The A/C blows cold, but... seems to have a compressor leak because I saw some oil around the area and a big puddle/stream of water near the right front. The unit must not be running efficiently and the water is probably a result of the water freezing. So, I will have to decide on next steps for AC. Other than that just little things like key light not working (I did order a new battery), broken black plastic vent handle, etc.
07-13-2014, 10:42 PM
#2
Brad Penn makes good oil and then there is Classic oil sold by Porsche. Nice ride and congrats. My driveway looks similar: a '86 Targa and a 2000 C2. I can't decide which I like better. The more you drive the '87 the more you will begin to understand all the hype. Enjoy, CheeRS.
07-14-2014, 09:00 AM
#3
Instructor
87 coupe and 2004 Boxster here . . . I like the differences between them, it's nice to have options! The "new" car looks nice, and I suspect you will learn to love it in a very short order . . .
I use the Brad Penn 20w50 in the Carrera, very affordable. Super easy to do an oil change on these cars also.
I use the Brad Penn 20w50 in the Carrera, very affordable. Super easy to do an oil change on these cars also.
07-14-2014, 09:00 AM
#4
Congrats! Now you need to update your signature to make it official 
(Love the stablemates, there will be a 6'GT3 in my future.... and the X5d/M3 daily options are awesome choices!)
(Love the stablemates, there will be a 6'GT3 in my future.... and the X5d/M3 daily options are awesome choices!)
07-14-2014, 01:00 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thanks for the comments.
I will definetly be changing the oil myself and would like to do/learn more about the basic maintence.
I will definetly be changing the oil myself and would like to do/learn more about the basic maintence.
07-14-2014, 02:34 PM
#7
Former Vendor
Congratulations and welcome 
We offer a few different oil change kits for when you're ready, for information Click Here.
We offer a few different oil change kits for when you're ready, for information Click Here.
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07-14-2014, 03:31 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
Nice pickup and great combo to have in the garage! I daily drive (60 miles round trip to work) my '88. Car has been in the family since new and has never let me down.
Congrats!
Congrats!
07-14-2014, 04:59 PM
#9
Nice car. You'll love it.
Don't use synthetic in these cars. They were designed for older, more viscous oils.
Some oil consumption is normal in these cars, but 1 qt in 700 mi may be a bit high. Could simply be from sitting around. Also, don't fill the oil to the top line, as you can get some blowby. Most people leave it about a quart short.
These cars are quite easy to work on, a decent weekend mechanic can do most of the routine stuff. Parts tend to be quite reasonable, but Porsche specialist shops typically charge $75-100/hr, so DIY can definitely save you some significant $$$. The best preventative maintenance on these cars is to drive them regularly... they don't like to sit around.
Finally, the A/C on these cars is marginal, at best. There are aftermarket fixes that can improve it, but you can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars. Depends on personal needs, but for me, I don't worry about the A/C... if its too hot, just drive your other car.
Other than that, these cars are pretty bullet-proof.
Enjoy.
Don't use synthetic in these cars. They were designed for older, more viscous oils.
Some oil consumption is normal in these cars, but 1 qt in 700 mi may be a bit high. Could simply be from sitting around. Also, don't fill the oil to the top line, as you can get some blowby. Most people leave it about a quart short.
These cars are quite easy to work on, a decent weekend mechanic can do most of the routine stuff. Parts tend to be quite reasonable, but Porsche specialist shops typically charge $75-100/hr, so DIY can definitely save you some significant $$$. The best preventative maintenance on these cars is to drive them regularly... they don't like to sit around.
Finally, the A/C on these cars is marginal, at best. There are aftermarket fixes that can improve it, but you can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars. Depends on personal needs, but for me, I don't worry about the A/C... if its too hot, just drive your other car.
Other than that, these cars are pretty bullet-proof.
Enjoy.
07-15-2014, 08:47 AM
#13
Instructor
The AC on my '87 was marginal, so I had it checked out, converted to 134a, and it seems better. I did a recharge last week, as it leaked a bit from last year. Easy to do, and it actually puts out chilly air now!
07-15-2014, 08:54 AM
#14
Rennlist Member
Congratulations! Great cars, fun as all heck. Just did the full RetroAire upgrade. Overall, invested a bit of dough, but the improvement was significant. I'm in Alabama, so my driving season just got a huge extension. Have fun with your car!
