One week ago I dove in after much research and bought an 88 coupe.

I had similar issues... all I can say is that it's the best money I've spent in quite a while. It's a real investment that I can see, touch, polish and drive.

The folks on this board have been unwittingly invaluable in my search and decision, btw.

Just do it.

 

My initial offer was excepted this morning without any haggling. Was quite surprised, he said he wasn't much for haggling. Can't complain, I believe I got a pretty solid deal, but PPI will tell the rest of the story. I'll be scheduling a PPI for this week. Should be picking it up next Saturday.

 

Congrats and good luck

 

What Ed said

 

When I bought the 78 Targa, it had a great spec, leaked no oil, great compression, etc. Went to do the valve adjust, and it had pitted cams. Went for a slight cam upgrade, but the car ceased to be a smokin' deal.

I looked at an 87 Targa. Bad cams. Coincidence ? PO said that he was unaware of the problem on yet another smokin' deal. Ate the PPI, but did not buy the car. Gave the PPI to the owner, and he sold the car under full disclosure.

When I bought the 85 Euro, I had the valve covers off for a full PPI. Had the valves adjusted at the same time, since it was opened up. Everything was good.

Make sure they open it up.

 

Just buy it. 13k is chump change for this car

 

I was able to shave a bit off the price. I'm rather pleased.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if an owner did not know that they had any pitting on their cams.

 

If the PPI is decent, you are a lucky guy! Just in time for a nice fall run! Enjoy your car.

 

Taking the covers off to check head studs, and adjust valves requires the oil to be drained yes? Is removing covers to check head studs considered customary? What if one breaks at this point, is it too bad sorry owner?

What can one expect to pay extra for inspecting the studs? How about for the valve adjust?

Thanks for helping the noob.

 

My own $.02........and this is just my opinion - get a good air cooled Porsche mechanic to look at it, and he will use a mechanics stethescope. I don't think you need to go that far unless you hear noise. After all, you are going to get a leakdown. If it checks out, then it's going to be time to sh@t or get off the pot. The guy lowered his price, and is agreeing to a ppi. That is a lot to ask on what looks to be a nice Targa, fully loaded, no less.

 

Hmmm. You guys know how to confuse a guy. As if I'm not worried enough! Now I'm dreaming of head studs, cams, oh my!

 

You can pay as much or as little as you want for a PPI. I'd agree with rusnak.

 

bought my `83SC in 1997 w/80k mi. today at 168k mi. its lost no power. weeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

Don't remember draining oil when I did the valve adjustment years ago.