Finally a new owner...
01-23-2017, 12:33 AM
#16
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Carlsbad, CA - Papaikou, HI
Posts: 130
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Congratulations, Looks very nice. I take it you love the car like the rest of us.
Now the work begins as you can tell from the comments you have gotten.
My experience is much of the old electrical connectors and hoses may be brittle. So if you touch them you may have no choice but to replace them. Just prioritize and after the std liquids and filters including the fuel filter and fuel lines do the thermostat, coolant hoses followed by a timing belt /water pump job. I would also drive it gently till those vitals are refurbished and see how it acts. This group is a terrific resource when you do have a problem.
I have spent more time trouble shooting issues when I have been working on one problem and a new one pops up. As you work keep a log of every connector you touch. Coincidences are rare. That will help those trying to help you with a likely list of places to look related to a new issue that develops from working on the car. While everyone wants to help we range from detailed restorers to those that just like driving a good running classic car. When guys have had the same issue it is often the shortest path to a solution.
Give your self a healthy budget so when you are working in a given area you can replace the old rubber, ugly connectors and sensors. Figure 2-3K a year should keep you progressing, provided you do your own work and have no major engine, trans or interior problems. By being careful you can enjoy driving the car as you bring it back over a few years. If you plan to restore it that is a whole different matter. Remember most of the car is over 30 years old and mileage is not as important as you might think even if it has a bit more mileage than it looks.
Best of luck and welcome as a new S3 owner.
Cheers, Steve
Now the work begins as you can tell from the comments you have gotten.
My experience is much of the old electrical connectors and hoses may be brittle. So if you touch them you may have no choice but to replace them. Just prioritize and after the std liquids and filters including the fuel filter and fuel lines do the thermostat, coolant hoses followed by a timing belt /water pump job. I would also drive it gently till those vitals are refurbished and see how it acts. This group is a terrific resource when you do have a problem.
I have spent more time trouble shooting issues when I have been working on one problem and a new one pops up. As you work keep a log of every connector you touch. Coincidences are rare. That will help those trying to help you with a likely list of places to look related to a new issue that develops from working on the car. While everyone wants to help we range from detailed restorers to those that just like driving a good running classic car. When guys have had the same issue it is often the shortest path to a solution.
Give your self a healthy budget so when you are working in a given area you can replace the old rubber, ugly connectors and sensors. Figure 2-3K a year should keep you progressing, provided you do your own work and have no major engine, trans or interior problems. By being careful you can enjoy driving the car as you bring it back over a few years. If you plan to restore it that is a whole different matter. Remember most of the car is over 30 years old and mileage is not as important as you might think even if it has a bit more mileage than it looks.
Best of luck and welcome as a new S3 owner.
Cheers, Steve
