Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

my car's an 88 2.5 8v. I got it with 66k on the clock after being well looked after but not driven much for the last 10 years or so. It had been recently serviced and the oil was clean so I just had it inspected.

its been fault free for 3.5k ive driven it but recently in the scottish monsoon season its started taking a while to catch after being sat in the pouring rain for 2 days unused. Last time it did this i took it out for a blast and it cleared up.

it has made me contemplate the issue of its first service under my ownership. i'd like to get the usual suspects sorted, and have decided to go with motortune in shotts which has had good mentions here and there.

so i'd like any advice on what of the following i should/shouldnt get done, any advice on ballpark prices would also be appreciated;

1. timing belt - only done 16k miles ago but over 5 years so agewise its overdue.

2. fluids - engine and gearbox oil clean at purchase, thinking of swepco for gearbox and good semi 10w40 for engine (its used less than a litre since i got it), both covered elsewhere in depth. others are brake fluid power steering fluid and coolant. probably get them all done.

3. plugs, also poss distributor cap and rotor arm.

4. water pump - think its still on its 1st.

5. oil/air/fuel filters.

so, anything ott? anything ive missed? cheers in advance.

If your using a good inde' I'd ask them for there advice after they've looked at it! Belt could be a wise precaution. I did mine as soon as I got it! but your inde' should advice.

i like to go in prearmed with as much info as possible

checked the service record and belts were done 10k/4 years ago so not as bad as i rmemebered but ill still get em done asap.

i'd get the indy to give it an inspection and report any issues to you, then make your mind up, if you are doing waterpump the t/stat should be done, all the rest are normal service items and i would do them for peace of mind

At that age TBH I'd do all the fluids, especially brake fluid. Check the callipers are moving freely as they seize with lack of use. Gearbox oil,yes it is worth going for Swepco but TBH never tried anything else. The belts (cam & balance) are overdue irrespective of mileage. Water pump is subjective but I'd take an indies view on it. Same with idlers & tensioners. It will need a new fuel filter none ever changes them. Check all the ignition, change plugs & anything else that is knackered. They are VERY sensitive to ignition. A clean & repack of front wheel bearings would be a good idea as it was stood for so long.

Belt you may be ok on. My local indie said that 5 years he'd say is the limit for the belt. He said it's seldom that the belts fail, but the tensioners can go. But considering you've bought the car recently, I'd change them as a matter of course.

I can understand him doing the belts, but why don't you give a shot at the spark plugs and filter? I know the filter can be messy but with some simple tips it's not too hard to change without making a mess.

Brake fluid I'd definately change. Makes quite a difference to the braking. Even a normal half decent DOT 4 will do the trick nicely.