fozzie bear

Hello Everyone,

Just writing to introduce myself, the car, and pose a couple newbie questions. My wife and I have just inherited her father's 1996 993 C2 in midnight blue with cashmere interior and hard back sports seats (lovely). He passed away earlier this year and this car holds a lot of sentimental value to us, as well as being a beautiful piece of machinery we're looking forward to driving. I'm looking forward to taking care of the car and honoring him in that way. The car is being shipped up to VA from FL later this week and I'm preparing to get things started on the right foot. It's been sitting in a garage in Florida for the past 10 years, probably only driven 4-5 times a year and currently has about 45k miles.

A bit about us: My wife and I are both engineers by education and work in aerospace. I'm a total car nut. This is our first Porsche, but we're not new to enjoying sports cars.

A couple newbie questions come to mind:
1) I'd like to get a PPI just to understand the state of the car. The family hasn't kept the best maintenance records, honestly, although I know the car has been taken generally good care of. I was quoted prices at an independent specialist shop for a "standard" PPI and more money for a PPI with cylinder compression leakdown check. Is the leakdown check worth it since we already own the car? Is it going to tell us work that needs to be done, or just inform us of wear and tear that we can't help at this stage?

2) Fall is coming and so are lower temperatures. The car is in need of new tires to go on its 17" Cup II's. This is the first time I've owned a sports car in the Northern VA area - any owners around here: do you swap between summers and all seasons as things get colder, or do you go to true winter tires? This won't be a daily driver and we'll have the option of another car on snowy days.

Finally, I just wanted to thank you guys already - lurking on the forum and reading has been a huge help in preparing to take care of the car. I do have lots of ideas for upgrades. I can feel the slippery slope.

Looking forward to hanging out and learning more.

Arthur

fozzie bear

And before anyone says the thread is worthless without pics, here are some cell phone pics...

ehanauer

I had a PPI done on a 98k mile 993 but passed on the leak down because the Indy mechanic didn't think it was necessary. Two years and 10k miles later, I agree he was right.

Welcome to the world of 993s. Drive it like you stole it.

P-daddy

Welcome aboard. Once the car arrives I would do a ppi to see what needs addressed. A leakdown may not be necessary but may be worthwhile to know the current state of your engine. In the NOVA area you have a few shops to choose from but Taylor Chapman is the man for aircooled Pcars. Regarding tires, I dont swap them out fir the winter. I just swap cars . Hope to see youu at a local RL meet or PCA events.

fatmike

I would take it to my mechanic with instructions to change all fluids, filters and belts. And, I would ask him to look over the other systems and come back with any recommendations. Definitely do a safety check on the brakes, tires, etc.

I'd also consider doing the 60K mile maintenance now on this car. That would include spark plugs and wires (which are expensive) if they've never been done.

Good luck with the car.


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fozzie bear

Thanks for the advice so far. Taylor Chapman and his shop look like an excellent operation. I had seen good things in other threads about his work, so I think they're going to be my choice.

I'm planning on joining PCA as well and would love to meet up some time out at events.

I do think I'll go the conservative route at the start regarding fluids, regular servicing, etc. , simply not knowing a ton about what was done to the car recently. Thanks for that comment, fatmike.

Paul902

Hey, nice intro. Nice way to remember your father in law. With that low mileage I wouldn't expect the need to do a leak down/compression. Change the belts, filters and fluids and off you go! Enjoy!

six gun

+ 1 (can't open pix)

fozzie bear

There we go... pictures fixed in second post. These were taken a couple months ago.

P-track

Sounds like a beautiful car ( pics don't work ) and good that it stays in the family in the hands of car lovers. Follow the tips and I am sure you will enjoy every mile in it!

Ah now the pics, work. That is the best color and no rear wiper, extra slick just like mine

Now shoot some photo's of those sexy hardbacks (sorry)

mdude

While you dad probably didn't keep all the service records, but if you know where he took the car for service, you can call that shop to chat up its service history.

These cars develop more problems sitting than being driven. I won't be surprised if it takes $1-2k to get it sorted for all the basics, less if you DIY.

Sorry for your loss but happy for your inheritance...

fozzie bear

Thanks for the kind words. We do know that he took it to a dealer in Jacksonville in most recent years, so hopefully we can get the info out of them. Very good point!

Yeah, I kind of expected $1-2k to start to get things properly caught up on basic maintenance. I'm interested in some DIY in the future, but just want to get this running properly ASAP.

NC TRACKRAT

Welcome. Since you're a "wrench" and want to get involved, I'd suggest that you save some of those maintenance items, such as belts, air filter, fuel filter for yourself. Yes, go ahead with a basic PPI, get the oil & oil filters changed out and the brakes bled but unless there's something wrong with the wires and plugs, why do a 60K insp. at 45K? As for tires, we really like the Hankook V12 Evo's but they're not an "all season" tire.

NEK

Beautiful car, Arthur.

Taylor and his first mate, Andrew, will perform a thorough inspection, and, if you want, tell you exactly what needs done now and what can wait. We are lucky to have them in our neck of the woods.

I recommend sticking with summer tires year round.

Paul902

The more I see them, the more I think Cup IIs are a great wheel!