Project Stork Episode 3: Calling in the Porsche Reinforcements
Manuel gets by with a little help from his (Porsche) friends.
Sometimes, when the going gets rough, you have to call in reinforcements. If you recall our last installment of Project Stork, Internet Brands editor Manuel Carrillo III’s series about resurrecting the car that brought him home from the hospital as a baby, things were not looking so great for the ’77 Porsche 911S. The engine was completely locked up, and fears of an expensive rebuild were looming over Manuel’s head.
Manuel needed help. He needed guidance. He needed an expert. He called in Bradley C. Brownell, fellow Internet Brands writer and Editor of Flat Six Society on The Drive. Brad has a long and storied history with Porsche, currently owning two: a ’97 Boxster and a ’76 912E. The latter of which, he drove cross-country. You could say he’s uniquely qualified to help, and he’s also one of Manuel’s best friends.
To get things started, the wheels are removed to fit new Yokohama tires. At the same time, Brad drops the fuel tank to inspect the condition of the long-dormant fuel system. The tank, lines, pump, and filter are all covered in a thick layer of varnish and gunk from sitting, so Brad went to work clearing out the fuel lines while the engine was prepped for attempted start number two.
After a compression test, Brad gives the Stork a clean bill of health. Full of fresh fluids and with clean, clear fuel lines, it’s time to start the car. Since the fuel tank will need to be restored, the pump will have to pull fuel from a five gallon gas can, but Manuel and Brad will at least be able to tell if the engine runs.
After a hard day’s work, Manuel finally hears his late father’s car run for the first time in over a decade. Overcome with joy, Manuel and Brad run around the shop, whooping, hollering, and hugging. It’s a feeling we can all empathize with after a long day in the garage with friends working on a stubborn project car. Wisely, someone from Haynes opens the garage door before the growing cloud of white smoke and fumes overtakes our heroes in their moment of triumph.
So what’s next for Project Stork? Tune in next time to see the fuel system hopefully completed, and some much-needed attention to the suspension and brakes.
