Ahsai

Helping a friend to find a shop to diagnose '99 996 variocam issues. He has already spent thousands and the CEL still comes back. It's ridiculous.

Anyone heard of or used Goldcrest motorsports?

Thanks in advance!

Big Swole

Never used but heard they are THE go to for Porsches.
I’ll prob use them in the future.

dporto

Did u tell him to unplug/replug his dme? While he’s at it he could check the pc board as well just to make sure there are no burnt/loose parts. It may do nothing but in my case it cured my CEL/recurring 1341 code...

Ahsai

Thanks for the info!

The shop has replaced the DME, repaired some wiring (not clear which one or segment or even variocam related), replaced the actuator. The solenoid was replaced 40k miles ago on a previous job and it's not replaced this time. Owner said CEL is triggered (P1325) even at idle, no need to even rev the engine.

Owner does not plan to DIY and self-troubleshoot hence my question here. He needs a shop that is good at variocam diagnostic.

Sula

They did a PPI for me. First rate.

islaTurbine

There was one guy here who went to Goldcrest with an issue that I told him was due to the starter-alternator cable. He got lots of runaround from them. In the end the cable was the culprit. Seemed to me they weren’t very sharp on 996-specific issues.

Ahsai

Thanks guys for all your info. Truly appreciate it.

Isala, I know exactly what you mean and that's why I specifically asked for variocam diagnostic capability. Even a "good" shop may not be the best shop when dealing with diagnostic, which requires a very different skill set than mechanical work.

islaTurbine

There is a Porsche-specific shop, Cali Auto, on the southeast side of ATL in Stockbridge. It's probably not of much use to your buddy due to its location, but they are very experienced with the 986 and 996. I don't want to put words in anyone else's mouth but supposedly they have some history/relationship/acquaintance with Callas as well as Flat Six Innovations. That's third party info given to me but I'm sure Jake could give you the real story.

Ahsai

Thanks, will ask my buddy to check it out.

tokika

Cali also sponsors our PCA autocross. Scott and Megan are good people with a great shop.

FWIW, I live in West Cobb and they'll be performing any work I need on my car.

Ahsai

^Thanks Tokika!

rattlsnak

Goldcrest is the place to go to for sure. They do all the track support for the fast boys. Surprised to hear that someone had an issue with them, but I'm sure it happens at any shop from time to time.