951 Newb (951 Maintenance and Upgrades).
01-30-2011 | 11:24 PM
#1
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951 Newb (951 Maintenance and Upgrades).
Hey all,
This forum has been great resources for infromation and diagnostics. I recently purchased a 951, been looking at them for over 5+ years and finally seemed to find a 951 in decent shape here in Houston.
My aim is to develop a reliable Friday - Sunday car and make the occasional autocross on the weekend. My other vehicle is an 08 FJ Cruiser which I'll be installing a RockJock 60 Rear Axle and Long Travel Front Suspension (perhaps a Solid Axle front end in the long run). Once this project is finished up I'll shift all my efforts to the 951...looking forward to getting back into a performance car.
New Transfer Case with Crawler 4.7 Lo Gear Set....So much space compared to the Porsche!
As mentioned above my main goal is to make the 951 fairly reliable Fri-Sunday Driver. I'll have the FJ Cruiser @ my fabricators the end of February for a 3 Link Rear Suspesnion and an IFS Long Travel Front end.
I wanted to obtain your feedback before making any efforts on the 951. The 87' 944T I picked up didn't have much in the way of maintenance records (not a great sign, I know), so I had an independent inspection done on it. The vehicle has less than 42k on it and has a Lindsey 340RWHP kit installed. Super Series Turbo, Quad Mass Ariflow Kit w /Fuel Control, Lindsey Comp Chipsk, Siemens 55# Injectors, Lindsey Dual Port Wategatge, Lindsey 3" Exhaust 2/ 4" upgrade, Lindsey MBC, 2.0 Bar Fuel Pressure Regulator, Lindsey Camshaft, Lindsey Big Brake kit with Big Red Calipers & 993 rotors, Recaro seats, & HGK Suspension. The 951 seemed to have most of the mods performed in FL in 06-07, and then the son of the owner took it to Brownsville, TX in late 07....from there it appeared to be repossesed by the government at some point and didn't go to auction until late 2010. If anyone can shed some light on the history or background on the 951 it would be appreciated.
Near Term Items
I've flagged the following items as needing to be addressed before considering it anywhere near a DD status.
1. Timing Belt, Water Pump, AC & Altenator, Powersteering Belt Repaclement. - all need addressed and will likely go with the Kevlar timing belt.
2. Power Steering Hoses - Appear to have a leak from one of the hoses...not substantial, but still would like to address the issue.
3. Cam Housing/Valve Cover - Seems to be a leak @ the bolts & gasket. Compression checks out, but there is oil build up around the exhuast manifold flanges (coming from directly above)...plan to remove and replace the gasket. What other items should be addressed at this time?
4. Fuel lines - Plan to upgrade to Lindsey Racing or Rennbay.
5. Oil Pan Gasket - Not sure if this is a real issue or not, but plan to replace in the future.
6. Coolant Leak - Appear to have a leak off the Push to Connect fitting off the back of the head. Plan to remove and replace the fitting and teflon tape.
7. Vaccuum & Coolant lines - Update the lines as needed.
8. Engine Mounts - Address as neeeded.
9. Tuning seems to be off - idle seems to be quite low and car dies out every once and awhile.
Upgrades in the future:
1. 944 Enhancement Radiator/Oil Cooler
2. Lindsey Racing Master Hose Kit
3. Upgraded Engine Mounts
4. Intake Manifold & Exhaust Manifold....possibly replace the Lindsey Exhaust as well.
I look forward to any feedback you guys can provied on the Near Term Items I plan to address and if there is anything else to look after while I'm covering those. Overall I just look forward to enjoying the 951 as it is a nice change of pace from the FJC. No real rush on anything other than mitigating the 951 leaks.
Long term plan is to have thse as my only vehicles for the next 5-10 years, so I do plan to invest a good deal of time into the 951...just want to make sure that I'm spending my efforts wisely. If anyone can recommend appopriate 951 Tools for the relvant installs it'd be appreciated. I've already checked out 944online, rennbay, Lindsey, Arnnworx, Clarks-garage, etc.
My aim is to develop a reliable Friday - Sunday car and make the occasional autocross on the weekend. My other vehicle is an 08 FJ Cruiser which I'll be installing a RockJock 60 Rear Axle and Long Travel Front Suspension (perhaps a Solid Axle front end in the long run). Once this project is finished up I'll shift all my efforts to the 951...looking forward to getting back into a performance car.
New Transfer Case with Crawler 4.7 Lo Gear Set....So much space compared to the Porsche!
As mentioned above my main goal is to make the 951 fairly reliable Fri-Sunday Driver. I'll have the FJ Cruiser @ my fabricators the end of February for a 3 Link Rear Suspesnion and an IFS Long Travel Front end.
I wanted to obtain your feedback before making any efforts on the 951. The 87' 944T I picked up didn't have much in the way of maintenance records (not a great sign, I know), so I had an independent inspection done on it. The vehicle has less than 42k on it and has a Lindsey 340RWHP kit installed. Super Series Turbo, Quad Mass Ariflow Kit w /Fuel Control, Lindsey Comp Chipsk, Siemens 55# Injectors, Lindsey Dual Port Wategatge, Lindsey 3" Exhaust 2/ 4" upgrade, Lindsey MBC, 2.0 Bar Fuel Pressure Regulator, Lindsey Camshaft, Lindsey Big Brake kit with Big Red Calipers & 993 rotors, Recaro seats, & HGK Suspension. The 951 seemed to have most of the mods performed in FL in 06-07, and then the son of the owner took it to Brownsville, TX in late 07....from there it appeared to be repossesed by the government at some point and didn't go to auction until late 2010. If anyone can shed some light on the history or background on the 951 it would be appreciated.
Near Term Items
I've flagged the following items as needing to be addressed before considering it anywhere near a DD status.
1. Timing Belt, Water Pump, AC & Altenator, Powersteering Belt Repaclement. - all need addressed and will likely go with the Kevlar timing belt.
2. Power Steering Hoses - Appear to have a leak from one of the hoses...not substantial, but still would like to address the issue.
3. Cam Housing/Valve Cover - Seems to be a leak @ the bolts & gasket. Compression checks out, but there is oil build up around the exhuast manifold flanges (coming from directly above)...plan to remove and replace the gasket. What other items should be addressed at this time?
4. Fuel lines - Plan to upgrade to Lindsey Racing or Rennbay.
5. Oil Pan Gasket - Not sure if this is a real issue or not, but plan to replace in the future.
6. Coolant Leak - Appear to have a leak off the Push to Connect fitting off the back of the head. Plan to remove and replace the fitting and teflon tape.
7. Vaccuum & Coolant lines - Update the lines as needed.
8. Engine Mounts - Address as neeeded.
9. Tuning seems to be off - idle seems to be quite low and car dies out every once and awhile.
Upgrades in the future:
1. 944 Enhancement Radiator/Oil Cooler
2. Lindsey Racing Master Hose Kit
3. Upgraded Engine Mounts
4. Intake Manifold & Exhaust Manifold....possibly replace the Lindsey Exhaust as well.
I look forward to any feedback you guys can provied on the Near Term Items I plan to address and if there is anything else to look after while I'm covering those. Overall I just look forward to enjoying the 951 as it is a nice change of pace from the FJC. No real rush on anything other than mitigating the 951 leaks.
Long term plan is to have thse as my only vehicles for the next 5-10 years, so I do plan to invest a good deal of time into the 951...just want to make sure that I'm spending my efforts wisely. If anyone can recommend appopriate 951 Tools for the relvant installs it'd be appreciated. I've already checked out 944online, rennbay, Lindsey, Arnnworx, Clarks-garage, etc.
01-30-2011 | 11:51 PM
#2
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 546
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From: Upstate, South Carolina
Just a heads up... you will want to order new vacuum lines as well... all of them. I suggest Lindsey silicone lines for everything. Also, new coolant hoses and replace the heater bypass valve while you have it apart.
01-31-2011 | 12:13 AM
#3
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 484
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From: Bedford PA
seems you've done some research about these cars in the 5 years of looking, good job man. Nothing like walking blindly into the great unknown....
maybe the car has had a previous ownership with someone here on RL? we will see...
sweet FJ, I LOVE the 3rd pic, where was that taken?
maybe the car has had a previous ownership with someone here on RL? we will see...
sweet FJ, I LOVE the 3rd pic, where was that taken?
01-31-2011 | 12:26 AM
#4
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 311
Likes: 10
From: back in the UK
For the Cam Tower gasket get the LR coated steel one (or 2) and fit it with Hylomar Blue or similar.
Took me ages to cure my oil leak at the rear above the headers, until I fitted the coated steel gasket.
interesting that you have all those mods but only a 2 bar regulator ? Assumed 3 bar was the way to go.
Took me ages to cure my oil leak at the rear above the headers, until I fitted the coated steel gasket.
interesting that you have all those mods but only a 2 bar regulator ? Assumed 3 bar was the way to go.
01-31-2011 | 12:27 AM
#5
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Joined: Jan 2011
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Thanks for the recommendations AScholtes - I'll definitely add those items to the list.
It's been an off and on process to say the least. I had a friend who had a clean 951 with 75k on it 9 years ago and it was one of the most enjoyable cars I've been in. Since I moved from PA 3 years ago I'd kept an eye on the 944 market here in Houston (didn't find much in Western PA previously which was within my budget), but hadn't seen anything that fit the bill (lower miles, well maintained, good interior, etc.).
I was able to get some feedback with the guys @ Lindsey on the history of this 951, so that made me feel a bit more at ease purchasing it with the lack of records.
The third picture with the FJ is from Top of the World trail in Moab, UT. Depending how much $ and resources are spent on getting the 951 up to speed, I'm hoping on taking the FJ back to UT & CO this summer for another expedition.
Couple photos from Telluride, Co & Moab, UT in 2010....hopefully I'll be able to get some better pics with the 951 once its all cleaned up.
Mikeyoman - thanks for the tip. I had been trying to identify which gasket to go with. Actually, the vehicle is running a 3 bar regulator...I accidently hit the #2 key w/o noticing it in my original post.
It's been an off and on process to say the least. I had a friend who had a clean 951 with 75k on it 9 years ago and it was one of the most enjoyable cars I've been in. Since I moved from PA 3 years ago I'd kept an eye on the 944 market here in Houston (didn't find much in Western PA previously which was within my budget), but hadn't seen anything that fit the bill (lower miles, well maintained, good interior, etc.).
I was able to get some feedback with the guys @ Lindsey on the history of this 951, so that made me feel a bit more at ease purchasing it with the lack of records.
The third picture with the FJ is from Top of the World trail in Moab, UT. Depending how much $ and resources are spent on getting the 951 up to speed, I'm hoping on taking the FJ back to UT & CO this summer for another expedition.
Couple photos from Telluride, Co & Moab, UT in 2010....hopefully I'll be able to get some better pics with the 951 once its all cleaned up.
Mikeyoman - thanks for the tip. I had been trying to identify which gasket to go with. Actually, the vehicle is running a 3 bar regulator...I accidently hit the #2 key w/o noticing it in my original post.
Last edited by 4Lo; 01-31-2011 at 12:42 AM.
01-31-2011 | 12:35 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 943
Likes: 1
From: Austin TX
Lack of history isn't always all bad if by history you mean service receipts. I know my car doesn't have anything of that sort for the last 10 years cause all the work has been done by my father or me. I try to keep a record of all the parts I order by email...
Hopefully you found yourself a good example. Pictures look good, love the wheels, and it looks like you've already got a slight headstart in terms of performance modifications.
Hopefully you found yourself a good example. Pictures look good, love the wheels, and it looks like you've already got a slight headstart in terms of performance modifications.
01-31-2011 | 12:55 AM
#7
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 546
Likes: 0
From: Upstate, South Carolina
Also, those look like stock fuel lines... you will want to replace them for sure, all three of them... and as soon as possible, even before the belts and waterpump, cause a new set of belts and waterpump arent going to do you any good if the car is burnt to a crisp 
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01-31-2011 | 03:08 AM
#8
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,420
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
good to see someone putting a FJ to use the way Toyota intended. 
Looks like you have a handle on the 951...just post back here and there are plenty of helpful folks around to walk you through whatever your heart desires...
Good Luck!
Looks like you have a handle on the 951...just post back here and there are plenty of helpful folks around to walk you through whatever your heart desires...
Good Luck!
01-31-2011 | 09:03 AM
#9
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The Lindsey solid cam conversions all have serial numbers on them – I am sure you could ask Dave or Mike (Lindsey) for some background on the car!
Look like you found a nicely modded car, I am guessing the paper records and receipts would fill a filing cabinet!
A couple of tips on your list of things to do – make sure you use the thick wall vacuum lines – the thin silicone lines get way to soft when they are hot, they slip of or rupture too easily.
Oil pan gasket – make sure you confirm that is what is leaking, there are many things that can leak in that area and make you think its the pan. If the pan is not leaking…don’t fix it! Engine mounts – this is a bit subjective – I don’t like the rougher feel at idle of the aftermarket mounts on a refined street car. They are fine for a track car but not as smooth as a set of new factory mounts.
Enjoy!
Look like you found a nicely modded car, I am guessing the paper records and receipts would fill a filing cabinet!
A couple of tips on your list of things to do – make sure you use the thick wall vacuum lines – the thin silicone lines get way to soft when they are hot, they slip of or rupture too easily.
Oil pan gasket – make sure you confirm that is what is leaking, there are many things that can leak in that area and make you think its the pan. If the pan is not leaking…don’t fix it! Engine mounts – this is a bit subjective – I don’t like the rougher feel at idle of the aftermarket mounts on a refined street car. They are fine for a track car but not as smooth as a set of new factory mounts.
Enjoy!
01-31-2011 | 09:38 AM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,408
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From: Indianapolis,IN
Welcome to RL and 951 ownership! Your list looks good.
The feeling of seeing a fedex/UPS box on the porch when you get home is almost as good as sex. You've obviously experienced some of that with the FJ, but its more fun when wrenching on a 25 year old car that was ahead of its time. If you get stuck, someone on here has been there, and probably has pics to share. Keep us posted on your progress!
The feeling of seeing a fedex/UPS box on the porch when you get home is almost as good as sex. You've obviously experienced some of that with the FJ, but its more fun when wrenching on a 25 year old car that was ahead of its time. If you get stuck, someone on here has been there, and probably has pics to share. Keep us posted on your progress!
01-31-2011 | 03:12 PM
#12
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 352
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From: Lincoln, NE
I didn't see a Wide Band O2 on your modification list - that would be my first step - just to make sure your AFR stays where it should be. Otherwise I would do the belts / rollers and fuel lines and drive it for a while to see what you have. All the other repairs are "when you need to" type jobs. The belts, rollers and fuel lines can lead to catastrophic failures and need to be done asap.
01-31-2011 | 04:04 PM
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Point well taken. Fuel lines are on the "Near Term To Do" list.The Lindsey solid cam conversions all have serial numbers on them – I am sure you could ask Dave or Mike (Lindsey) for some background on the car!
Look like you found a nicely modded car, I am guessing the paper records and receipts would fill a filing cabinet!
A couple of tips on your list of things to do – make sure you use the thick wall vacuum lines – the thin silicone lines get way to soft when they are hot, they slip of or rupture too easily.
Oil pan gasket – make sure you confirm that is what is leaking, there are many things that can leak in that area and make you think its the pan. If the pan is not leaking…don’t fix it! Engine mounts – this is a bit subjective – I don’t like the rougher feel at idle of the aftermarket mounts on a refined street car. They are fine for a track car but not as smooth as a set of new factory mounts.
Enjoy!
Look like you found a nicely modded car, I am guessing the paper records and receipts would fill a filing cabinet!
A couple of tips on your list of things to do – make sure you use the thick wall vacuum lines – the thin silicone lines get way to soft when they are hot, they slip of or rupture too easily.
Oil pan gasket – make sure you confirm that is what is leaking, there are many things that can leak in that area and make you think its the pan. If the pan is not leaking…don’t fix it! Engine mounts – this is a bit subjective – I don’t like the rougher feel at idle of the aftermarket mounts on a refined street car. They are fine for a track car but not as smooth as a set of new factory mounts.
Enjoy!
Welcome to RL and 951 ownership! Your list looks good.
The feeling of seeing a fedex/UPS box on the porch when you get home is almost as good as sex. You've obviously experienced some of that with the FJ, but its more fun when wrenching on a 25 year old car that was ahead of its time.
The feeling of seeing a fedex/UPS box on the porch when you get home is almost as good as sex. You've obviously experienced some of that with the FJ, but its more fun when wrenching on a 25 year old car that was ahead of its time.
I didn't see a Wide Band O2 on your modification list - that would be my first step - just to make sure your AFR stays where it should be. Otherwise I would do the belts / rollers and fuel lines and drive it for a while to see what you have. All the other repairs are "when you need to" type jobs. The belts, rollers and fuel lines can lead to catastrophic failures and need to be done asap.
I'm planning on picking one up to confirm the AFR range is where it should be. Problem is finding spots to put it since there is already the MBC & 2 boost gauges in the dash.
01-31-2011 | 04:08 PM
#15
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