The Kraken - A Restoration & Modification Diary
10-14-2011, 10:24 AM
#46
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Sorry for not seeing this, but very good to know! We shall see if it comes to that. I'm hoping the 19x10s will work, especially because that would mean I don't need new rubber. The 285s looked a little silly on 19x11s.
10-14-2011, 10:39 AM
#47
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
10/14/11 update (work performed 10/13)
Got my rear coupler installed. It took a lot longer than it should have to put in, mostly because I somehow misplaced the bolt that cinches the front of the coupler to the selector arm. Plus getting the boot on was a PITA, but I eventually got it on there.
Replacing the coupler bushings provided a vast improvement in gear selection feel, though I have a compounding problem with either the front ball cup or the selector arm bushings; I'm thinking it's the ball cup at this point. The arm will go into gear, but sometimes not come back out! At this point it feels like it's disconnected from anything, with a slight amount of vertical travel possible, but more lateral travel than anything. Short shifter install to be completed in about a week... hopefully.
I also installed Roger's EIS, finally. While I could not fully test it out yesterday because it was raining/generally wet outside, I did notice an unsual ability to cut the tires loose in pretty much any gear, and had a very tough time starting the car from a dead stop. Not normally a problem, even in wet conditions. The throttle response is absolutely improved with this, and I think the idle seems slightly higher, perhaps 200 - 300 rpm. Sharktuning with this on would work wonders, I think.
As far as fitment, I think perhaps the powder coating ever so slightly decreased the diameter of the MAF connection, so I really had to jam it on there. The EGR taps needed to be bent out of the way so as to not scratch the elbows or filter cannisters. I installed everything with the writing facing down, which keeps it looking nice and clean. I also have the 928 Specialists twin screw fan, meaning I had to custom make (i.e. cut off the top of the old fan) my intake ducts above the fan/radiator. The EIS flex ducts are harder plastic than stock, and fit VERY tightly into the space, which I think is an improvement over the stock softer ducts in terms of holding everything in place. The entire system is beautiful to look at and makes the rest of my engine compartment look like garbage. I'm not a huge fan of engine dress up (I drive my cars, and with the hood down) but I might have to rethink that after installing the EIS!
Got my rear coupler installed. It took a lot longer than it should have to put in, mostly because I somehow misplaced the bolt that cinches the front of the coupler to the selector arm. Plus getting the boot on was a PITA, but I eventually got it on there.
Replacing the coupler bushings provided a vast improvement in gear selection feel, though I have a compounding problem with either the front ball cup or the selector arm bushings; I'm thinking it's the ball cup at this point. The arm will go into gear, but sometimes not come back out! At this point it feels like it's disconnected from anything, with a slight amount of vertical travel possible, but more lateral travel than anything. Short shifter install to be completed in about a week... hopefully.
I also installed Roger's EIS, finally. While I could not fully test it out yesterday because it was raining/generally wet outside, I did notice an unsual ability to cut the tires loose in pretty much any gear, and had a very tough time starting the car from a dead stop. Not normally a problem, even in wet conditions. The throttle response is absolutely improved with this, and I think the idle seems slightly higher, perhaps 200 - 300 rpm. Sharktuning with this on would work wonders, I think.
As far as fitment, I think perhaps the powder coating ever so slightly decreased the diameter of the MAF connection, so I really had to jam it on there. The EGR taps needed to be bent out of the way so as to not scratch the elbows or filter cannisters. I installed everything with the writing facing down, which keeps it looking nice and clean. I also have the 928 Specialists twin screw fan, meaning I had to custom make (i.e. cut off the top of the old fan) my intake ducts above the fan/radiator. The EIS flex ducts are harder plastic than stock, and fit VERY tightly into the space, which I think is an improvement over the stock softer ducts in terms of holding everything in place. The entire system is beautiful to look at and makes the rest of my engine compartment look like garbage. I'm not a huge fan of engine dress up (I drive my cars, and with the hood down) but I might have to rethink that after installing the EIS!
10-14-2011, 04:08 PM
#48
Rennlist Member
Maybe the Dingo ate yo Baybay!
10-22-2011, 09:44 PM
#49
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
10/22/2011 - Wrenching session with Jim Doerr and Kevin Lacey in Richmond, VA today; installed Jim's custom short shifter. This was my first drive of over 100 miles in the Kraken, and it performed like a champ all day.
I'll let Jim say more about the shifter install; all I can say so far is WOW. Night and day difference over stock. If Porsche had made them anything like this from the factory, the sales figures would have been far higher, IMHO. The new boot is delicious, too. Looks amazing, and feels even more amazing in grip. The shift pattern is illuminated, too. I will post some pics tomorrow, or perhaps Jim will post some of the videos? And/or pics?
Great day hanging with two fun Porsche guys who almost got me to fall off the quit-smoking wagon (good thing they were smoking menthols). A nice reminder of how awesome this community is.
I'll let Jim say more about the shifter install; all I can say so far is WOW. Night and day difference over stock. If Porsche had made them anything like this from the factory, the sales figures would have been far higher, IMHO. The new boot is delicious, too. Looks amazing, and feels even more amazing in grip. The shift pattern is illuminated, too. I will post some pics tomorrow, or perhaps Jim will post some of the videos? And/or pics?
Great day hanging with two fun Porsche guys who almost got me to fall off the quit-smoking wagon (good thing they were smoking menthols). A nice reminder of how awesome this community is.
10-22-2011, 10:28 PM
#50
Rennlist Member
It was a good time with great guys!
That Kraken runs like a spunky monkey!!
We're still shootin' the breeze here in the garage. Julie's telling a story about how Hoffa got off'd.
F'ing diplomats!
Here's the goods...
That Kraken runs like a spunky monkey!!
We're still shootin' the breeze here in the garage. Julie's telling a story about how Hoffa got off'd.
F'ing diplomats!
Here's the goods...
10-23-2011, 09:21 AM
#51
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Jim's pics (and the shifter) make my interior look far nicer than it is!
Here's the pattern glow, and a shot of the car levitating on liftbars:
Here's the pattern glow, and a shot of the car levitating on liftbars:
10-24-2011, 10:59 AM
#56
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Right now the power steering is still wonky, so that's the top priority. It also feels like there's either slight hesitation, or perhaps clutch slippage, above 4k rpms at WOT. It's intermittent, which is odd. So, I'm thinking maybe plugs, injectors, caps & rotors, wires, or all 4. Hopefully it doesn't need a clutch, but if it does, I'll get a lightened flywheel while I'm at it.
Driving it with the new shifter is intoxicating, so this will all be done in short order. Way to go, Jim!
Very excited about this project once again.
11-11-2011, 08:09 PM
#57
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Post No. 928. 11-11-11 Mileage: 113,280
Spent the day at my brother's shop (Gman = Veteran's Day off)
Goals: flush coolant, replace thermostat, install new wheels and tires, install front spoiler, and maybe change the oil (though it doesn't exactly need it)
Not the best wrenching day I've ever had, but far from the worst. The coolant flush was easy-peasy, but the thermostat didn't happen because I assumed (famous last words) that the thermostat would come with the gaskets I'd need. Plus I read Dwayne's write up only this morning (which is friggin' amazing), and realized I'd need way more than that anyway. So, that stayed in the box for another day. Car is running a little warmer than my other one, even with the 928gt twinscrew fans, so I assume the thermostat is to blame. Of course, refreshing the coolant seems to have helped, so who knows. I got the lower temp thermostat for when that day comes.
Wheels and tires were unfortunately also a no-go. I got the 19x10s of the Cup 4s from Tire Rack, but they have a different offset than the 19x11s, such that while the inside is nowhere near rubbing the suspension (the 19x11s hit the inside suspension without a spacer, and with a spacer they go beyond the fender) the outside now is dead even with the fender. So, it looks like I need to roll the fender either way. On top of that, I screwed up trying to mount these enormous tires such that I totally damaged the sidewall to the point that it's unusable. Ugh. Mounting tires on giant wheels is a PITA! Bro has a nice new Snap On machine and everything, so clearly user error. It happens.
Ended up not changing the oil because I ran out of time to get more 15w-50; thought I had enough for a change in my oil bin; only had 4 qts. Uh, no. Next time.
The best news of the day: got the front spoiler back on and it looks great. Had to use a ton of zipties but you can only see them if you're looking for them. The front bumper cover is in pretty sorry shape, such that just about every mounting hole was torn. Tried speedclips but the bolts could find no purchase. The cover will be replaced when the car is painted (along with the hood and fenders most likely, though the fenders are definitely servicable).
I also modified the rear carpet so that the sharkwoofer sounds even better (cutout the insulation just above the woofer). And it does.
Pretty crappy drive home; random traffic despite it being a holiday. Not the best day, but hey, I wasn't sitting behind a desk, so not a total loss. I was hoping post #928 would be a happier one! But alas, this car tends to want to kick my *** some days, and this was one of 'em. Bourbon time.
Spent the day at my brother's shop (Gman = Veteran's Day off)
Goals: flush coolant, replace thermostat, install new wheels and tires, install front spoiler, and maybe change the oil (though it doesn't exactly need it)
Not the best wrenching day I've ever had, but far from the worst. The coolant flush was easy-peasy, but the thermostat didn't happen because I assumed (famous last words) that the thermostat would come with the gaskets I'd need. Plus I read Dwayne's write up only this morning (which is friggin' amazing), and realized I'd need way more than that anyway. So, that stayed in the box for another day. Car is running a little warmer than my other one, even with the 928gt twinscrew fans, so I assume the thermostat is to blame. Of course, refreshing the coolant seems to have helped, so who knows. I got the lower temp thermostat for when that day comes.
Wheels and tires were unfortunately also a no-go. I got the 19x10s of the Cup 4s from Tire Rack, but they have a different offset than the 19x11s, such that while the inside is nowhere near rubbing the suspension (the 19x11s hit the inside suspension without a spacer, and with a spacer they go beyond the fender) the outside now is dead even with the fender. So, it looks like I need to roll the fender either way. On top of that, I screwed up trying to mount these enormous tires such that I totally damaged the sidewall to the point that it's unusable. Ugh. Mounting tires on giant wheels is a PITA! Bro has a nice new Snap On machine and everything, so clearly user error. It happens.
Ended up not changing the oil because I ran out of time to get more 15w-50; thought I had enough for a change in my oil bin; only had 4 qts. Uh, no. Next time.
The best news of the day: got the front spoiler back on and it looks great. Had to use a ton of zipties but you can only see them if you're looking for them. The front bumper cover is in pretty sorry shape, such that just about every mounting hole was torn. Tried speedclips but the bolts could find no purchase. The cover will be replaced when the car is painted (along with the hood and fenders most likely, though the fenders are definitely servicable).
I also modified the rear carpet so that the sharkwoofer sounds even better (cutout the insulation just above the woofer). And it does.
Pretty crappy drive home; random traffic despite it being a holiday. Not the best day, but hey, I wasn't sitting behind a desk, so not a total loss. I was hoping post #928 would be a happier one! But alas, this car tends to want to kick my *** some days, and this was one of 'em. Bourbon time.
03-02-2012, 06:00 PM
#58
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
3/2/12 Update - my black one is giving me fits with an annoying stumble above 2100 rpm. Decided the Kraken needed some love, or at least some exercise.
Clutch still slips, though more than before, so that's definitely being replaced soon. Just need to decide which clutch pack to go with. GTS?
I managed to get a tire mounted onto one of the 19x10s and figured, hey, why not see if it fits without fender rolling. Well, it doesn't. They are damn close, but I can't even get a finger between the tire and fender. The fronts also appear to rub a little on lock to lock turning, but not much. They look nice, I think, so I will make this work.
I have a pair of basically new 19x11 rears if anyone is interested. I'll give ya a great deal (they should bolt right onto a GTS). I think I posted the offsets earlier in this thread. If not I can dig them up.
A few weeks ago, something clipped the spoiler on the highway at fullspeed, and it didn't like it. It got torn up something fierce, so I've ordered a new one. But I think I will hold off on installing it until I replace the front bumper cover, as it's not in good shape either.
As of now, the to do list top priorities:
clutch
power steering (rebuild pump?)
roll rear fenders
stereo update
bodywork
Clutch still slips, though more than before, so that's definitely being replaced soon. Just need to decide which clutch pack to go with. GTS?
I managed to get a tire mounted onto one of the 19x10s and figured, hey, why not see if it fits without fender rolling. Well, it doesn't. They are damn close, but I can't even get a finger between the tire and fender. The fronts also appear to rub a little on lock to lock turning, but not much. They look nice, I think, so I will make this work.
I have a pair of basically new 19x11 rears if anyone is interested. I'll give ya a great deal (they should bolt right onto a GTS). I think I posted the offsets earlier in this thread. If not I can dig them up.
A few weeks ago, something clipped the spoiler on the highway at fullspeed, and it didn't like it. It got torn up something fierce, so I've ordered a new one. But I think I will hold off on installing it until I replace the front bumper cover, as it's not in good shape either.
As of now, the to do list top priorities:
clutch
power steering (rebuild pump?)
roll rear fenders
stereo update
bodywork
04-29-2012, 10:59 AM
#59
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
4/29/12 update: Clutch was still slipping, and I picked up a GTS clutch set to swap in. Before getting into all of that, though, decided to just try bleeding the clutch. Wasn't convinced it would make a difference since clutch grip was fine in gears 1-3. Opened the bleeder on the slave, and nothing came out. Not even a single drop. Oooohkaaaaaay... hooked up a manual bleeder and got things flowing. Topped up with Super Blue, and now all is well. Sweet!
04-29-2012, 12:22 PM
#60
Race Car
Nice when something like that pans out!
Bummer- was looking forward to helping on a clutch job!
Sadly, I've never rolled fenders so I'm not help there..
Keep at it, spring is here....
Bummer- was looking forward to helping on a clutch job!
Sadly, I've never rolled fenders so I'm not help there..
Keep at it, spring is here....