Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

Hi all,

a quick update for everyone that has posted on this topic:

Firstly, thanks to Martin from SELNK and his colleague Peter for their support and assistance getting the car trailered to Porsche Mid Sussex, much appreciated.

Engine in or out was debated with Peter Rowe, service manager at the garage and his technicians; the conclusion was to remove heads with engine in, to avoid the risk of disturbing more pipes and wires than absolutely necessary, (the labour cost was not an issue re in or out, as it was the same). Removal confirmed blown gasket on bank 1, cylinder 1 and signs of impending failure of gasket at bank 2, cylinder 8. No obvious corrosion to faces, but we took the precaution of pressure testing both heads; both passed and so just a minor skim to get perfect mating surfaces. During dismantling, various minor additions required, vacuum tubes, a pressure switch etc. General conclusion is the engine is in good condition after 160,000 miles.

Whilst in bits, I've requested repainting of the inlet manifold, cam covers and cross brace, a regas of the AC to get the cooling temperature lower, new knock sensors and an annual service which was due. Opted against a new cambelt as it was replaced last year.

Overall I've been very impressed by the project management at Porsche Mid Sussex, Peter Rowe has kept me informed on a daily basis and any recommended extras have been discussed in advance. The hourly labour rate for older cars, is competitive, lower than London based "specialists" and actually matches my local "non Porsche" garage in North London.

Finally, a personal view, the comfort of knowing that the car is in the hands of experienced technicians, genuine parts are being used and I'll have 2 years warranty on the work, outweighs any theoretical cost benefits of a "specialist". A prescient comment from Peter at No5 Garage in Acton was helpful in making my decision to stick with OPC I've used for a couple of years; he said that he would take the car on, some weeks ahead as he was busy, but his experience of 928s made him cautious, "they can end up blocking a service bay for weeks", a reality borne out by the 3 weeks it will have been at the OPC, but they have the space to live with that, without impacting their day to day business!

The garage have taken photos along the way, so maybe I'll expand on this update for a piece in All Torque and Porsche Post.

Thanks for the feedback and comments from all; I hope to have the car back by the weekend and looking forward to driving it home. A Boxster S PDK courtesy car is on offer if the car isn't ready for collection on Friday, so Ill be going to Gaydon for the annual meeting, one way or another!

Cheers,

Vince

That's good news, we will see you at the weekend

Glad it is fixed Vince. See you at Gaydon in whichever transport it is!

That's great news that it's been diagnosed and is in good hands Vince. See you in either car at Gaydon!

An article in the mag would be great - rare to see 928 projects featured but am partly to lame as not submitted anything for ages.

Cheers

Adrian

Glad it's all coming together Vince see you over the weekend

Glad its on the mend!

Will sadly miss Gaydon but hopefully see you and the 928 at the Goat soon.