Otto Mechanic

I'm considering replacing the split torque tube in my '89 S2 with an early model solid tube, then installing SuperBearings. Anyone else done this? Comments? Warnings? Suggestions?

Most importantly, sources for solid torque tubes on the US west coast? The car is in central CA and I'd like to cut my shipping costs as much as possible. Looking for people/businesses in the general area that might have this part on hand.

Otto Mechanic

And just in case someone has a line on aluminum TT's for this car, I'd be all ears.

V2Rocket

You'll have no issues using the solid tube in place of the slotted S2 tube.
How soon are you thinking of getting the superbearings? im thinking about getting one of their tubes too, and the more people you can get out here to buy one we could combine shipping...

where in central ca are you? lart's porsche parts on ebay (rennlister lart951) should have several torque tubes in los angeles.

aluminum TTs are all one-offs, there was a brief production run 10-15 years ago but not many were made so they are rare. they save ~15 lbs or so. a complete steel torque tube and driveshaft assembly only weighs 60 lbs, and its weight low down and in the middle of the car so it should really only be messed with if the rest of the car is as light as can be!

Otto Mechanic

Real soon, like, last week!

I've already talked with Constantine about it, he recommends a local source because of shipping weight and I can understand that completely. I'm in Santa Cruz county now so shipping from Lart isn't a big deal. If you want to do a group buy I'm up for it but I wouldn't know who exactly to buy from?

Near as I can tell, you're already in LA? Seems like you could just drive over and pick one up?

V2Rocket

I was thinking of just buying a pre-assembled tube from Constantine.
Having done a few torque tubes before, his price for him to do the build is too cheap for me to bother to do it myself again.

FRporscheman

I agree that using a solid TT in place of a slotted one would be OK - I've done it before.

I have an empty 944 TT (with no bearings) if you want to drive up to San Francisco. Try calling your local wrecking yards to see if they have any 944s.

Otto Mechanic

Agreed, but he says he doesn't have any right now and even though I suppose I could wait, I think he's on the East coast? He didn't say for sure but I got that impression. Maybe he'll drop in on this thread and clarify. I can't understand how he does what he does so cheap to be honest and if it weren't for shipping I'd take him up on it in a heartbeat.

Otto Mechanic

Yep, I'm willing to drive to SF. I'm about 70 miles south so no problem. I'll send you a PM. Having a roof leak repaired for the next couple days so I'm stuck here but should be clear by the weekend?

Thanks!

Black Sea RD

Guessing we need to increase our prices then!

We do try to manage our costs and have stood up a system that dismantles a torque tube within 15 minute or less. Truthfully re-assembly is a time consuming endeavor even for us. This is where we might be losing some money, but we just really enjoy helping owners keep their Porsches on the road.

Shipping these tubes is also not easy or inexpensive no matter how you do it. Besides the costs there is the reliability of the shipper to consider. So far in all the years we've been doing this, we haven't yet lost a rebuilt torque tube or had one damaged.

Once we settle in to our new location, we will be on the hunt for used torque tubes of all variants, except those split ones, to stock for customers in your position.

We just relocated to Georgia which makes it a bit better in getting our ship times decreased a bit from Florida where we were before.

Hope we answered some questions.

Cheers,

Otto Mechanic

It would be horribly stupid of me to reply in the affirmative.

Ooops.

Black Sea RD

I don't think the other Rennlisters would be too happy with you neither!

Just let us know if we can help you with your project.

Kind regards,

Otto Mechanic

You can help. I have a line on a solid TT. I'll be in touch very soon. Thanks.

V2Rocket

Emperor Constantine,
Do you know off-hand what it might cost to ship (by ground or freight) a torque tube to CA?

Black Sea RD

About $150.00 each way.

Otto Mechanic

Constantine can you tell me what model years didn't have the split? I've looked at the PET for pre S2 years and the part number itself doesn't change. I thought you mentioned it on your web site but after reviewing it I can't find it.

Thanks!