advice needed

[stevesharpe]

i have been to see an 89 3.2 coupe that has done 100k,it is the colour /interior i want with new dampers/ brakes.
only down side is the present owner say's it's started smoking when cold , he has done a compression test and says they all register around 135, does this sound about right ? or does it sound like an expemsive rebuild on the way .
if so what does a top end rebuild e.g valve guides , piston rings etc cost and maybe with a clutch
or could it be it just had to much oil in it ?
any advice please

[Bodo]

Am I right, that must be a

Porsche 911 Carrera 3,2 Ltr. , 160 KW , Engine: 930.25 , [08/1986 - 08/1989 ] ??

If so, engine is very reliable and well developed (as it is based on the original 2.0), and should do about 250k kms, if not abused.

However a rebuilt engine will cost EUR 5k...10k +surcharge +fitting

useful links:
www.dialog-911.de/ [excellent buyers' guide; in German only; use www.leo.org for translating single words]
www.mittelmotor.com/english/startenglish.htm [parts]
www.fvd.de/ [parts]
www.motorensuche.com/amauswahl1.html# [rebuilt engines]

bodo

[Bodo]

oops,
forgot another brilliant link on the 3.2:
www.netmotor.de/

[Leithen]

The 3.2's are pretty reliable - 200k plus being reported by many people without serious work....however, top end jobs are not uncommon at 150k plus, sooner if the engines have been overrevved etc. Tappets need to be manually adjusted on a regular basis (year/two years, perhaps more often if tracked frequently).

The Oil system is larger than most - seals and pipes will probably need attention at some stage between the cars' 10 - 20 year age period.

But basically the cars are well over-engineered and pretty good bets for day to day use - only way to be sure about the individual example is to get is inspected by a specialist - money well spent.

[domster]

It will be the valve stem seals that have gone, penny to a pound.

This will be a top end engine rebuild, recently completed on a mate's 964 for £3000, as an indication of cost (not at a main dealer either).

Bear this in mind if you buy the car.