I am looking to change the belts on my '96 C2. I don't have any records of the belts being changed prior to my ownership.

I see Porsche released a TSB to update the pulley. From what I can tell, this looks like the original pulley. Is it worthwhile to change out to the updated pulley? I don't have any belt noises, but would like to replace the belts since I cannot confirm when they were last changed.

 

Yah that appears to be the original pulley. I was in the same predicament a couple of years back... I decided to swap it for the parts in the TSB. I figured there was a reason they did the TSB in the first place so might as well do it. Its not expensive.

Plus you'll have a nice shiny new piece of gold in the engine bay:

 

Hi porsche_addict,
Do the swap, the updated pully is cast metal, the original is stamped steel.
Discussed half way down on this page:
https://993servicerepair.blogspot.co...lays-keys.html
Andy

 

Perfect. Will do the update. Any idea on how many shims I might need to order? I see they come in 0.5 and 0.7 MM increments.

 

Loooong ago, I had read about that TSB on the pulley. Considered it at every belt replacement juncture. But every time I looked at the pully and old belts --every time-- I just didn't see the need to replace what works flawlessly. Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe proceeding in ignorance, but my original pully is still there and perfect at 192k miles. In fact, my engine fan failed (spit up a blade!) some months ago and had to replace it along with belts, what a perfect time to change the pulleys ...but didn't! Oh well, all fwiw!

Edward

 

The shims with your old pulley can be reused. Unlike with the old pulley, extra shims are stored seprately with the tool kit.
If you want to get one each of the three to have them on hand is not a bad idea.
Use a Gates belt tensioning gauge to evaluate the pulley tension.
You should replace the three inner pulley mounting cap screws because the old ones can fail if reused and make the pulley install a much bigger job.;
Also, before tightening down the belts make sure the pulleys spin freely and independently. If assembled incorrectly the pulleys can be locked together causing an immediate problem when starting the car.
Andy

 

If you haven't ordered the parts yet, let me know and I'll save you some bucks.

I ordered the parts a few years back but before I installed them, I switched to a Clewett setup. So I've had these and several shims sitting on my workbench brand new.

 

Clewett for the win! You may also want to consider an RS fan hub.

 

Really appreciate the offer but I am in Canada so guessing shipping and duties might not make it worthwhile...

 

Ah, didn't notice your location.