PPI in the DC/MD area?
 

Ok guys need some help, seller has a 1983 911 Targa for sale in the Forestville, MD area. Area code # 301-736. Can someone recommand a great shop that would do a PPI near this area? Concerns about the car, is orignal from Florida but seemed to have a rust problem in the battery box? also maybe some on the fender? Seller told me this, its a major concern with me since I thought these cars would be rust proof. I am in Arizona and I have no way of seeing this car at all, I just know its a silver targa with low miles...Get back to me with your thoughts

I don't know of any Porsche-specialty shops in that area, but it is not too far from the Wilson Bridge (and Virginia). Your best bets would probably be RPM in Newington (maybe 15 miles away), IMA Motorsport or ASG in Fairfax (about 20 miles away), or Intersport in McLean (about 25 miles away).

You will find differing opinions about these shops on this BB, but they are all pretty capable. Personally, I am a regular contributor at IMA.

Also, Matt de Maria (who regularly posts on this BB) has a shop in Gaithersburg, MD, that is probably around 30 miles from Forestville.

If he'll do it, the guy you want is Matt de Maria in Gaithersburg.

Thanks for the leads guys :)

The seller has suggested "Foreign Car Service (FCS)" which is 12 miles from him? I think he get's the car serviced there and I know already not to get a PPI, from shop that sees the car for service.


Also quick question since I am doing this PPI, I would like to do a full tune-up if the PPI is good, so it has a fresh start with me, how much do you think the PPI and Tune-up will be? $1250-$1500?

Define full tune up? Plugs, rotor, cap air filter, oil change w/filter, timing, valve adjustment, emission test, etc?

David you just did, sorry I should have said major tune-up

Very wise to get a PPI
 

While I was getting mine at Dulles Motor Sport in VA near the airport, the manager showed me a cosmetically flawless 911 that someone had brought in after buying it for a pretty price on eBay. No PPI. He then showed me the engine on a stand. The engine turned out to be shot and the bill on it was $6k and still climbing.

My PPI cost $240 and resulted in a 3 page written condition report and a 20 minute walk through. I learned I wanted to go through with the sale. And also what I wanted to have done just after the sale. He even pointed out cosmetic things I had missed.

PPI Being done at ASG
 

I talked to Jeff at ASG on Saturday said the price was around $800 including major service siince the PPI overlaps some items on a major service. Said to call back on Monday to confirm #s, I did the price was now $1,000. Which seems fair. I got a messages from Matt from Stuttgart , seems he has 3 level of PPI'S $100,$200,$500 plus if I wanted to do a major service price starts at $1,000, which does not inlcude parts and climbs if anything else is needed.

I think I will go to ASG......

Dear Dorkiphus members let me clarify Porsche maintenances. There apparently is a lot of confusion over what the regular services are. And I have rarely seen the list itemized on a dealer invoice.
The Porsche maintenances are checklists for the most parts of items to look at on the car. This is the 30K checklist for the SC. As you can see oil change , valve adjust and plugs, filters and other small stuff is mandated for replacement. The labor for these items is included in the cost of performing the service. Valve adjustment takes a little time to do. This is probably 30% to 40% of the time for the whole basic service. (by the way what happens if a head stud rolls out of the cover?)
The rest of the items in the checklist are open. What happens if you need calipers and rotors? Is that a part of the service? No. It is extra. On a 22 year old car what is the probability of going through this checklist with no problems? What if it needs an alternator? What if the CV's are gone? You are all familiar with the common failure points to a 911. There is no way, especially on an old car, to predict what it is going to need unless you are the person who has been doing the maintenances for a period of time. (Much the same way when you visit the family doctor for years. He has a history of you.)
As a result there is no way you can predict an exact figure for a maintenance on an old car you have never seen before.




Maintenance for late PORSCHE



30K/60K/90K/mile maintenance service
944
944T
911
911T
928S4


1. Diagnose system: read out fault memory and perform system
adaption

2.Change engine oil.

3.Replace oil filter

4.Check and adjust valve clearance(replace cover gaskets,
sealing nuts and washers


6.V-belt and polyrib belt; check condition and tension, correct if
necessary


8.Check ignition timing and correct if necessary.


9.Replace spark plugs (at least every two years )

10.Replace filter for auxiliary air pump


11.Replace air filter

12.Cooling & heating system: check coolant level, anti-freeze
content, outside radiator for foreign particles and hoses
tightness.(MEASURE FLUID-TEMP & PH, AND
PRESSURE CHECK)


13.Check tightness of hose connections on the crankcase
ventilation.


14.Fuel systems: visual inspection for leak and tightness of line
connections


15.Check intake air hoses, lines & connections. TORQUE
INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNERS.


16.Exhaust system: visual inspection for leaks and Damage,
check all connections for tightness


17.Check engine and transmission for leakage.


18.Change ATF fluid, clean ATF strainer, check oil level in final
drive.


19.Check & correct oil level in manual transmission, check for
leaks.

20.Check & adjust clutch and brake pedal free play, visually
inspect hoses and lines for leaks, damage & corrosion, check
brake fluid level, top up if necessary. This should also include
checking brake lines and hoses for correct routing & sufficient
clearance to fuel & hydraulic lines, electrical wiring, body parts
and moving suspension components. MEASURE BRAKE
FLUID


21.Parking brake: check free travel of brake lever and correct if
necessary.

22.Brake system: visual inspection of brake pads and discs for
wear. (MEASURE PADS & ROTORS)


23.Clutch: check disc for wear (except 911 and 911T) and the
hydraulic cylinders for leaks


24.Steering: check bolt connections for tightness, visual
inspection of the rubber boots, tie rod ends; check plug
tightness and dust boots.



26.Suspension ball joints: visual inspection of dust boots for
damage, A-arm: check bolt connections for tightness.


27.Front wheel bearings: check play & adjust if necessary.
(PULL OUTER WHEEL BEARINGS AND EXAMINE)


28.Rear wheel bearings: check play and correct if necessary
(also Turbo look)


29.Drive shafts/CV joints: visual inspection of boots for leaks &
damage.


30.Tires: check condition and correct pressure. MEASURE
TREAD and look for alignment wear. CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE

31.Doors: lube hinges


32.Check operation and lube door check rods


33.Check door, engine hood locks and safety hooks on front
hood for tightness and function

34.Door & top weatherstrips: remove residue from contacting
areas and coat with suitable rubber lubricant.



37.Check operation of all lights, horn, wipers, and washers.


38.Check & correct headlight adjustments





40.Check accelerator linkage for smooth operation


41.Check & correct aim of windshield and headlight washer
nozzles, operation and fluid level.


42.Check & correct battery electrolyte level.


43.Check the operation of all electrical control equipment and
options.



44.Check operation of heater, Ventilation and A/C fans.



ROAD TEST


45.Check operation of brakes, parking brake, clutch, steering,
heating, ventilation, A/C, cruise control system, instruments and
warning lights.

47.Engine: visual inspection for leaks after road test.


48.Check and adjust tension of air pump drive belt after road
test.