911Bound

Sounds like great advice. May be hard to do so I will see how it goes. I notice your car doesn't have the fig lights either. Did you remove them or did the car come like that originally?

Carrera51

All in at $23.6K? Nice. Even if you end up a little over that, I think you are in this car right. Nice find.

911Bound

Thanks.... So far there have been no surprises. I just wish I knew more about these cars so I won't be wishing I had done something while the engine is out.

I did find out I have the Nikasil cylinders, H4 headlights and Carrera tie-rods. Also looks like the windshield rubber has been replaced and it has had the shocks replaced.

Carrera51

Sounds like a good buy. I think you mean Turbo tie rods. Those were one of the first things I put on my 84 Carrera when I purchased it in 1999. That and new Bilstein shocks. H4s are a plus for sure. Way better than the U.S. spec lights. Plus you can get get the city lights working.

911Bound

Yes, sorry turbo tie rods. He is putting the Carrera chain tensioners in as part of the engine rebuild.

What do you mean by "Plus you can get get the city lights working."? I am trying to get up to speed on the terminology.

Carrera51

In the H4 there is a second bulb that when wired up it comes on with the parking lights. It's a lower wattage bulb so it basically creates a glowing effect in the in the headlight when you turn on just the parking lights. Someone here will have to explain how to wire them up since I don't remember. But it looks really cool when they are on.

deputydog95

I've got H4's. Didn't know that was possible. Will have to see if I can find a thread on that somewhere.

Sounds like the OP got a smoking deal.

911Bound

So everything was going along great with the rebuild and then I got a call from the shop informing me that they could not find the ignition distributor. Called PO and he has done exhaustive searches of his garage and it is not to be found. The shop has also looked high and low for 2 weeks now and we all agree the distributor is hopelessly lost.

So, the question is does anyone have any suggestions on how I may source a used distributor, or have any other suggestions?

The shop is quoting at least $500.00 for a used distributor. I've looked at OE rebuilds and they are around $1,200. Anyone have a 1980 to 1983 distributor they want to sell?

I'm open to suggestions....

logan2z

Post a WTB on the Pelican Parts classifieds forum. I just bought a used OE distributor from a 47K mile 3.2 for $220 shipped from a seller on PP.

Wachuko

That sucks... but if it makes you feel any better, that is the going rate for a used one. So even if you find one here, it will be around that amount. You can check also check with Jim @ Easy, LA Dismantlers, or DC Automotive... give them a call and ask.

You got the book from Pelican, that is a great start... I also got the one from them on engine rebuild only to familiarize myself better with the car... not that I am looking to do an engine rebuild, lol.

On additional upgrades/maintenance:

Turbo Tie Rod Kit
Inspect and replace front hub bearings and ball joints
A-Arms Bushings
Check condition of front strut inserts and replace/rebuild if necessary

With the engine out... check condition of all the fuel lines, now it would be the time to replace those since access is a pita with the engine in place (for the ones that go behind...)

Mitch Leland's Steering Wheel Bushing - you can get this from Pelican

Even with all that you are doing and spending a few more $ on it, you got a great deal. Keep us posted on the progress.

Wachuko

Here... also download this:

http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf...83_KATALOG.PDF

And here is the list I made of the fuel lines... this is for my 1981... some lines might be missing that were already replaced by the previous owner. I just listed the ones I want to replace...

ThrillNYC

Congrats on the excelent find. I'm jelly.

kkswow12

and will subscribe to watch your progress, good luck...

911Bound

Thanks for the info on the fuel lines. The shop said all lines look good and the engine and transmission are both back in the car. Heading out tomorrow to deliver the used distributor I was able to get a hold of and hopefully we will starting the car for the first time in 16 years. Wish me luck as it has been a stressful 2 months. I downloaded the PDF you and that is an awesome document.

Mark Salvetti

Also go to this Pelican thread: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...f-bentley.html

Fourth post includes a link to a pdf of the '72-'83 factory workshop manual.

This is technically a supplement to the '65-'71 manual, meaning anything that is the same for the early cars is not covered. But so much changed that most things are included. This manual is nothing like a Bentley - it was written for trained factory mechanics, so there isn't a whole lot of info on how to do things, but still invaluable. Hard copies are going to cost you a few hundred dollars.

Mark