My 951 Story: One Year Later (Build Thread)
06-18-2014, 12:33 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
My 951 Story: One Year Later (Build Thread)
Seeing as today is her birthday (when I picked her up), I thought I would share my journey through some text and images.
Day 1: I found my car at a semi-shady used dealer down in VA. His garage was literally across the parking lot from Autothority, who ended up doing my PPI. Got a good price on the car after identifying the usual issues that needed fixing. Drove her back to Baltimore that day.
Overall, the car was in good shape. Freshly resprayed, but not concours quality for sure. Suspension was pretty mushy; lots of swollen and cracked bushings. And an added bonus - a full set of factory manuals!
The 90's took their toll on this car. A PO decided a huge amp and EQ would be a good idea in a sports car. A few snips later and it was like watching Pimp My Ride in reverse.
Before diving into the mechanicals and taking her off the road, I started with a few cosmetic projects. The first being stripped down RS style door cards.
I began mechanical restoration in the rear. Everything came out to either be replaced or cleaned up.
Sometimes you just need to watch the world burn:
Rear Koni 30-Series 550lb/in with Racer's Edge Bolts
Cheating with a little test fit (we've all done this):
Belts, rollers, full front reseal. Also did balance shaft bearings and seals top and bottom.
Oil cooler reseal as well. Oil pan gasket, crank scraper, and rod bearings while I was in there. I know I'm crazy for not pulling the motor at this point, but oh well.
There really wasn't much left...
Euro Hellas from the Rennbay kit
Cleaned up all four calipers
Ground Control top mounts, double adjustable tubes with 400 lb/in springs.
Lindsey 53 because more powah
What Nissan alternator?
First day back on wheels, 8/15
Day 1: I found my car at a semi-shady used dealer down in VA. His garage was literally across the parking lot from Autothority, who ended up doing my PPI. Got a good price on the car after identifying the usual issues that needed fixing. Drove her back to Baltimore that day.
Overall, the car was in good shape. Freshly resprayed, but not concours quality for sure. Suspension was pretty mushy; lots of swollen and cracked bushings. And an added bonus - a full set of factory manuals!
The 90's took their toll on this car. A PO decided a huge amp and EQ would be a good idea in a sports car. A few snips later and it was like watching Pimp My Ride in reverse.
Before diving into the mechanicals and taking her off the road, I started with a few cosmetic projects. The first being stripped down RS style door cards.
I began mechanical restoration in the rear. Everything came out to either be replaced or cleaned up.
Sometimes you just need to watch the world burn:
Rear Koni 30-Series 550lb/in with Racer's Edge Bolts
Cheating with a little test fit (we've all done this):
Belts, rollers, full front reseal. Also did balance shaft bearings and seals top and bottom.
Oil cooler reseal as well. Oil pan gasket, crank scraper, and rod bearings while I was in there. I know I'm crazy for not pulling the motor at this point, but oh well.
There really wasn't much left...
Euro Hellas from the Rennbay kit
Cleaned up all four calipers
Ground Control top mounts, double adjustable tubes with 400 lb/in springs.
Lindsey 53 because more powah
What Nissan alternator?
First day back on wheels, 8/15
06-18-2014, 12:33 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Retro HRE track wheels with Toyo RA1's
First fall day exploring the roads in Baltimore County. Ride height corrected.
Such a versatile car!
Began looking for phonies as soon as I bought the car. Finally won these on eBay in March. Late offset is a rarity! The wait was worth it.
Fortunately, Porschephiles run in the family.
Finished interior with Sparco Evo and Evo 2 US seats, Schroth 6-Point harnesses with 4130 1/8” reinforcement plates underneath the tub. Appbiz carpet set, Rennline pedal set, Momo wheel, plus other matching Alcantara bits.
Designed and cut some Porsche sill vinyl because I’m running out of things to work on…
It’s been an incredible year, and I can’t wait to get this RS wannabe out to some DE’s and autox.
First fall day exploring the roads in Baltimore County. Ride height corrected.
Such a versatile car!
Began looking for phonies as soon as I bought the car. Finally won these on eBay in March. Late offset is a rarity! The wait was worth it.
Fortunately, Porschephiles run in the family.
Finished interior with Sparco Evo and Evo 2 US seats, Schroth 6-Point harnesses with 4130 1/8” reinforcement plates underneath the tub. Appbiz carpet set, Rennline pedal set, Momo wheel, plus other matching Alcantara bits.
Designed and cut some Porsche sill vinyl because I’m running out of things to work on…
It’s been an incredible year, and I can’t wait to get this RS wannabe out to some DE’s and autox.
06-18-2014, 12:34 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Special Thanks:
Dave Lindsey @ Lindsey Racing: Always willing to have lengthy phone calls going part details. A great guy who knows his 944 stuff, and now has all of my money.
Josh @ Rogue Tuning: Despite some communication issues given all he has going on, he delivers one hell of a product and tune. Highly recommend the M-Tune.
Van Svenson: Seriously, without your YouTube videos and forum expertise, this car could very well still be in pieces.
Dimi: Bought my HRE's from Dimi. A knowledgable and helpful 944 guy.
Jason @ Paragon Products: Another excellent source for parts, both OEM and performance related.
Bob @ Appbiz: I bought the carpet kit on eBay, and Bob contacted me personally to sort out material selection and rear seat delete.
And of course, Rennlist! Seeing finished cars and other build threads was great motivation when everything was in pieces. Hopefully this thread can inspire others to get wrenching!
If anyone wants to know more about what’s in the car, just let me know and I’ll be happy to provide any information I have. Thanks!
Dave Lindsey @ Lindsey Racing: Always willing to have lengthy phone calls going part details. A great guy who knows his 944 stuff, and now has all of my money.
Josh @ Rogue Tuning: Despite some communication issues given all he has going on, he delivers one hell of a product and tune. Highly recommend the M-Tune.
Van Svenson: Seriously, without your YouTube videos and forum expertise, this car could very well still be in pieces.
Dimi: Bought my HRE's from Dimi. A knowledgable and helpful 944 guy.
Jason @ Paragon Products: Another excellent source for parts, both OEM and performance related.
Bob @ Appbiz: I bought the carpet kit on eBay, and Bob contacted me personally to sort out material selection and rear seat delete.
And of course, Rennlist! Seeing finished cars and other build threads was great motivation when everything was in pieces. Hopefully this thread can inspire others to get wrenching!
If anyone wants to know more about what’s in the car, just let me know and I’ll be happy to provide any information I have. Thanks!
06-18-2014, 01:52 PM
#5
This is an inspiring build! Makes me wish I was in the garage right now.
I am interested in a few bits:
Where did you get the alcantara bits?
Where did you have the door cards made?
Are those door sill decals available to others? I'm not fond of the metal sill plates, but your sill decals look amazing.
I am interested in a few bits:
Where did you get the alcantara bits?
Where did you have the door cards made?
Are those door sill decals available to others? I'm not fond of the metal sill plates, but your sill decals look amazing.
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06-18-2014, 02:10 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
This is an inspiring build! Makes me wish I was in the garage right now.
I am interested in a few bits:
Where did you get the alcantara bits?
Where did you have the door cards made?
Are those door sill decals available to others? I'm not fond of the metal sill plates, but your sill decals look amazing.
I am interested in a few bits:
Where did you get the alcantara bits?
Where did you have the door cards made?
Are those door sill decals available to others? I'm not fond of the metal sill plates, but your sill decals look amazing.
The Alcantara is really just a pseudo-suede from JoAnn Fabrics. Bought that in bulk, plus the red strap for the door. Stripped down the door card myself and just 3M Super 90'd the fabric on.
I did the same fabric wrap on the center console.
The shift boot was from this guy .
In the process of relocating for a job, but if I offer the vinyl at some point I'll let you know. I also cut my own stone guards.
06-18-2014, 03:08 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
Very nice re-build ....
I like those door sill decals ( Is that a Van product ?)
Does that have a clear overlay to protect the sill as well or just the black Porsche and lines ....?
Good luck
Regards
Ed
I like those door sill decals ( Is that a Van product ?)
Does that have a clear overlay to protect the sill as well or just the black Porsche and lines ....?
Good luck
Regards
Ed
06-18-2014, 03:32 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
06-18-2014, 03:38 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
34" Long, 1.5" Tall
There's a little extra on the lines, and I just cut the diagonals while fitting on the car.
Link to Full-Res
Link to PSD
There's a little extra on the lines, and I just cut the diagonals while fitting on the car.
Link to Full-Res
Link to PSD