924 question from a long time lurker.

Dades

I would love to find something to fix my wet-window issue that didn't involved replacing every seal on the car! Nothing so far, though.

The only big fixes I've done to my 924 was fitting a refurbed alternator a few years back and new rear drums last year. There's probably stuff that would improve the ride but I wouldn't be knowledgeable enough to guess. I leave it to the NCT folks to tell me what needs to be done! That said, I reckon I'll be needing new shocks at some point.

Might be worth running her for a bit and see if anything unexpected comes up that requires that budget of yours.

Agricola

Do you have a local mechanic who could get it up on a lift for a look?

When I got mine, I left it with my local guy over night. He gave it a good inspection, drove it home and back the next day to see what he thought. His advice to me was "You could start at the back and work to the front and spend a fortune if you wanted but as it is, its solid and nothing needs urgent attention"

If you can get it checked out, there are 'probably' bushings, balljoints you could change if you have money that needs spending. Eg, new front and back drop links and bushins would be a start.
Since you have forked out for new tyres, a 4 wheel alignment would be an idea. I got it done for 25 quid.
I do need a set of back drums, which can be got cheap online as they are Beetle parts. But I know they arent going to make the braking a whole lot better so Im leaving it alone for now. I assume youve checked the front brakes for good condition disks and plenty of meat on the pads.

I was thinking of flushing the brake fluid for all new, but was told it wouldnt help massively.

- also it might be worth looking into getting the timing, fuel/air mix done. I had some pinking under accelertion so I called around afew places and could not find one garage with a timing light! So I got a cheap one on ebay for 20 quid and did it myself. Car now idles at the right rpm and drives smoother. Yours may be A OK as it is, just throwing ideas out there.

dcollins

Hi Guys,
I brought it to specialist cars ireland (large porsche specialist in chapelizod). He had a good look and took it for a spin too. I said i had a bit of budget left and wanted to find where I could spend it. Said he thought it was in great nick and to leave it be, and he thought the 1 inch smaller steering wheel was pretty comfy too. Real gent I would recommend him to anyone. and he isn't disparaging about the front engine models. he has a few 944's on the floor.

I bought a small bit of trim bits, a full service kit, 8 litres of magnatec castrol. a waterproof car cover, a wheel lock, a new gaitor from an ebay store that was recommended on boards classic cars i think. I can't get over how little bother this car is so far. starts every time and well loved. I'm still looking at doing the odd few vanity bits- can anyone recommend a good place to get the alloys sandblasted. have cleaned twice with good wheel cleaner but they will only get so new looking. i figure a blasting will make them NICE. Thanks again for all the advice guys.

We should really get a meet going sometime- maybe in tandem with that new porschenuts.eu site another local 924/44 crowd.

Dades

Can you post the eBay link for that gaiter?

Mine's developed a rip down lower, and is peeling off at the top of the shifter.

And throw up some more pics!

dcollins

hey guys,
Ill post that link , http://stores.ebay.co.uk/topgaitersboots/ it arrived this afternoon and looks the business. but ill let you know after the fitting!
and to deal with the condensation i bought 2 of these(made in germany also!!) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/ThoMar-5217007-Car-Dehumidifier-Air/dp/B000XUPEJY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383927249&sr=8-2&keywords=car+dehumidifier. i hear they're good and will post an update after installation and test of both.

also, i have no idea how to change a gaitor on a 924 so lets have some fun :-P

EDIT: found this amazing guide- http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-944-turbo-turbo-s/589083-shift-boot-install.html

dcollins

My tire pressures were 25 all round. bloody low. the hanes manual recommends 29psi all around for standard alloys post '80 but I went for the turbo spec(36/32) recommendations as I dont drive fast and wanted to see if i'd get a fuel economy improvement with the less contact. 25 was way too low and its easier to steer now.

Has anyone had any different experiences with the tire pressures?

Will post pictures of work so far once I get a few photos.

Dades

I keep mine about 40psi. :eek:

Is it not down to the tyres? My right/rear has very slow pressure loss which continued even after I got four new tyres this year. I guess the problem is with the alloy wheel.

But yeah, having good pressure in the fronts makes a huge difference to the heavy steering at low speeds.

dcollins

@dades do you really run 40 all around? how do you find the handling, grip, ride (is it stiffer and less soft???), better on the fuel? my tyres are rated for 44 so i could go that high....

Agricola

Im running the standard 185/65/R14's and keep them at 30 in the back and 28 in the front. It will make for heavier steering but slacker tyres up front is better for braking performance which god knows the car needs.

Dades

I have to say I don't really know the consequences of different tyre pressures, and so just keep mine inflated so that the 924 is less of a haul at low speeds.

Agricola - 28 in the front sounds like a lot of hard work! I do almost all suburban driving at frustratingly low speeds.

The people on the telly tell us to keep 'em pumped to help fuel consumption.

Agricola

Im all for fuel consumption and I do keep the tyres on the daily driver pumped up but when your hammering along in a 34 year old chariot and depending on those old brakes, I like to give myself every chance of stopping when I have to stop!

Luckily, Im out in the sticks, so apart from the odd excursion, I dont have to wrestle it around any tight streets very often.