Thanks all
, I'll reply individually in a mo. Just finished this as update...
The 911 came lightly modded with lower temp thermostat, H&R springs, and Dansk rear boxes. It's also had lots of work done like replacement fuel lines, rads and AC condensers. The service history is extensive and lots of common issues with the 996 have been addressed previously. This and the price being at the lower end of my budget added to the appeal of the car and offset its scruffiness.
Last drive before service, late night pick up.
With the honeymoon period over and 1000 miles driven, it's MOT and first service time. Before the MOT the screen was delaminating and cracked. A call to Autoglass and £75 equated to relief at seeing no rust and a new screen fitted.
The car is filthy so this was also an opportunity to start cleaning it.
With the screen done it was the dreaded first service. The car was booked into RK Engineering for "whatever they thought it needed". Oh god, that's scary even with them being good friends.
It was decided to:
General inspection and check over
Oil change + sump off to inspect
Gearbox oil change
Pollen filter
Air Filter
Fuel filter
Replace an exhaust clamp + straighten wonky tailpipe
Investigate rear antiroll bar, the fitting/bracket looks a little off...
The service history includes receipts for Hartech's recommendation of Millers 10W60 and recent discs and pads. The last service was 12 months and 2k ago, although the mileage is low it's not worth skimping (IMS etc, etc, etc). Opie suggested Millers was good but we foolishly asked what the best was. The plan is to swap oils/service every 6k and/or 12 months.
The removed oil looked clean and free of debris! Taking the sump off confirmed the same. It has clearly been off in the past but no indication of any issues or things for me to worry about. A big relief!!!
The Rear Anti Rollbar proved to be more of an issue. Further inspection and removal resulted in...
While in the air we also noted the gearbox isn't original, and unfortunately, it's not been swapped for one with an LSD. I'll see how it goes. If a rebuild is required in my ownership we'll look to re-add one then.
So now I have two lists.
List 1 - Sort before the MOT:
1) Anti Roll Bars, torn as what to do. Replace with a factory unit on eBay or buy Eibach or H&R replacements.
2) Tyres, the 18s are in an awful state and I want to try some 17s. A quick eBay later and presently ordering some PS4s. Debating 205 (factory) vs 225 (sensible?).
The 10 spoke a lighter wheel so it should be interesting. If the ride isn't improved on 17s and I don't like the looks I'll get the 18s refurbed (as I like them the most so far).
3) Book MOT and pray lots.
List 2 - Remaining issues:
Leak, wet rear driver side footwell (thinking rear screen)
Climate control screens - Purchased this (turned up, need to fit it):
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Display-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
Rusty sills
Stereo, nasty aftermarket needs swapping for an Aux modded factory unit
More deep cleaning
More fettling
LSD?
I'll be honest, the above caused me a few sleepless nights (the rust is intermittent ongoing sleepless nights) and I was hoping to avoid this trap and negative impact. The 911 is a fourth car and precariously hovering in the 60% love it, 40% would like freedom from its inevitable issues and want a Caterham. It's been a dream to own a 911 since I can remember. I'm hoping this is a dip while the MOT is pending and I can't drive it. Either way, a few trips and uses are being planned to further ingratiate it. The oil not being full of debris has helped a lot. The MOT will help more (just don't mention the rust). In the wise words of Jethro, I need to enjoy it!