Tom Pultz

This information comes from a Porsche Technical Service Bulletin for the 968 from 1995. At the time of the TSB the updated balance belt was mandatory for only the 968 and the 18mm wide belt was to be phased in as supplies of the old 15mm belt ran out. Unfortunately, this TSB never got wide notice so I'm sure most people have been setting their wider belts to the old 2.7 +/- 0.3 tension, which probably works fine too.

Tom

To Dan: Just because your mechanic doesn't recommend checking tension, he should still do it if you ask. (Be glad he at least isn't trying to churn you for extra jobs). At 9000 mi you're probably ok but I'd want the peace of mind of knowing at this point.

By the way Bruce Anderson used to recommend an annual check if the milage wasn't met just so other things would get looked at too.

To Crushingday: Change the belts now!! At worst you will have the 944S motor to propel you until you find the 968. At best it will mena the 968 motor will fall into your hands a week or two after you have the belts changed. The S motor will be worth something then too!

Greg Hammond

crushingday - The resale value of your 944S motor with bent valves and possible piston/block damage is going to be significantly less than if you changed your belts NOW and prevented the damage. You're driving a time bomb, with a mighty short fuse.

FWIW - My mechanic set my belt tension when the belt was new, and by 8000 miles the belt was so floppy that it was hitting the belt covers. Re-tensioning NEW belts at 1500 miles, or as soon as the "new belt whine" stops is a good idea.

Greg