Idoktr

I am awaiting the 964 "bible" to find out about the VIN numbers and the head fix. But I just looked at a 91 C2 with 130,000. Black with tan interior and tiptronic. Just had 4k worth of maint done and has no leaks.
My question is can anyone tell from the VIN if this car is produced late enough to have the leak problem has been addressed by the factory. Also the price is 20k and the car has turbo twists and a Nakamichi stereo.
VIN is WP0AB2966MS411320
Thanks,

Stewart

Andy Roe

Stewart,

We'll need your engine number for to be sure if it benefits from the head gaskets. They were installed after engine no. 62M06836 on manual cars & 62M52757 on Tip cars.

Your VIN states that the car was produced between May 1, 1990 October 31, 1990.

My guess is that it won't have the gaskets fitted.

Hope this helps & good luck with the search!

Andy

Idoktr

how do I tell if the repair was made? Do all 964's need the fix or only those that leak?

garrett376

If it's made it 130,000 miles without the repair - I'd say it sure as heck didn't need it!!!

Word on the street is that only those that leak, need the repair. Therefore it's likely that the cars that need it, got it fixed. Otherwise, you'd be able to see the leaking as Porsche defined it as the cylinders/head mating interface being wet to the touch with oil.

If an engine with 130,000 miles started to leak, I'd attribute it to a worn engine and you'd end up doing head work anyways, so adding the sealing gasket shouldn't cause too much trouble for the machinist while they're in there!!

Idoktr

It has had a lot of services over the years and documented. How long will this engine last? The guy wants 20k, and I only have 18k to spend, so I will try to negotiate. I realize that I will own this forever as the milage would discourage resale after I use it for a few years....

Eric Kessel

20k for that mileage seems high. Have a leakdown test done on it to see how soon it will need major engine work. 130k miles isn't terrible for these cars, but for that money you should be able to find either a newer model (92,93), or with lower mileage........

Did you find paperwork for a clutch? What was in the list for the $4k work done recently.......

-Eric
NER/PCA
90 C2

Idoktr

not really what I want, but 4k in engine seals, valves, belts hoses...I am going to call the mechanic tomorrow and see what he says.

Idoktr

I am in Framingham..

Eric Kessel

"not really what I want"?
-Eric

Idoktr

never drove a tip, thought I wanted manual. After driving the tip, really did not mind it. If the price is right...also do not have to worry about clutch repair!!

garrett376

At least if the clutch needs work, about any shop could do the fix. I doubt many shops could fix a tiptronic if it needed it! Now that would be expensive!

As these cars age, the tiptronics may start showing issues, whereas a G50/64 clutch replacement is just a clutch replacement...

Schuey

IMO, I'd stay away from a 964 that didn't have the cyl head issue addressed, but that's just my opinion...it's going to happen and you'll have an addt'l $5k job b/c of the "while your there"

if a tip isn't what you were looking for, I'd pass on this as well, 911's and a manual go hand in hand

Best of luck...

Jay H

If you decide to go by this, you'll have to pass up quite a few of the 964's that are for sale. You may have to be very patient to find a car for under $20k that is still nice and has this update. The flip side of the coin is that you may also get lucky and find a car that is in nice shape and has all of the typical 964 updates for cheap... It still seems that nice stuff brings decent money yet (over $20k)

This leak is relatively rare. Some cars were fixed under warranty and some cars will never ever leak. Back then when these cars were under warranty, Porsche only fixed the cars that were wet to the touch.

Stewart: If this 130k mile car was maintained properly and treated well throughout it's life, you could get another 70k out of the car without major work. Again, it depends on how it was used (or abused) and the maintenance that has been done. Past posts on this board have shown people with considerable mileage (150,000+) on 964's without major engine work.

Jay
90 964

Idoktr

I spoke to the local mechanic who serviced the vehicle. Said the "small" leak was the O ring and if it needs fixing it is a $5k engine job. Also the tip issue is true, a clutch is much easier to repair or replace. All in all, I am passing on this one and the hunt is still on for a 89-92 C2 coupe or targa. Let me know if anyone knows anyone selling..

I want to thank you all for all the help!!!!

Thanks,

Stewart