Dan Rufer

For the life of me, I can't bear to lift the rear of my '87 Carrera from the engine. I've seen others do so without hesitation. I'd like to get access under the car with both back tires off and am currently using two jacks to lift each side (then jack stands under the torsion bar tubes). Is there any reason to hesitate in lifting the car from under the engine; it sure would seem more easy. Thanks. Dan

Ed Hughes

I've heard this recommended several times, so I guess it's OK. They say to pad the jack with a piece of wood, or some folded newspaper to avoid scarring the engine metal.

jet911

Lifting the car by use of the engine is actually the recommended method in "101 Projects for your Porsche 911." Quote "The bottom engin sump is one of the best places to jack up your 911. Use a roled up newspaper or a small block of wood in order to avoid scratching or damaging the bottom sump plate."

Just got this book. It is the best. On Amazon right now, you can order this book and Performance Porsche both for $38 (101 projects sells at Barnes and Noble for $29.95 alone), plus you get free shipping. A great deal!
Good luck!

Jim
'86 911 <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" /> <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />

Jim Garfield

Why risk it? It's an engine infamous for oil leaks
and you're going to support the weight of the car
with the sump? Don't you think that there might be some slight flexing in the seams?

I know that a lot of people do it, but to me the
possible consequences don't justify the 5 minutes
saved.

jet911

Even though I quoted from 101 projects, I've not lifted by the sump. I use a lift pad ($14.95 from Pellican). It is a pad on a steel shaft that inserts into the slot that your factory jack uses. You can then use your garage hand hydraulic jack to lift the car one side at a time. For the rear, I then place a jack stand under the torsion bar covers at the front of the rear wheel well. Seems to be very stable and safe for you and the car.

Regards,

Jim
'86 911

Jon Sailer

Dan,

Hope this helps you feel more confident. When I need work done that I cannot do myself, I use GTR Motorsports down the road from me. The owner, Richie is the owner and operator and is the Chief Mechanic for the Racers Group. I went over a few areas that I can use on my 86 911. The engine was noted as being one of the stongest. He also showed me other front and rear jacking points that Porsche introduced from 85. Needless to say, Porsche improved the breed every year with little mods as such. I am sure your car has even more tweaks than mine beside the G50 tranny.

By no means am I contradicting anyone, just sharing my experience with someone with many more years experience and credentials than myself (which isnt hard =) ).

Jon

Rick Lee

I did it and it was a cinch. Check the photos below. We used a motorcycle jack and pallet cut just wide enough to fit under the heat exchangers. Get a jack pad, some cinder blocks, a good floor jack, some 2x6's, good jack stands and make sure you have a few people watching for overlooked connections. It was really very easy.

<a href="http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=8e2c51a9ffd9b9cc233e4184e61eee85&threadid=70243" target="_blank">http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=8e2c51a9ffd9b9cc233e4184e61eee85&threadid=70243</a>

Jim Garfield

Rick - Dan was talking about jacking the car up
under the engine, not dropping it.

turbocarrera.

If your case flexes from jacking the car up, my guess is it would probably fly apart over 5krpm.