[Quentin]

Ok the bills at IMA are getting positively abusive, so I'm now scared into working on my car to save cash. Its very much not stock, with aftermarket EFI, c2 intercooler, no A/C, custom air intake, etc etc, but for minor/moderately easy stuff I want to do myself.

I've presently got no technical ability with cars, although I've read a fair amount about Porsche engines, specifically 911s and 930s.

Couple of questions:
1) any books people recommend for this?
2) I've got a socket set and your other basic tools. Anything else I need? I have some jack stands as well.
3) any projects in particular I should start with? I'm assuming stuff like bleeding breaks/oil change/break pads...

Thanks in advance!

[APKhaos]

Couple of questions:
1) any books people recommend for this?
>> 101 Projects - Wayne Dempsey. Pelican Parts or Amazon
>> Bentley manual. Amazon, and on special if you can find it elsewhere.
2) I've got a socket set and your other basic tools. Anything else I need?
I have some jack stands as well.
>> Same as above. Wayne outlines the tools you need for each project.
3) any projects in particular I should start with? I'm assuming stuff like bleeding breaks/oil change/break pads...
>> OK, flush fluids, bleed brakes, replace pads, change oil.....but what are you going to do after lunch??

Seriously, set a date and announce it with a post here. Make sure you have the stuff you need to do the work [brake fluid, pads, oil, for example]. The Dorki will be there, and you engine will be dropped after lunch unless you offer something more challenging than these few minor jobs. Its dead easy to do, and there is no reason to pay $80/hr if you have the time and incliniation to DIY. Help is here.

[targa911man]

Originally Posted by APKhaos

The Dorki will be there, and you engine will be dropped after lunch unless you offer something more challenging than these few minor jobs. Its dead easy to do, and there is no reason to pay $80/hr if you have the time and incliniation to DIY. Help is here.

Since when is the engine drop optional?

By the way, would a turbo engine fit into a standard-body car, say something like an '85 Targa?

[APKhaos]

Originally Posted by targa911man

Since when is the engine drop optional?

By the way, would a turbo engine fit into a standard-body car, say something like an '85 Targa?

Dammit Dan we don't want to scare the guy. You and I both know that we say drop but mean swap. Just have your old oil slinger ready to bolt up to his 930. They never notice the first time.

[Jazzbass]

What Tony said - start with the basic maintenence stuff first. What tools you depend on what you do:

- Oil change. 15mm socket, oil filter wrench or socket adapter. Jack, jack plate and jackstands (I like the 6 tom SUV stands for the rear). 5 gal bucket to catch the oil coming out of the tank. Normal size drain pan for draining the block.

- Brake bleeding. Motive power bleeder (best $45 you'll ever spend on tools), 7mm wrench.

- Brake pads. Big a$$ flat head screwdriver and a long, thin (4mm) punch.

This should get your feet wet. Then we'll discuss your upcoming engine drop.

Some tools that are not specific but you should have, in general, for car work would include:

- Torque wrench(es)
- Good 3/8 normal and deep well sokets
- Open end/box end combination wrenches
- Pliers - slip joint, channel lock and needle nose
- BFH
- Feeler gauges
- Rubber mallet
- Lots of screwdrivers
- Allen head sockets/wrenches. This is a Porsche - they LOVE the allen head bolts.
- Big cresent wrench.

This should get you started. Tell the guys at Sears I said hello.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by jazzbass

- Torque wrench(es)

Only if you want to put it back together!

Stop by the engine drop and say hello. The guys will be more than happy to talk you into unnecessary upgrades. (BTW: There is no such thing )

[jbailey930]

Q
Agree with all the wise advice above and: www.imagineauto.com

930's are unique beasts add to it your EFI setup and anything goes - ask me how I know. Anyway, I happened to be in KC this week and stopped by Stephen Kaspar's shop there. He is known as PorschePHD on Rennlist. He was instrumental in guiding my turbo search and acquisition. I've spent many hours on calls and emailing 930 issues. You will get great help here locally with guys like Josh, Brian, Troy and me with 930's. Do what they said above and dont be shy asking questions or for help.

Good luck and welcome to the club.

[Richard Curtis]

Quentin: I don't live too far from you if you want to drop by sometime and discuss Porsches. Give me a call; i'm in the book. We can go over your tool collection (which, assuredly, aren't nearly enough. Do you have an account with the Snap-On guy? : ) Attending Saturday's engine drop party at VaSteve's, as he points out, would be a good introduction to the Dorkis and a great place to gain DIY info.

[cmartin]

I was in a similar boat. A ~5k bill for the SC forced me to either wrench on it or sell it. For some reason I was fine with Honda's and Benz's, but was literally afraid of working on the 911. No more. Take baby steps and have the confidence that it's only a car, it can always be fixed. If you just take car of the basic stuff, that will save you a ton.

[Jim Richards]

911's are the absolute easiest cars I've ever worked on. Porsche engineers did an incredible job.