ether_joe

here's an update. Short version, the car is fixed and working great for < $300 fix!

after the work FRPorscheman described, I took the car to a recommended mechanic. He took a look through the sparkplug hole and pointed out that the threads were toast especially at the bottom.

He mentioned that a time-sert is not optimal for an aluminum scenario, as it retains heat more that the aluminum around it thereby heating up the sparkplug.

He put in a helicoil, replaced all 4 plugs and some cleanup work. < $300! I took the car from SF to Dublin, about 75-100 miles roundtripper yesterday, at 80+ mph, wound her out well, and the car seemed normal.

Thanks guys for the assistance and interest!

And also, +1 highly recommend Gary Vanguard motors then in San Francisco.

FRporscheman

I'm glad Gary was good to you! My dad hates that guy's guts. But he definitely knows his stuff...

Now you can make it to the Paso Robles 968 gtg this saturday.

Imo000

Wow, talk about over charging. The Helicoil kits are ~$50, it takes less than 30 min to install and a set of plugs is ~$15. I can’t believe he charged you almost $300 for the work.

FRporscheman

LOL

That's why my dad hates his guts.

But when in a pinch and panicking, sometimes peace of mind is worth getting ripped off. I myself have never met this mechanic, since my coming of age has made him no longer needed by us.