tsmb

Hey all,

My 2nd post, and rookie question - love this site too btw...was referred here by a work buddy and I am totally addicted. I plan on spending all winter (a long here in Chicago) learning and researching my 1st 911 purchase.

So...I keep reading about Carrera Tensioners. What is this? I assume this comes standard on an 87-89 Carrera? Is this desirable? What does it do?

Thanks a bunch in advance.

old man neri

What year/kind of 911 do you have?

tsmb

That's the thing Neri...I don't yet. Just beginning my search and don't know a whole lot just yet.

Amber Gramps

The car you are looking for will have Carrera tensioners as standard equipment. They are for the cam chains and everyone upgrades the older engines to have them. go to www.automotion.com and buy Peter Zimmerman's book. Barns and Noble has a couple good ones too. You are looking for a great car. Take your time and really look closely at them. remember it's a 20 year old car. some have been daily drivers for people that couldn't afford them, and some have been pampered queens that never saw the light of day. you can pay $15,000 or $25,000 and the price may not tell the true condition of the car. I looked at a lot of cars and some of the worst were the most expensive. anyway have fun....

KC911

Welcome Tom...great folks here as you have discovered. You might also check out Pelicanparts as there tends to be more discussion (particularly for the older 911s), and great folks over there too. You've got the right idea imo...spend the winter, learning, deciding what you REALLY want, and test drive some cars (various years) to get a "feel", and you will be more knowledgable and in a better position to pick the "right" car for you. Have fun, the learning & search is part of the fun!

Keith
'88 CE coupe

mo_gearhead

Quote: "So...I keep reading about Carrera Tensioners. What is this?"
_______________

The Porsche engines use cam chain tensioners to maintain (naturally) "tension" on the chains. Early cars had "mechanical" tensioners, think of a spring-loaded- plunger type assembly. Porsche later updated to a more reliable "oil-pressure-fed" assembly ...that is what is meant by Carrera Tensioners.

old man neri

If you are in Chicago you may want to give these guys a call. www.midwestperformancecars.com

The guy there, Tom, has a lot of older 911s, he may let you test drive one or two. I wouldn't necessarily buy one from there but they are nice and knowledgeable and even did my PPI.

tsmb

Thanks Doug. Enjoy your posts, and love your car too! I bought Peter's book 2 days ago off of Amazon, and hoping it comes today so I can start reading it over the weekend. I think I'm doing this right by taking my time. A work friend has an 87 '911 Carrera and we are swapping cars for 2 days next week so I can get familiar with his.

3.2SLANTNOSE

They were on all of the 84-89yr model 3.2 Carrera engines. Good luck on your hunt!

tsmb

Thanks again everyone for the feedback and info. I'll keep you updated on my search and will share the results when I find her.