Bobby G

First the technical question. As part of a PPI, if you check for leaks, is less than 5 percent for all cylinders a good or bad number? Also, for the mechanically-(un)inclined, what do they do in a leakdown test, and why should it worry me if the # is high (i.e. what's it cost to fix)?

Second, a price check. For a 1997 C2S with aero, low options, paperwork going back about 6 years, some minor paint work, and 100K miles (that's the kicker), what is a good vs. great deal? I assume it will need some work (suspension, maybe clutch, and other wear items that should be changed on a 80K+ mile car)? Did I miss anything?

Thoughts on price?

NP993

A leakdown test is done on each cylinder with the piston at TDC (top dead center). At TDC both valves are closed. The cylinder is pressurized with air and then a measurement is taken of how much air leaks past the rings and valves. This will show not only the extent the engine is worn, but where the wear is -- i.e., the exhaust valve, intake valve, and/or the rings. Below 5% on each cylinder is very good. You also want to see consistent numbers across all six cylinders.

A leakdown test will not, however, tell you much about worn valve guides, which are the major weak point in 993 engines. Oil consumption will tell you that.

Bobby G

Noah - thanks. Is it possible that a 80-100K car would be solid without any change of valve guides and/or seals?

NC TRACKRAT

O.K. I'll be the first one to venture a "guesstimate" so everyone can beat up on me...With a bunch of unknowns, like interior & exterior condition, mechanicals, tires, brakes, etc. and electricals, I'd say low $20K would be good, under $20k great and you'll need a least $10k reserved for those "unknowns". Also depends on how much work you're capable of/willing to do yourself vs. farm out. The more you look, the more you learn...Knowledge is power.

CincyScott

Under $20k for a C2S? I'm no expert, but I thought those cars demanded a pretty big premium, even moreso than a C4S sometimes?

Onami

If the car is well maintained and shows well, my guess would be mow $30's....

NP993

It's possible. There are some 993's that go well over 100K without needing valve guides. But typically, they need them in the 50K-80K range. It was a quality control problem at the factory, both in materials and installation. You should ask about how much oil the owner adds in between oil changes.

My car is a typical example -- had the guides done at 80K. Today it has 104k and doesn't burn a drop of oil. With the guides done, these motors become very durable...

Bobby G

what's the cost of the valve guide job? do people typically replace other items at the same time?

TRINITONY

avg 8K...

ironimages

22K but depends on what has been done to the car, any up grades shocks...etc?

I passed on a one owner 4s 104K mile car this past winter for 20K... Yes, I know I should have bought it. Duhhh!

Wilder

Are people serious or are you confusing a C2 with a C2S? I did a recent search and found higher-mile (~100k) WB cars in the $30k range. Low $20s seems to be what high-mile NBs command.

NC TRACKRAT

Low options, paintwork, high mileage, clutch, exhaust?, suspension? Too many unknowns. Still say low $20K until more info. Add $10k worth of stuff and you have low $30K. Look at the similar post for pricecheck on a 1997 C4S. Low mileage, highly optioned, well-maintained...Dealer wants $47,900.