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So, PPI came back pretty clean. Needs to have some of the oil seals replaced and belt changed but overall in good shape. Leak down and compression good. And the owner found an old receipt for head studs so that has been taken care of. More details to come, as I have to start thinking of my route.
I just bought a SC myself and drove it 1276 miles back to Texas. No problems. I was planning to post here if I did have problems and I almost did a pre trip post like yours. One morning was very cold on my trip and the car was a little reluctant to start. I went back into the hotel room and waited until it got above 40, then tried again and was back on the road. Looking forward to taking the car to Missouri this July for the PCA Parade. (This is my first forum post, so hi everyone... I’ve been reading on the forums nonstop over the last 6 weeks gearing up for my purchase).
DMEs are notorious for failing and will leave you stranded at some point in the next...0-30 years. Probably worth buying a solid state version...Also worth knowing that you can jump it with a paperclip to get home. These cars aren't particularly finicky. Drive it and budget for a long tow just in case. Make sure your tunes are in order...Many SCs don't have functioning stereos because the motors sound so good.
Apart from that, probably a few quarts of oil would be wise to have. I recommend Brad Penn 20w50 (check Amazon), but there are other good options.
DMEs are notorious for failing and will leave you stranded at some point in the next...0-30 years. Probably worth buying a solid state version...Also worth knowing that you can jump it with a paperclip to get home. These cars aren't particularly finicky. Drive it and budget for a long tow just in case. Make sure your tunes are in order...Many SCs don't have functioning stereos because the motors sound so good.
Apart from that, probably a few quarts of oil would be wise to have. I recommend Brad Penn 20w50 (check Amazon), but there are other good options.
Dude seriously ??
1. SCs dont even have a DME , thats what makes them so reliable
2. You are talking about a Carrera and the DME fails quite rarely on that car. What fails is the DME RELAY.
Were the chain tensioners upgraded to the later carrera ones? If head studs check out and chain tensioners we’re done then the car should run forever with regular maintenance. I agree with keeping a quart of oil but beware the oil gauge is only a guide and only when the engine is warm, idling, and level. Use the dipstick.
DO NOT overfill the oil. It will cause issues if you do. Make sure you study closely the procedures for checking the oil levels.
Drive the car and pay attention to your 1-2 gear shifts and 2-3 shifts while driving. A lot of these cars have worn synchros. The 915 tranny is a bit challenging for the uninitiated, but if you find the tranny is hard shifting 1-2 or 2-3 budget for a rebuild and negotiate on the price.
I had my 915 rebuilt in November. It was a bit worn due to a crappy short shifter a previous owner installed. Your mileage is on the low side so you may want to plan to replace all major seals at some point. DO NOT use synthetic oil, and don’t be surprised if leaks show up. Anyway the car should be bullet proof other than that. Enjoy... the SC is kind of a sweet spot between truly old school, but with some modernish features (power windows, mirrors, etc) and are known to run really forever.
Make sure to post pics when you get it. Here’s mine
All, thanks for the input. The 82 in LA fell through, but by pure dumb luck and the help of some friendly Porschefiles, I found an 87 on the East Coast that happened to check out and be available right when I was out there on vacation. So, while I did drive it home, it was only 10 hours instead of 40 hours. Still a great time and completely reliable. Not a single hiccup!
All, thanks for the input. The 82 in LA fell through, but by pure dumb luck and the help of some friendly Porschefiles, I found an 87 on the East Coast that happened to check out and be available right when I was out there on vacation. So, while I did drive it home, it was only 10 hours instead of 40 hours. Still a great time and completely reliable. Not a single hiccup!
WHAT ??? you didn't nee the big piece of plywood someone told you to carry ? lol