I just picked up a '90 C2 this weekend, and drove it 1100 miles home to Los Angeles. Car runs great and the previous owner had all records - it was his barely-driven-6th-911-in-the-garage type cars. This isn't my first Porsche, but it is the first 911 and I have a question... I searched but it's one of those things where I wouldn't know if I'm having the same problem or not. Don't hurt me.

Anyway!! 1st question - Occasionally when I try to start, it won't, and then when I release the key there's a loud and unsettling DUNK noise that sounds like it's coming from the front left side. I've always been able to start it the 2nd try, so it's mostly the noise that worries me. Anyone know what's going on, or is it just "old car noises" happening?

2nd question - is ~$550 good/normal/too high for a spring/shock install?

3rd question - anyone know if GHL mufflers pass smog in CA? [ok so I didn't search on this one]

Any help is appreciated. I've been lurking here for a while and I feel like I'm in good hands.

Oh, and here it is!

 

Beautiful car! More pics please!
P.S. You're forgiven this time for not searching due to your proficiency with the use of assorted smilies!

Brian

 

You know, I've been reluctant to take pictures yet as the wheel gap is killing me. I am a pic *****, so the pics will definitely runneth over once the wheels and new suspension are put in. But thanks!

And yes, I come from another car board that crucifies non-searchers so I knew what was coming to me.

 

Welcome...... I had that problem before a few years back. It tend to be the starter, worn out, and the 'bang' sound was the starter wheel hitting the flywheel at last. Installed a rebuilt starter myself. Still ok now, never had problems again.

LA ,hmmm. I am sometimes in Dana Point, not that much 964's in that area I notice, a lot of the 993's around there.

 

Welcome!!!! And congratulations on your new Porsche!! Please post more photos even at that height. We want to see more!

I can only address (1) Sounds like the starter. But, before you replace the starter check the battery cables (at both ends). I had a similar problem followed by the car not wanting to start. After replacing the starter with a new unit and still no start I found the culprit to be a broken terminal (or terminal held by a few threads of wire) on the starter side. Let me find the starter thread so you have it as a reference if you decide to tackle on replacing the starter yourself. Not a difficult task it just takes patience and one of the written procedures found in this forum or from a member's site.

Here you go: Car will not start

 

Same thing happened to me: Starter. Be sure to replace it quickly, before it chews up the flywheel.

 

Hi and welcome!

Please post more pics!!! You can make more pics of your car now, because after, I know you'll be happy to say "that was before, and this is now "
That's what I made for my car, and I'm happy to come regularly to the old pics, that recalls me all the good job done

Price seems to be very good for a dampers/springs kit.

A+

 

Ahh okay. Does anyone have the part # for the starter? I'm looking on paragon and I only see them for the '65-'89... thanks!

And here are a couple more...

The two kids hiding in the corner


Aaand one more

 

Love the color! Where did you find that one?!

If you've got a catalytic converter installed, you should pass smog just fine.

 

Looking good! But nothing's easy. It appears (to me) that there are two starter numbers. Seemingly 911 604 102 01 for early '90s and 911 604 104 for later cars, if I am reading the info correctly. Over to those who know more than I. Sorry.

 

After pinpointing the problem to the starter, I did my search on that and came up with a lot of good threads. I will check out the battery cables first. If that's not it, then I look forward to searching for that wonderful allen bolt [nut?] at the top of the starter.

 

993 starters fit too

 

Nice car!! But you must promise to have it lowered

 

Believe it or not the best price I got was from the Porsche dealer... Try Sunset Porsche or outside a Porsche dealer the next best price was from Vertex Auto...

Two possible part numbers:

One with what I can describe best as an exposed shaft: 964 604 104 00 (used from 90 on)

One with covered shaft (89-90): 911 604 102 01

I will try to post photos of the two...

 

Haha... promise! You have no idea how hard it was to stay tame on those twisties through the mountains coming from Colorado. Bilsteins are on the way, and the place I ordered springs from [more power racing] called me today saying they were back ordered for another week. I cried "blasphemy" and said I couldn't take stock ride height any longer, demanding something be done. Just kidding... I just said I really needed them by this Friday and they said they'd pick them up from the distributor themselves and ship out tomorrow. Good people!