BigR

Really appreciating the feedback. You guys are invaluable.

To be fair to the shop, the car was running fast but a little "rough" when I brought it in (though I knew not why), and it makes sense that this problem would need solving before a comprehensive diagnosis can be made. The shop supposedly found water in the cap, a frayed wire and ancient plugs. So I don't think they're scammers -- although they are quoting an hour or so for labor on the cap/wires/plugs job.

I think I will be going with online parts and just let them do the labor this time. In the future I will be checking out a different local Euro auto repair shop, just to see if it's a different vibe.

Attaching a pic of my S/S2 beast:

Arominus

Ah from what you said i thought they were saying they wouldn't do an inspection without changing these parts. Didn't know if you had any issues, that makes a bit more sense now.

Gawernator

Forgot the plugs, but you forget Pelican Parts has free shipping for this.

Gawernator

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...2539%2531%2529

$2.75 a spark plug as well OP

william_b_noble

an hour labor to change plugs, wires, cap, rotor is quite reasonable. But you should do this yourself in the future. Running fast is probably a vacuum leak

Gawernator

+1 vacuum leak

Gawernator

Rockauto might be cheaper then, nice

Oddjob

OE/dealer prices for ignition parts are really high. Seems like a relatively resonable shop if they will install used parts. Many shops will not take kindly to you bringing in your own parts to install after they have quoted the parts and work. A lot of shops will either refuse to install customer supplied parts, or will put a markup on the labor (e.g. 20% to cover the markup they make on selling parts).

william_b_noble

the non-oem wires seem to last about half as long as OEM. you can order new ones from ebay, etc an get the good quality stuff at a discount over list if you can't find a suitable discount locally - I usually will buy local if the premium is not too extreme because I want to support my local independent auto parts place - they will deliver parts to me when I have my car apart and can't get there easily, whereas the chains will not.

mwc951

Might as well change the fuel filter while you're at it.

use2windsurf

+ 1 on magnecore wires, found them for <$100

Dino V

Buy new and oem or equivalent. Like others have mentioned you can find great deals online.

adrian_jaye

I'd agree, its a Porsche not POS chrysler
do it right once the first time, any future issues you dont have to second guess anything.

DIZZY and LEADS most important parts of the engine