Adamred1908SC

I'm new to the glorious world of the 911 as many who have read past posts and have advised me know. I wanted to share a bit of advice for those of us who are slightly mechanically handicapped and rely on the advice of others and the expertise of a really good wrench.

Took my 1980 SC to Autohaus today for my first big service (purchased the car this summer) and to try to get my car running to my expectations, basically this will involve a full 15K tune-up plus a few other small things.

My advice spend time with the mechanic and lay out all of your issues and concerns and let them process, probe and question you and your driving habits. Then take them for a ride while you drive, and then let them drive.

Did this today with Gene at Autohaus (NJ folks may know him) and diagnosed my previously posted problem of not being able to get the car in 5th gear, with the most simple of solutions, I'm 6'4" tall with very long arms and when I throw the shifter out of 4th to try to get 5th, I'm throwing too far and missing the gate it is hence giving me a no go. He pulled up the boot and demostrated the technique. So instead of the nightmare of thousands of $$ on a tranny rebuild some simple driving advice and a couple of new bushings. And while its in he'll make some minor adjustments in the shifter to better fit my anatomy.

One of the reasons I'm just having such a great time being part of the "club" getting useful advice and assistance in a non-condescending manner in a way that will ultimately maximize my driving and ownership experience <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Adamred1908SC

Hurray I just got my P-car back after a two day spa with Autohaus and after just 10 minutes of driving it I'm blown away by the difference. What was done:
1) New wire set
2) Dist cap and rotor
3) Valve adjust (they were really off, I was amazed at how much quieter the engine is)with new plugs
4) Oil change with all the necessary fuel, air and oil filters
5) Mixture adjustment idles right on target
6) New shifter bushings along with a 5th gear gate adjustment
7) Clutch adjustment (so I don't need a 100 lb weight to push it in anymore)
8) BG additive to clean out the injectors

Won't mention how much it all set me back but it drives like a different car. Can't wait to really get out on the road this weekend
The only bummer, right side cam seal is leaking a bit and dripping on the heat exchanger, so on to next project, as soon as my account recovers <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
Adam

Bill Gregory

Adam,

Thanks for letting us know about your great experience - glad your SC is humming along!

Steve Zitelli

Adam,
Just out of curiosity what did a service like that run? I went to a tech event at his old shop in Morristown,they are one of the best shops in NJ.

Adamred1908SC

Tune up/leak investigation labor 6 hrs @$80 = $480
(Air Cond. was removed by PO so I saved some time there)

Shifter bushings and clutch adjust 1 hr @$80 = $80

Parts: $327 (he cut me a break on the wire set)

Grand "gulp" total w/tax $940.

While it would be a reach to say worth every penny....I'm really happy with the results and Gene is a great guy with an incredible reputation. BTW his shop is in Chatham now.

Adam

Steve Zitelli

Adam thanks for the reply,actually thats not terrible.Most good shops charge 350 or so just for a valve adjustment.I know there in Chatum now haven't been around to the new shop.

Adamred1908SC

Yeah I know price was pretty good, and worth the great conversations you can have with Gene!

Considering I pay over $100 an hour for service on my 7 year old volvo (rain/snow/driving in NYC car) service on the P-car is a downright bargain.

Also he's going to cut his rates during the winter months to lure people in for service...going after the leaks then....

Adam