Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

While I have been doing a lot of work on my car it has naturally been sat idle for some time over the winter. I have run the engine a few times up to temperature and for a few mins after the fan has come on just to make sure everything stays lubed and working. I have not done this now for about 5 weeks as the mid and final section of the exhaust is off the car while I am doing the rear suspension. So, apart from the excessive noise, will I be doing any damage to the engine if I run it with only the manifolds attached?

it will run fine but very loud. You can leave it alone for months and it will all be perfectly fine. Starting a cold engine and idling it causes the most wear.
I would just charge the battery with a charger once every 4 - 6 weeks if it's going to be standing idle.

Exactly that. I left my 2.5 for nearly 7 months without starting it. Has a battery isolator and all that jazz.

Started it on Sunday morning and did 1010km in 35 hours plus a track day at Goodwood. Sorted.

Good to know. Battery has been disconnected the whole time, guess i will leave it until ready to go bck on road.

Just a tip if you are starting an engine which has sat for a while, pop the DME relay out and turn the motor over a few times on the starter just to prime and build up pressure in the oil system. It's surprising how much they can 'drain down' when left: this will help protect the bearings and valve train for the first few seconds of running.