Glenn Evans

That would be increase!

FredR

Glen,

I wouldn't be too sure of that- you have to watch these dodgy British expats- reduced MTBF= more sales!

[only joking Rog!]

Fred

brianrheffron

OK, this is an interesting enough discussion but given
the known problems that seem to exist in every
version of the pump and the recurrence of wrecked
engine horror stories why would anyone fit anything
but the "Guardian Pump"from Ed.
Anything else would seem to be a very false economy.

Mike Frye

I'd say that's probably true with the possible exception of the changes that Roger has gotten Laso to do in their rebuilding process.
My choice would be between one provided by Roger and Ed's superpump.

Your point about economy is a good one and one that we see all the time in this forum. I think it's largely because the initial purchase price of these cars is so low that people think they can skimp on the parts and labor and 'get by' for a while.

This is clearly NOT the case. With the 928, the initial price of admission is no indication of the cost of ongoing attendance at the show.

SeanR

I don't trust it as of yet. Just that simple. I think it is a neat design, but have yet to see any real world numbers except those that came to me with their own experiences. I will not install one on a customers car unless they can guarantee me that if it fails, I'm not going to get any crap for it. Thus far, no one is willing to do so.

worf928

a) because they are cheap and don't want to pay the premium for Ed's pump
- and/or -
b) they are worried about it exhibiting a different failure mode than the original-design pump

I've put in two of Ed's pumps for folks that requested it. I plan to put one in each of my 928s as they come due.

FredR

Mike,

Was that a Freudian slip- "rebuilding process". I thought the Laso pumps were new or did I misunderstand something.

Fully agree about the price of admission. Trouble is most do not want to pay to attend the show and this why we see some of the train wrecks.

Regards

Fred

SeanR

The Laso pump is new, not a rebuild. I did notice on one site that they stated they had rebuilt Laso's in stock. Unless they are doing the rebuilds themselves, they are not being factually correct.

Captain_Slow

So if my car has a new water pump with a metal impeller, does this mean I have a cheap knock off?

The PO appeared to be serious about taking care of the things that matter (mechanical stuff first). He had the following installed within the past 2 years: silicone oil pain gasket, racing timing belt, solid engine mounts (seemed like a good idea given the way hydraulic ones fail), ball joints, wheel bearings, steering rack, Zimmerman rotors and new pads, new ATE brake fluid every 2 years, fresh BG ATF, new cam cover gaskets and end cap seals, and apparently all the rubber hoses on the top of the engine. The engine is spotless and shiny aluminum (even in the valley). New front engine seal at time of new TB/WP. I am surprised I have not found even a weeping spot anywhere on the engine yet (and I look for them at least once a month). Bone dry underneath the engine. He also had the flex plate released at every oil change (every 3000 miles, 15W-50 Mobil 1...confirmed by mechanic doing the work...Mobil 1 sticker on under side of the hood).

So....would this type of PO put a $40 pump in his car? He told me the brand name but I can't remember. I vaguely remember it sounded European. All I remember is he was really excited to tell me about the metal impeller. The service records simply state "R&R water pump".

Interesting tangent....and part of the reason I'm pleased with this car (which cosmetically is what I'd refer to as ideal driver):

Taylor Chapman, a well respected Porsche mechanic in the Northern Virginia area, recently evaluated my car. I had never met Taylor before, but I am happy to say he is a super nice guy. He actually loves the 928s, saying "These were a great GT car for the businessman cruising the Autobahn at sustained 120+ mph, which we can't do here. So the car was just misunderstood." I thought I had torque tube or TC bearing noise (so many different descriptions on the forum I had to find out). He spent about 40 minutes with me in total. He test drove it with me and said he only heard road noise, commenting on how good it felt and sounded. He jacked up the rear and intently listened to the torque tube. He said "I don't here any torque tube or other bearing noises". He said the noise was the new tires (V-tread) because the car has a lot of negative camber and will make noise with the newer V-tread designs. He said it needs alignment and I should maybe try a Continental tire with more traditional tread. No charge for any of this ....but he knows I'll be back for the alignment. Three young mechanics dropped by to talk to Taylor (all had worked with him in the past). They were now scattered around at different European dealerships. There was a moment after the test drive when Taylor had to take a call and these guys looked over my car and asked "How long have you known Taylor sir?". I replied "It's the first time I've met him, but I can tell he really knows these cars". They smiled and said in tandem "Yes, sir...he does".

So after talking tire choices with Taylor I got my car and started to back up, watching Taylor join them. He was genuinely interested in talking to them and they were clearly happy they had a moment to talk to him. I put it in drive and each of them waved to me as I pulled away. I think they must have said "Sir" to me about 6 times, among all of them. None of them currently employed at the shop. I'm pretty sure their respectful behavior was intended for Taylor as much as me, and that's just fine. Clearly, these guys revered their mentor and hoped to work for him (business was growing fast after only 3 months).

Two of these young men were hispanic, the other African American. I'm a school teacher and I work in a school with a very diverse population. I am all too familiar with the stats on graduation rates and other depressing statistics for so many young males in their demographic. Taylor is white with silver hair, and probably in his 40s...hard to tell. He was happy to see them, shook their hands, and seemed aware and comfortable with his mentoring role. Of course, each of the young men hoped to get a job at Taylor's shop.

The story of how the shop got started is also interesting and in hindsight is very consistent with what I described above. On the Saturday before the test drive later in the week, I dropped by shop just to locate it. They weren't open, but one of the investor/owners was inside and came out. I told him I thought I had tire noise, but wanted to be sure it wasn't a TT/TC bearing. He said Taylor would take it out for a drive if I just called first during the week. I commented on all the P-cars, from a 1960s 911 to the newest Carrera. I said "I've never seen so much variety of P-cars in one place". I got the full story...several customers decided to invest and create a shop just for Taylor. He commented on what a great guy Taylor is and his great family, etc. He said all of the cars in the lot are owned by people who will go wherever Taylor goes. They made Taylor the majority owner....it was their idea and they approached Taylor about going independent. During my drive home after meeting Taylor I recalled the conversation with the part-owner. It all made sense and was such a great story.

I'm not mentioning the business name because it would be too shameless a plug. I just wanted to share what to me is an all around inspiring story. I'm pretty sure Taylor is well known in the P-car community in the DC area.

Jon

ROG100

So if my car has a new water pump with a metal impeller, does this mean I have a cheap knock off?

No it does not. Laso new WP's with metal impellers are still available in the market - new old stock - we receive them from time to time and send them back.

The ones to be carefull of are the Hamburg Technic and any rebuilt WP.