carpitecture

I'm considering a 1992 968 with 99k. Will need a host of maintenance work to be made road worthy. Hesitating only because of the limited numbers it was produced. In comparison to a early model 944, how available are parts and how much more do they cost? Also what do mechanic repairs cost in comparison? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

LTDzak

The timing belt is auto-tensioning, unlike the 944's which were manually tensioned. The balance shaft belts require manual tensioning on both cars. Tensioning belts require special tools

I bought a 1992 968 a little over a year ago, higher mileage than your example but well cared for. So far have only had to replace motor mounts, sunroof seal and sunroof gears (these appear to be a consumable on these cars).

Jfrahm

If you need a mechanic I'd locate that person first and talk with them. Regarding parts, if you need good used parts quickly that could be a problem, like if you need a headlight or an engine or something. There may not be a used part available when you want it, except maybe at a very high price from a specialty parts dealer.

Tune-up and standard replacement parts are not difficult to get and not particularly expensive. Brake pads and rotors are the same as the later 944 Turbo (M0303 or non M030 like for like). Tires can be found, same sizes as on some Camaros and Corvettes can be fitted. Distributor cap and rotor is the same as a 16V 944 and some Volvos. What parts are you concerned about?

At 100K you may need a water pump if that has not been done, it gets done with the timing belt usually, maybe every other belt. Fuel lines should be checked, probably replaced under the hood. Starter wiring can lose it's insulation and cause the car to move on starter power (same as a 944)

In the 120K-140K timeframe variocam pads/ramps may be needed, cams might be losing teeth, cam chain might need to be replaced, at that point it's tempting to do the head gasket if the coolant has been neglected as it might be rotted and you are only a few bolts away from having the head off.

All this stuff is pretty reasonable DIY but maybe 4 grand at a mechanic? No idea.

If it's been leaking PS fluid you may need a control arm and sway bar bushings on that side.
-Joel.

chudson

There's a lot of great info in the 968 forum. Also, I own 4 of these and can state that if you are great at DIY then ownership is easy. If the car needs a lot and you have to depend on a retail shop to bring it back, the expense can get your attention

carpitecture

I live in the Centennial area. Who would recommend for independent shop repairs/maintenance? I've done some preliminary research and found one shop in Littleton, The German Car Shoppe. Any you would recommend closer to Denver?

carpitecture

Thank you for your responses. Will consider this in my decisions and will talk with a couple of shops here as well. Mik

Jay Wellwood

^
+968

thomasmryan

One could say it is wiser to find a single owner (an OCD PO is a bonus), complete and unmodified example.

One could also say, in particular when speaking of 25ish year old cars and especially Porsches, plan on an initial 5k and 2k/year or 10k for a thorough 'runs like new again' refurbishment IF you do your own work.

jtedgar

check the oil for metal. Bearings and a head gasket should be replaced in the next 20k. The cam chain adjuster should be examined. There is the oil pickup tube that can crack due to the inherent nature of a 3.0 liter 4 cylinder. When were suspension bushings, motor mounts and wheel bearings replaced? Is there documented service history for you to review? There is a 968 forum in the UK to use for information.

Arominus

Belts, pump, cam pads and cam chain as soon as you get it, after that. Rock on and enjoy, just do normal stuff as it pops up.

I've had a 968 engine in my S2 for 6 years now, its been great. I did break a belt, but that was my own fault really. Should have done it before i drove it from CO to LA, i got lucky and didn't bend any valves. I popped the head off while on the road and got everything fixed up and drove it home. I was able to get the exhaust cam when i needed it.

Buy the car while you can, especially if its a 6-speed.