Quote:
Originally Posted by BenWillok
Hi Ger,
I just acquired a 986 from 1997 and after following since several months your amazing posts, DIY tuto, comments, etc., I'm just totally over-excited to start making the old lady look young and great again!
But I just don't know where to start, while thinking that the engine and other mechanical parts should have my attention before starting to work on the looks, right?
Problem is that the car is 20 years old, only 65.000 miles and not having been on the road for more than 2 years, except for a few rides within the compound of the car seller (shop seller, not private), which means not more than 3rd gear and 2k rpm
When I got it last Friday and took it on the highway, it wouldn't go higher than 3k rpm and 60 mph, until I used the tiptronic to pass from 5th gear to 4th and create a small bang from the exhaust, hence dusting out all the exhaust line, brutal but effective 
Anyway, engine oil is new, that's about all that has been done to the car by the seller
And problem here is that I can't ask Porsche workshop for a checkup and service as the car is older than 10 years and they don't take responsibility for it blablabla usual BS to make you pay extras
And experienced independent Porsche workshops don't exist here either 
So, being quite handy, I'm thinking of doing it myself but would greatly appreciate some guidance from you guys! 
Well, that's about all I have to say for now, sorry for the long post hahaha
Ben (Belgian guy living in Malaysia)
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A gorgeous example, and I'm very jealous of the roof and interior colour! It's lovely.
That's quite alarming that a 20 year old Porsche never got driven the way it should have. But thankfully it sounds like its new owner will start driving it the way it should!
You're absolutely right in stating that the mechanical condition comes first. My honest opinion would be to change the oil again. The seller has changed the oil, but you've no idea the condition of the engine before hand. The oil could have had metal shavings in it for all you know, indicating that there could be big problems. Do a small service yourself on it that includes:
- Transmission Oil
- Transmission Oil Filter
- Engine Oil
- Engine Oil Filter
- Engine Oil Washer & Plug
- Spark Plugs
- Air Filter
By changing the oil and filter, you can check for any shavings, and if there aren't any, you're good to go and at least you know you've checked everything yourself. The transmission oil and filter will breathe new life into the transmission.
Doing all of the above is quite easy and can be done in a couple of hours. While you're at it, check the condition of your brake discs and pads all round, and make sure the tyres aren't cracked. Even if there's decent tread on tyres, they deteriorate if too old or stood too long, so check for cracks.
If all that's good, then you can go nuts on cosmetics, but you don't want to just mask up problems
Also, get that 'S' badge off the boot. You don't want to be one of those people who tries to make the car into a fake by being something it's not.