e6tme

Does that sound like a normal procedure for a PPI? It's not something I've considered in the past, but this particular mechanic is is making a point of pulling off the valve covers to check the studs. Its for a 30K mi 3.6 Turbo.

Thanks for any input!

Flachbau

Does he provide you with any rationale for doing that? If I was selling the car I wouldn't let you do that - what does the seller think about that? Otherwise the answer is no and 30k miles is nothing on these engines, a cracked head stud is highly unlikely.

TT Surgeon

Agree 100%

e6tme

I tend to agree with you guys that this is overkill.

This mechanic said he saw another 964 Turbo with relatively low miles with a broken head stud during a PPI. Also, during an informal forum search, I saw one or two other instances of broken head studs in stock turbos. But these situations probably prove the exception not the rule.

So far the seller has been very accommodating with the PPI, but I don't think I'll ask for the valve covers to be taken off, unless something is weird with compression and/or leakdown numbers.

Metal Guru

If I was buying I'd want to know that I wasn't facing an unexpected bill for head stud replacement. If the seller agrees I'd do it and a leakdown test. It's cheap insurance.

TT Surgeon

Any details on the car?

Max964t36

Normally I wouldn't do it unless I have serious doubts after, but even in that case I'd rather negotiate on the price to be on a safer side or wouldn't buy it at all ...

e6tme

Thanks for the input guys. PPI is tomorrow. The valves and headstuds won't be checked unless something serious pops up. The car is a 1994 Turbo, just under 37K miles. It appears to be a very nice 3 owner car, no paint work. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Metal Guru

Wow. Very nice.
I'd love to have a 3.6.......

Dan Jacobs

Very pretty car. I have seen personally 4 964 turbos with broken head studs which as you might guess is
not an inexpensive repair. So if there's the slightest sign you might well listen to your mechanic.
Good Luck

H2O LOL

What's a stud replacment cost?

Max964t36

She's a beauty! Looks like the sister of mine's but with different interior and after market exhaust, I think ...

e6tme

Thanks guys

PPI came back- leakdowns were 7%, 3%, 4%, 10%, 5%, 5%

Otherwise the engine is leaky and needs to be resealed, probably not out of character for an 18y/o aircooled car, and the diff needs to be rebuilt. BB headers have numerous cracks and need repair (again not surprising to me)

I am going to take the plunge and purchase tomorrow. I'll have some work to make it perfect over the winter, but otherwise I'm looking forward to enjoying it for the next few months!

H2O LOL

Nice! Don't forget to feed us pics, inside and out.

Max964t36

Isn't it that one, sold in 2010 via Mecum? http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_de...D=CH1010-98531