abg123

Jusy got a quote from a local Chicago VW dealer who is selling a 04' GT3. He checked on some prices for a PPI at The Porsche dealer listed above and quoted me a cost of 790 dollars. That includes Leakdown, and compression etc..
Seems like it's high..any advice?

banzaisan

Call Perfect Power and see what they charge.

abg123

Ok..Another question, do I really need a leakdown AND compression test ??

banzaisan

If you're spending big dollars to buy a GT3, I would spend the money to make sure it's a good car. These are not cheap cars to fix. I rather know exactly what's wrong before I buy the car. You can use this as a negotiating tool.

Mr Michael B

A leakdown on a 911 is not just plug & play. It is a substantial test. I think for this dealership to charge this much is within line for their area.

Do you need it? Well, if you are buying from afar it is a good representation of what the health of the engine is without actually laying a hand on it yourself. I would say that is inexpensive insurance for the price a vehicle like that could cost to purchase. Do you need both tests? I would think that a compression test could tell you if there is an issue, if there were one found - a leak down could THEN be used to pinpoint a problem.

If you were there and found that it drove perfectly fine then perhaps no test would be needed. But it sounds as if this may be a long distance purchase necessitating additional tests.

Also, the Exchange is a good organization as well. Feel comforatable working with them.

abg123

Great. So a standard PPI w/ a compression test?? ....I would think inferior compression means to find another car and a leakdown wont be needed?

Thanks again

enthusiast

Agree with Michael B. if you are concerned about the engine's health begin with the cylinder compression test. A cylinder leak down test is more difficult requiring more equipment and a mechanic that knows how to do the test.

Is the car still under the original warranty? Does it have documentation? Have you had someone give it a first look for you (Rennlister or PCA)?

lucycan

If you get a leakdown, you don't need a compression test. Its better than one.

LA964RS

I would suggest you have them check for type 2 over-rev's first....these are the most critical. If you find any of those...then you may go forward w/a leak down knowing you should have it...unless you decide to pass on the car due to the type 2 over-revs.

Otherwise, no reason for it to have any issues in the leak down dept.

abg123

Sounds good. I have a PPI scheduled for Monday..the 2 hour Porsche Certification Inspection, whatever that means. The Porsche service department indicated that was a good place to start. Stage 1 and 2 over-revs will be checked. Will the computer catch compresion problems? the rep mentioned it would.
Shall I assume that w/ no stage 2 over revs and a good PPI that a compression test is not needed?

Mr Michael B

Ummm, the rep said the computer would pick up on compression problems 'eh? Wow, that is one slick computer. You may want to clarify that again with him as I don't know of any computer that can check compression from the OBD2 port. A good old solid compression PSI gauge is about all that can (or leak down equipment - either way neither use a computer - and the cars ECU cant read cylinder pressure either - but it can read a misfire).

The range 1 & 2 are important and a good indicator, but there is nothing like a test drive (or a pressure test if your not able to drive) for assurance.

An extended warranty would also cover any missed item

LA964RS

You should do a search on 1 & 2 over-revs...so you are fully up to speed. Just know that type 1's are not uncommon, its when you bounce off the rev limited which is not difficult to happen. Type 2 are the killers, and they occur when you miss a shift or select the wrong gear...those will cause damage..have pistons hit valves and cause compression problems...and ultimately failures. I don't think you can get a CPO if there are any type 2 over-revs.

Like I said, do a search, it will be enlightening.

Never say never, but these engines are very VERY stout and built for a lot of punishment. I would not be worried on a car that has full service history and no type 2 over-revs. Now...clutches are another story!!!

LA964RS

By the way...also do a search on the extended warranties from Porsche...I understand they are not very good and Porsche does not like to cover a lot of bits and bobs under those. No personal experience here, just what I have read. Seems Porsche CPO/warranty service these days, depending on your dealer, can be really quite a bad experience.

rabjohns

You could also try Midwest Eurosport in Bensenville. I trust them implicitly, they know GT3s much better than the dealer and they did my last PPI for around $100.