bonus12

I know this is a technical subforum, and a great one at that. I just want to talk about my car. This is a big ramble, be warned. Anyway, the day came where I had to part with my 1986 951 and that day was today. I won't get to drive her for at most a year. The good part is, the car won't be stored; it will be left with a trusted, knowledgeable friend who gets to drive it. He will keep it fresh.

Obviously, this forum has been my go-to, #1 source for help, as well as for interesting conversations and information. My greatest hobby for a while has been doing my own work on my car, and then driving it. The list of work that I have done is extensive. I left it with him in absolutely excellent mechanical condition. I feel like knocking on wood won't justify this, but it was basically driving flawlessly for the last 6 months like it was out of the factory, but better because it was boosting to 15 psi and had true manual steering. Also it was pretty cool when it passed CA smog yesterday with only 6ppm NO (average is about 400 and max is 1200 I think).

It feels very strange. Yes, I am very sad. I bought it about 4 years ago, on June 24th, 2010, when I knew nothing about timing belts or fuel hoses. But I knew I wanted it before seeing it. It had 110,000 miles (now it has 116k), LSD, good body condition, and of course, it was a turbo. Since I've bought it, I have entered all the maintenance records, which are 99% complete and go back to 1989, if I recall correctly, into Microsoft Excel, and tallied the totals. Turns out that there has been over $40,000 in parts and labor from either the dealership or Porsche certified shops! Kinda sounds crazy but it's true. Thats not including tax, and thats not fugured for inflation. Also, it was a one-family car.

So when I bought it, although it was rough around the edges, it had a great history and a great core.

No mechanic but me has touched that car since I bought it, except for when someone welded in the cat. I've dropped nearly $3000 in parts, and it's running seamlessly now, and of course, sometimes you love your 944 more and more everyday. So, it's especially hard to part with my 951.

I wonder what other people do to feel better about losing their Porsche for a while. I know I am gonna miss it more and more each day!!!

A toast to all of our porsches!! Thanks for reading, just thought I share this.

EDIT: I just noticed this is post # 951. Oh my. What does this mean.


Here is the last picture I took, the other week. I think this picture makes it look better than reality, which isnt a bad thing at this point.

fejjj

"I wonder what other people do to feel better about losing their Porsche for a while. I know I am gonna miss it more and more each day!!!

Sorry Man!

Keep talking about it and have a good cry.

Dino V

Well at least it's going to a good home and chances are you'll probably still get to see it whenever you see your friend.

lart951

should have left her with me

bonus12

Hey guys, I guess your right, it is not that bad. I don't know when I'll see her next but at least she is with a friend. I will keep talking about it, I like that idea. And to lart, a few of those parts are from you, and I have a feeling you might go take them back out!!!

morghen

Are you traveling/relocating with work?

bonus12

Yes, something a lot like that, but not by my choice. I am being yanked away from the car, unwillingly!! Our 944s are such gems, it's hard to be yanked away when you are so attached. Kind of silly to say, but go drive/look at/sit in/fix your 944!

Come one, come all, say something about your 944.

ChrisRL

Totally agree.
I'm just selling my first Porsche a 944/1, and even though I only had it for a short while, and do have a 90 series 2 to replace it, I still feel definite separation pangs.
What is it about these cars?

Dougs951S

I hope you'll be back with the car shortly! At least you know it will be in good hands. I will say this, no matter how much my car frustrates the crap out of me at times, I forget about all of that when the turbo spools up or I hit the twisties. Our cars really do have character!

xschop

You're better off. Sounds like you had another full-time job on your hands.
I would rather have that $40,000 since 1989 in a Roth IRA than a 951 to maintain.

morghen

I never owned one :P

VirginiaF1

Love your avatar pic..
Is that Raidillon at Spa?

Having such a fine 951 as you did, I'm anxious to know if your trusted friend will create a Rennlist profile so that we may stay informed of its continued long life?

Having driven dozens of cars, none makes me feel as "integral" as the 944...
For me, THAT is the car's brilliance.; almost like the designers' first clay model had the driver already molded in.

As far as its racing lineage: no other video glorifies the 951's balance and nimbleness as Scott Goodyear's dubious Rothmans run at Mont Tremblant..

Good luck!
mikey

Karl_W944

I still don't have one, yet! But I will at some point! I can tell you my uncle's 944 is doing quite well, and that I intend to go up to his place this summer and take it for many spins before he sells it...

Maybe he could just give me the car as a birthday gift?

mazdaverx7

So once you come back are you going to take possession of your 951 again?

bonus12

Karl, you are back! I think just about every single person on this forum is rooting for you to get a 944! I know I am. And yes, when I come back I will get my 951 again! It's going to be an amazing day.
She will need an oil change, and hopefully thats it, hahah.

Thats a great video that was posted. Its good the 1st, 2nd time, etc...

I am going to send my friend an email about things to watch on the car and how to take care of the car, but I can already tell there will be a lot of details! ie only use phosphate free coolant. Don't screw the oil cap too tight, check oil on VERY level ground, etc...