Hi! New 944 owner from Australia!:)
10-13-2011, 03:05 AM
#46
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Yeah I'm rather stoked at finding such a workshop just around the corner! 
I too have serious trust issues with a lot of workshops, especially as I used to be a factory BMW and Jaguar technician, and a parts manager for Volvo. I've spent too many years in the industry and know better than most how things really go-down behind the scenes. 
Given their specialisation in 944's with a proven record, and having spoken at length with them yesterday, I have no hesitation in trusting them with my new baby. It turns out that they get quite a lot of business from Melbourne to work on Porsches, which doesn't surprise me given the number of them I often see parked out the front, yet very few Porsches in town belonging to locals.
I too have serious trust issues with a lot of workshops, especially as I used to be a factory BMW and Jaguar technician, and a parts manager for Volvo. I've spent too many years in the industry and know better than most how things really go-down behind the scenes. Given their specialisation in 944's with a proven record, and having spoken at length with them yesterday, I have no hesitation in trusting them with my new baby. It turns out that they get quite a lot of business from Melbourne to work on Porsches, which doesn't surprise me given the number of them I often see parked out the front, yet very few Porsches in town belonging to locals.
hahaha, I've got a few mate mechanics and i hear a lot of stories and seen a few my self.
wow those guys must know what they're doing!
10-13-2011, 03:37 AM
#47
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Nice car and colour. Reminds me of the 911s of the day. I'm sorry to say I just can't quite live with the concept of an Auto Porsche. Just seems such a contradiction of terms. No offense intended.
Plenty of good advise in here though.
Plenty of good advise in here though.
10-13-2011, 04:45 AM
#48
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10-13-2011, 05:28 AM
#49
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Nice car, and a cool colour. Good wheels, too. I've been wanting a set of those Fuchs for a while.
Have you sorted your acceleration issues yet? Sorted the plugs, wires etc? You mentioned having trouble gapping the plugs. Why was that? The specs in the factory manual are usually the way they come out of the packet. You couldn't have made them a bit too open? A set of basic NGKs is just $25: worth switching them out, just to make sure.
A few suggestions:
* Much easier to ship in parts from the States (Pelican Parts are good - also see their forums) than to try to buy them locally. An example. Repco charged me $335 for a reference sensor. US sites list them for about half that: there's a US eBay seller who lists them at about $60. Big, big difference.
* The factory workshop manual is easily found online.
* Clarks Garage is the indispensible technical resource:
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
Have fun with it!
Have you sorted your acceleration issues yet? Sorted the plugs, wires etc? You mentioned having trouble gapping the plugs. Why was that? The specs in the factory manual are usually the way they come out of the packet. You couldn't have made them a bit too open? A set of basic NGKs is just $25: worth switching them out, just to make sure.
A few suggestions:
* Much easier to ship in parts from the States (Pelican Parts are good - also see their forums) than to try to buy them locally. An example. Repco charged me $335 for a reference sensor. US sites list them for about half that: there's a US eBay seller who lists them at about $60. Big, big difference.
* The factory workshop manual is easily found online.
* Clarks Garage is the indispensible technical resource:
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
Have fun with it!
10-13-2011, 06:21 AM
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Nice car, and a cool colour. Good wheels, too. I've been wanting a set of those Fuchs for a while.
Have you sorted your acceleration issues yet? Sorted the plugs, wires etc? You mentioned having trouble gapping the plugs. Why was that? The specs in the factory manual are usually the way they come out of the packet. You couldn't have made them a bit too open? A set of basic NGKs is just $25: worth switching them out, just to make sure.
A few suggestions:
* Much easier to ship in parts from the States (Pelican Parts are good - also see their forums) than to try to buy them locally. An example. Repco charged me $335 for a reference sensor. US sites list them for about half that: there's a US eBay seller who lists them at about $60. Big, big difference.
* The factory workshop manual is easily found online.
* Clarks Garage is the indispensible technical resource:
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
Have fun with it!
Have you sorted your acceleration issues yet? Sorted the plugs, wires etc? You mentioned having trouble gapping the plugs. Why was that? The specs in the factory manual are usually the way they come out of the packet. You couldn't have made them a bit too open? A set of basic NGKs is just $25: worth switching them out, just to make sure.
A few suggestions:
* Much easier to ship in parts from the States (Pelican Parts are good - also see their forums) than to try to buy them locally. An example. Repco charged me $335 for a reference sensor. US sites list them for about half that: there's a US eBay seller who lists them at about $60. Big, big difference.
* The factory workshop manual is easily found online.
* Clarks Garage is the indispensible technical resource:
http://www.clarks-garage.com/
Have fun with it!
I'll buy some new sparkplugs tomorrow, as I haven't had any spare time for me lately. Being a full-time carer for mum in her final days, n my gf randomly being admitted to hospital has chewed all of my free-time.
The gapping of the iridium plugs was hard because the 'prong' didn't like being tapped/adjusted with a feeler guage, and suspected they should be used 'as is'...i gapped them to .7 like factory specs suggested and saw a dramatic increase, but defo not perfect. I used the new plugs which were provided with the car from the PO, n knew they weren't right after fitting. I need a definite brand and product code to get, asap!
I've already learned through both my motorbikes n Bel's, the benefit of purchasing parts from America and England for costs, but thanks for the reminder mate. Local pricing is a joke...
I've already purchased a new Haynes Workshop Manual and expect it any day...for less than half the price locally.
Online resources are also fantastic, and have done lots of reading.Clarkes Garage is the best overall reference for many things, but have already found some incorrect info, so take it (like most things online) with a grain of salt.
10-13-2011, 08:32 AM
#51
Three Wheelin'
For the soundsystem, I wanted quality sound rather than punishing volumes, and have already purchased most of the system. It's a pity I didn't meet you earlier Punky, given your experience and knowledge with this field. I've always put a good soundsystem in every car I've ever owned, but I really miss the Landy's Alpine, Focal and Soundstream system. *sob*
I've recently bought a Nakamichi PL-4100 4ch amp, Nakamichi SP-C40 4" front speakers, and Nakamichi 6x9's (forgotten the model number!) for the rear...the 6x9's will be arriving tomorrow, but have already got the other two items. For the time-being, I will use the new Clarion CZ301E headunit which was provided with the Porsche uninstalled, and am waiting on the Nakamidhi CD400 headunit to arrive. Deciding on a subwoofer is the difficult part due to installation options, and have found a 12" Nakamichi sub/box/amp package which I'm really keen on, but am also considering buying a Focal BUS-25 10" sub/amp (had one in the Landy and loved it!). If you could share some pics and info regarding your setup, and come up with some suggestions on the best installation options, I'd be most appreciative.
Regarding the wheels, I would definitely be paying to get somebody to refurbish them. They are pretty rough (especially the FLHS rim with some gutter rash), and really let down the exterior. The silver outter looks really skanky, and the black centre's have seen better days, looking a bit faded and dull. I didn't realise they were originally anodised on the outters, but like both of you, I think that polishing would look far better. That'd be great if you're able to find some contact details for that place in Campbellfield.
My Sub box construction thread
my install thread
Doubt you will go wrong with Nak gear, but havent heard their speakers so not sure how they will sound. HU and amps are great though. I would go a 10 (over a 12) and focal is a good a choice as any, but you have a lot of options, and also depends on what you use to drive it.
I see you may have someone to refurbish the Fuch's, so you may have to point me in their direction too. BTW the Fuch's are a factory option, so maybe original(someone here can probably tell you) and certainly one of the best you can go for. They are forged, so very strong and extremely light, and won't hurt the handling(unsprung weight). They are also very valuable down here. I was told by one of my mechanics that the 952 sets can go for $3000+, as they sort after by both Porsche and VW owners. I imagine that's for mint/refurbished though.
10-13-2011, 03:17 PM
#52
Three Wheelin'
heya, cateyes is mixing up fuchs with cookie cutters. yours is the latter and was stock on early 944's. while not as sort after as fuchs they still have their own following.
Last edited by J1NX3D; 10-13-2011 at 05:49 PM.
10-13-2011, 04:04 PM
#53
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[quote=CatsEyes;8941682]Nice car, and a cool colour. Good wheels, too. I've been wanting a set of those Fuchs for a while.___First pic Fuchs came in both 15" standard & 16" which was an option on early 944s.Second pic ATS Cookie Cutter came standard in 15" on early cars.
___+1 7.5 X 16" OE Fuchs w/ (polish lips - done by pro-shop & DIY polish lugs on my ex 83-944.
___+1 7.5 X 16" OE Fuchs w/ (polish lips - done by pro-shop & DIY polish lugs on my ex 83-944.
Last edited by ernie9468; 02-04-2013 at 04:25 PM.
10-16-2011, 02:29 PM
#54
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Thanks for clarifying the differenced between the wheel for me. Nothing against the styling of the Fuchs, bur I much prefer the cookie-cutter style fitted to my car...just seem tougher imo.
After a in intense battle trying to install the headunit and getting nowhere, and cracking the sads, an electronics expert called me around to resolve these issues. It seemed that the ratsnest of wiring had him just about as stumped...not a good start. The previous owner and those before all had their ideas of how to DIY a stereo, and had mangled nearly every wire possible, with multiple splicings, and we'd identified two potential fire-hazards as a result of their work. We were both left in schock and dismay.
As an interrim, we managed to hook-up the cheap Clarion head unit and get sound to the drivers door speaker only. After making the system secure, this was the only accomplishment we'd made in an hours after untangling that horrid tangled nest of wiring n susbtitutute wires, The resr of rhe cabling was rhe worst we'd ever seen, and needed completely stirpping out and dong from scratch. Once my headunit, other amp and subwoofer arrive by next week, we've decided to spend a whole day wirh a slap of beers n a bbq, stripping the interior and redoing all the audio cabling and alarm wiring as it should have been done from the beginning. Sounds a lot of work but is totally worth it for the resulrs
After a in intense battle trying to install the headunit and getting nowhere, and cracking the sads, an electronics expert called me around to resolve these issues. It seemed that the ratsnest of wiring had him just about as stumped...not a good start. The previous owner and those before all had their ideas of how to DIY a stereo, and had mangled nearly every wire possible, with multiple splicings, and we'd identified two potential fire-hazards as a result of their work. We were both left in schock and dismay.
As an interrim, we managed to hook-up the cheap Clarion head unit and get sound to the drivers door speaker only. After making the system secure, this was the only accomplishment we'd made in an hours after untangling that horrid tangled nest of wiring n susbtitutute wires, The resr of rhe cabling was rhe worst we'd ever seen, and needed completely stirpping out and dong from scratch. Once my headunit, other amp and subwoofer arrive by next week, we've decided to spend a whole day wirh a slap of beers n a bbq, stripping the interior and redoing all the audio cabling and alarm wiring as it should have been done from the beginning. Sounds a lot of work but is totally worth it for the resulrs
10-17-2011, 01:12 AM
#56
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Yeah just since installing the Nakamichi 4" speaker, it was mindblowing for its clarity, midrange and volume. It's really aching me to get the rest of the system delivered and installed.
As for a didge, you'd need to come over and pick your own one...they are all totally different depending on your abilities. Here's me learning to play one, lol!
As for a didge, you'd need to come over and pick your own one...they are all totally different depending on your abilities. Here's me learning to play one, lol!
10-17-2011, 01:24 AM
#57
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Sweet! Sorry to go off topic for the rest of the viewers. I'm a trumpet player and I saw a guy on a beach playing one and was captivated by the sound. He could actually talk through the thing while playing it and was circular breathing, a skill sought by many brass players. He had a tip cup out and made quite a bit of money..lol. I found a website in Australia that sells all kinds. Will be buying soon. Cheers! --Lizard
10-17-2011, 05:11 PM
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The plate's there to stop th newbie-hacks dribbling and spraying all over the floor, lol! Didges are great fun once you get the hang of playing, but the continuous cycling breathing is rather hard to do while maintaining level volume. A funny thing to do with a didge is make the Chewbacca cry down one..sounds eerily like the real thing! Hehehe
Last edited by El_Duderino; 10-17-2011 at 05:31 PM.
11-01-2011, 07:38 AM
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It's been a while between updates of my 944, so thought I should do something about that. :P
I had to get the car "road-worthied" and a change of ownership transferred, and with a deadline looming this became the priority. New brake pads and discs front and rear were fitted, a new driveshaft boot fitted, new ball-joints fitted, handbrake mechanism adjusted, tyres rotated, and shortly after it was all mine officially (rather than just having it in my driveway!). At the same time a few other items were done like oil change, etc.
Several other parts have arrived, such as the timing cover gasket, water-pump and gasket, fuel filter, intake manifold gaskets, and the headunit for the stereo system. I am awaiting delivery of a few more parts such as lambda sensor, 4 new fuel injectors, ignition leads, distribution cap, fuel pump, tailored floor mats, timing belt kit, etc, so when these turn up I will book it in to have these fitted.
Whilst I can do all of this work myself, I am time poor atm due to the house and some family events. I have entrusted my new baby to a 944 specialist/enthusiast, that being Matthew at Mr Brakes. I cannot speak highly enough about his knowledge, willingness to show progress and explain things, make sensible suggestions, provide great help, not to mention is fastidious with the quality of his work.
Since picking up the 944 from him, it has become a completely different car to drive...in every aspect! Suddenly the steering and handling is razor sharp, providing immense feedback. The acceleration is silky smooth and brisk, and the braking has dramatically improved (even before they're bedded in). The engine tuning has been outstanding, and has exceeded my expectations. It's really whet my appetite for the new fuel pump, injectors and filter, as well as the ignition components, as this will only improve response and behaviour.
I'll post some pics up of the new components shortly.
I had to get the car "road-worthied" and a change of ownership transferred, and with a deadline looming this became the priority. New brake pads and discs front and rear were fitted, a new driveshaft boot fitted, new ball-joints fitted, handbrake mechanism adjusted, tyres rotated, and shortly after it was all mine officially (rather than just having it in my driveway!). At the same time a few other items were done like oil change, etc.
Several other parts have arrived, such as the timing cover gasket, water-pump and gasket, fuel filter, intake manifold gaskets, and the headunit for the stereo system. I am awaiting delivery of a few more parts such as lambda sensor, 4 new fuel injectors, ignition leads, distribution cap, fuel pump, tailored floor mats, timing belt kit, etc, so when these turn up I will book it in to have these fitted.
Whilst I can do all of this work myself, I am time poor atm due to the house and some family events. I have entrusted my new baby to a 944 specialist/enthusiast, that being Matthew at Mr Brakes. I cannot speak highly enough about his knowledge, willingness to show progress and explain things, make sensible suggestions, provide great help, not to mention is fastidious with the quality of his work.
Since picking up the 944 from him, it has become a completely different car to drive...in every aspect! Suddenly the steering and handling is razor sharp, providing immense feedback. The acceleration is silky smooth and brisk, and the braking has dramatically improved (even before they're bedded in). The engine tuning has been outstanding, and has exceeded my expectations. It's really whet my appetite for the new fuel pump, injectors and filter, as well as the ignition components, as this will only improve response and behaviour.
I'll post some pics up of the new components shortly.
Last edited by El_Duderino; 11-01-2011 at 08:51 AM.