Results of PPI (post-purchase inspection :D)

[sd_boxster]

After impulse-buying my '99 C4 w/ aero kit, I scheduled a service/suspension lift/"post-purchase" inspection at Black Forest.The dealer I purchased from said it had been "recently serviced," but I had still Black Forest do an oil change so they'd get some quality time with the car on the lift.

I'm relieved to report that it came back with a clean bill of health... not flawless, but as close as a 13 year old car can get. There are a couple of things to address at the 60K service (the left cam cover needs resealing), and some stuff I want to jump on immediately (low-temp thermostat, brakes, etc.). It looked awesome slammed, but the extra inch of ground clearance makes getting in and out of the driveway much less stressful.

The computer scan came back with great info - no over-revs or other details to indicate it had been ragged out by the 3 previous owners.

Interesting info from the Carfax report: almost all of the mileage was put on by the first owner. The third owner only logged 3,171 over the 3 1/2 years he or she owned it. Seriously? 906 miles a year?

Buying a Porsche with no service records is dicey. Some people will tell you you're an idiot to consider it, but this beauty was impossible to walk away from. If it has some dark secrets, they'll show themselves eventually, but I plan to drive the hell out of this beautiful ride in the meantime.

I finally started swabbing out the engine bay... lookin' OK now...

Edited October 2, 2012 by sd_boxster

[phillipj]

What a gorgeous car.. I can see why you were impulsive!! Great news on the inspection.. Enjoy that babY!! You may want to consider the IMS upgrade.. Good insurance...

[sd_boxster]

More 911 pr0n.

Question: Does PSM freak anyone else out when it kicks in, or am I doing it wrong? When the suspension gets light while cresting during a rising turn, PSM thinks I'm understeering and hits the inside front brake, scaring the crap out of me and attempting to point the car at the nearest wall. This is my first 911 and first car with PSM, so I'm not sure how much it is excessive nannying, or if I'm really not driving correctly and it feels like I'm in immediate danger of dying. I took this corner at 1.5x the speed in my Boxster for years without feeling that I was on the ragged edge of fiery death.

Should PSM be disabled for anything except the most conservative driving, or do I need to really dial back the speed entering turns, much moreso than I needed to in the Boxster?

[phillipj]

see below

Edited October 9, 2012 by phillipj

[phillipj]

The 911 is not like the Boxster as you have found out.. It is not as forgiving nor as agile. I totalled one of my 911's because I didn't know how t drive it fast. I have had many 911's and have never had the PSM "scsre the crap out of me" but I can see how it could happen. Why don't you drive with it off? If you want that car to behave better you should consider the Porsche ROW suspension kit. Makes a huge difference!

Here is some info from Porsche on the PSM..

Enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) is fitted as standard. This system automatically maintains stability even at the limits of dynamic driving performance. Sensors continuously monitor the speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration of the car. Using this information, PSM is able to calculate the actual direction of travel at any given moment. If the car begins to oversteer or understeer, PSM applies selective braking on individual wheels in order to restore stability.

Under acceleration on wet or low-grip road surfaces, PSM improves traction – as well as agility and safety – using the automatic brake differential (ABD) and antislip regulation (ASR). Integrated ABS is designed to minimise braking distances.

If you prefer an ever sportier drive, PSM can be switched off. For your safety, however, PSM remains set to intervene if the vehicle is braked and ABS assistance is required. ABS and ABD remain switched on at all times. Also included with PSM are engine drag torque control (EDC), precharging of the brake system and brake assist. If you suddenly release the accelerator pedal, PSM automatically prepares for your next action: the braking system is precharged so that the brake pads are already in light contact with the brake discs. Maximum braking power is therefore achieved much sooner. Brake assist detects a panic braking situation and generates the brake pressure required for maximum deceleration

Edited October 9, 2012 by phillipj

[phillipj]

Sorry for the double post.. My computer is freakin on me..