Bomber

Looks like I need to do the timing belts on the 968. I have done 1 before, on the 86 951. I looked over the proceedure at Clarks, but how different will it be? Is the chain part of a normal 16v job? I remember reading about the chain or a guide or something failing and destroying the head. Obviously want to avoid that. Can I (should I) leave the old rollers? It's been 30k miles since the last belt job, but it was done in 98. I'm not trying to be cheap, but I can't say I enjoy that f***ing whine from new rollers. I like that the 968 has a hyd. tensioner, is replacement part of a typical TB job? I'm aware of the "while your in there" theory, and I did that to the 951, but maybe that isn't the case with the 968? If it is so be it, but the money hurricane winds are building momentum. Opinions welcome.

ryan@usaimage.com

The difference between doing belts on the 951 and the 968 is similar. 968 has a wider timing belt and auto tensioner and I think one less roller. You will need a 968 flywheel lock if your car is a manual.

How many miles on your car? Belts and water pumps last longer on the 968, but with the time span your car has on it since the last change, I would do belts. I also would replace the rollers. It is the ballance shaft belt that gives the whine after a belt job and not the rollers. Tensioner should be checked for leaking.

The cam chain and tension slippers should be replaced or at least checked. If your car has close to 100k they should be done most likely. Some folks say the cams should be changed at that mileage as the sprockets will be worn as well as the chain and just changing one is a bad idea. There are shops that will replace the sprockets on your cams at around $650.00. Most people just replace the chain and slippers.

Hope this helps. Oh a front end reseal could be in order if things are messy up there.

Bomber

Just to be clear, I need a 968 specific flywheel lock? I have the one I used on the 951. Mileage is supposedly 105k. I was looking over the carfax, and 99.3k nov 06. Next mileage recorded was 101k in feb 09 which is what odometer reads now. Actual mileage could be anything I suppose.

I'll be doing the slipper at least. They're $25. Didn't check on a chain. Front of engine is nice and dry.

ryan@usaimage.com

The lock for the 968 is much longer than the 951 version. There are a lot of 968 owners out there in CA.
Maybe you could borrow one from someone as they are $90-110.00, a lot more than the 944 version.

FRporscheman

You can think of a 968 tb job as a '86 951 tb job with the extra hassle of doing the chain/pads, but without the hassle of setting the belt tension. You technically don't have to do the chain now, but if you want to do it later you will have to remove the timing belt again (or at least loosen it and slip it off the cam gear).

The 968 tensioner usually lasts a long time. I don't think I've heard of one fail yet, but YMMV.

968 flywheel locks are expensive but sometimes you find them used for less (not often). In a pinch, a screwdriver will also work.... but in the long run I think it's wise to either find/borrow one, or buy/sell one.