Alxx Nova

Well here is the official PPI I got from European Performance in Raleigh, NC. This is the same car from the "Is this what I should expect to find for $4k to $5k? " post.

Okay here it is ...

655 - oil pan gasket
250 - cam housing gasket
1200 - timing belt/water pump
275 - left front ball joint
120 - front wheel bearing adjustment
1220 - front & rear shocks, struts, alignment
85 - brake fluid flush
65 - front hood struts
9.10 - nc state inspection
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$3,879.10 - Total

Things listed without prices:
Tires - I can put them off for now

AC not working - I can replace what doesn't work myself

Power Door locks not working - so long as the doors will lock manually it's fine for now.

Misc light bulbs are out - that's easy

So I was thnking of having them do ...

1 - Oil pan - since I can't use the garage for a few more weeks.
2 - Timing belt - Should I have them do it the first time for peace of mind (8yr old belt)
3 - Ball joints - Don't have the use of the garage yet
4 - Wheel bearings - Don't have the use of the garage yet

Then again I might just do everything except the oil pan since I heard it's a pain in the butt to get at.

So now that I have a firm total how does it sound. What do ya'll think it would come to if I did all the work.

I told the service manager my budget ($4k - $5k) and that I was fine getting a car needing work done (I can't afford a gas and go car right now). Anyway he said $3,000 - $3,500 for the car. Right now it's $4,500 obo.

http://www.steeldragoncustoms.com/S...989/outside.jpg
http://www.steeldragoncustoms.com/S...1989/inside.jpg
http://www.steeldragoncustoms.com/S...ck1989/dent.jpg

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If its cheap and fast ... its not reliable.
If its cheap and reliable ... its not fast.
If its fast and reliable ... its not cheap
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KuHL 951

Some of those prices seem a bit high even for my arae. $120 for wheel bearings adjustment? Takes all of 10 minutes for both of them. Hard to believe they charge twice as much for a belt/waterpump job,$1200, than the oil pan gasket. Do as much as you can yourself.

Dr.Porsche

I had the front struts and 4 wheel alignment done on my car..$900. Standard struts. Think about if you want to change suspension before you do this as you will need to re-allign the car. The alignment cost $300, which I thought was excessive.

Alxx Nova

So who has the best prices for parts? Any recommendations? I have a performance products catalog but I get the impression some of their prices are not that great.

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If its cheap and fast ... its not reliable.
If its cheap and reliable ... its not fast.
If its fast and reliable ... its not cheap
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Charlie

Try some of the Rennlist sponsors for good prices and great service.

Alxx Nova

Well I emailed a copy of the PPI to the guy and told him the price they said. He said he was really sorry about it and that it felt fine when he drove it. All he thought it would need were the belts. So he said the price they recommended was fine with him if I still wanted it.

So I'm now the owner of a 1989 944 n/a 5 spd Black on Black. It's at the shop right now (he never got back to get it. Which is cool since those belts are 8 years old. I figured with my luck right after I paid for it they would let go.

So I'm going to have them do the belts since I don't have the space to work just yet.

Anyway just had to say I bought it. Just wish it was here now. Though I do have a folder of old receipts going all the way back to 89 to go through. I just can't wait to get in and drive !!!!!!


1989 944 n/a 5 spd Black on Black
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If its cheap and fast ... its not reliable.
If its cheap and reliable ... its not fast.
If its fast and reliable ... its not cheap
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1987na

Sounds great, let us know how it gets on once it's all sorted!

Granite 944

GOD!!..........I'm saving a TON of money.........by doing all this stuff myself!!!

I didn't realize anyone would pay that kind of money to have a 944 brought up to snuff!

Again, what is the "selling price"? Then add on this above total...........knowing (personal experiences) that this WILL go about 30-50% higher, when all said and done. I'm happy for ya! IF this is really what ya want to do. These ARE great cars.......butt..........?????

Alxx Nova

Got it for $3,500 which is what the shop that did the PPI said was a good price. As for the repairs, I'll be doing most of that like I always have so it will not be so bad. Now if I couldn't repair most of it myself then I wouldn't have bought it.

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Alex Portanova
1989 944 n/a 5 spd Black on Black

If its cheap and fast ... its not reliable.
If its cheap and reliable ... its not fast.
If its fast and reliable ... its not cheap
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89AZ944

Alex-

Getting an 89 for $3,500 on the East Coast was a good deal even with all the work the PPI turned up.

You are on the right track by paying for the PPI, getting the belts done and getting the reciepts.
The quotes for the work you have outlined are a little on the high side, but not unreasonable especially if they guarantee/warranty their work. And if it is someone you trust, it might be worth that extra $10 an hour.

It looks like you are mechanically inclined and have the time, you should hook up with some Rennlisters or PCA members in the area and have a wrenching party for your "to do" list.

Ball joint kits can be found (plug for Travis) at Rennbay.com, a Rennlist sponsor:
http://www.rennbay.com/ball-joint-re...s-c-30_48.html
Another option are the rebuilt A arms.

As for your suspension, there are many options out there, but one thing to remember is that if the car still has the original struts in it, then they are probably the sealed type. Paragon Products (another Rennlist sponsor) has a kit to convert to the replaceable type:
http://www.paragon-products.com/prod...conversion.htm
or you can do it yourself with thier instructions:
http://www.tech-session.com/kb/index...x_v2&id=69&c=4

Welcome to the world of the 1989 2.7 liter 944- Just remember that this was the only year this engine was made and the head on your car is probably worth more than what you paid for it (just kidding). Be paitent when working on your car and getting parts for it and seeking advice. Most things are the same as the other 85.5+ models. Other things are not (hatch lock, 90 octane gas, fuel injectors, etc.).

Best of luck and keep that smile on your face!
Brad E.
89AZ944

75ohm

Congrats on the purchase... jump right in the frying pan with the rest of us and start turning wrenches! It's not all that bad... *cough cough*. Congrats again!

Chris_924s

yep. very gratifying doing it yourself. Dont forget to get a set of mechanic's gloves!!

SchnellerUmsetzer

I would tell the guy to fix the stuff and I would give him 7k for it. I helped a guy on here get a 89Turbo for $10,000 from a "Porsche Dealership" in Springfield Mass and all it needed was the rear window wiper and a frigg'n belts and rollers. It only had 89,000 miles on it!

Alxx Nova

Chris_924s --- have you ever tried those nitrile gloves. There those blue rubber ones. I get the 100 count box. Used them when I used to paint. They're great. Mess one up and just toss it in the trash and pop on a new one.

The guy at the shop said I was better doing the cam gasket with the belts. Said it would knock $100 off the cam gasket charge since the belts would already be off.

Had to drop off the plates today. My daughter (almost 5 yrs old) had not seen the car yet. She was so excited when she realized that it was daddys new porsche. Her eyes just popped out of her head. She loves Porsches thanks to disneys new movie Cars.


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Alex Portanova
1989 944 N/A 5spd Black/Black

If its cheap and fast ... its not reliable.
If its cheap and reliable ... its not fast.
If its fast and reliable ... its not cheap
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incessant

Belt and water pump service at MORONG BROTHERS Porsche Dealership in Portland Maine is right around 1200. Warranty as well.