Thanks for the list. I will have my mechanic use it for my next service. - C

 

Wow. That list is gonna set you back a few bucks.
Are you going to do it all at once?

 

This is a great thread! Of course I think the answer is subjective and really depends on what you feel should be necessary. This year I just preventatively replaced the following on my 2002 with 45K:

Brake fluid, trans fluid, f/r diff fluid, fuel filter, cabin filter, engine oil (goes w/o saying).

I'm doing plugs and coil packs next week as well. What is the advantage of 997 vs 996 OEM coil packs?

Thanks, Steve

 

Maybe. Waiting till later in the year to decide.

 

This is exactly what I did just due to the time factor. Not sure exactly on the coil difference but I did install 997 units.

 

I don't think you can even get 996 coils anymore.

 

I've seen "new old stock" stuff here and there, which is why I mentioned it.

My list is probably overkill for anyone who knows the true history of their car and what maintenance has already been done. I'm also hoping to have a few oil samples analyzed before deciding on the intermediate shaft bearing.

 

I found out that 996 coils are apparently not available anymore, unless like stated you find new old stock. The 997 coils replaced the 996 for the following reason... "revised components due to the housings cracking leading to current "leaks".

 

That does look a bit like overkill. Any particular reason why you want to replace water pump or IMS bearing?

 

You can scratch IMS bearing off the list, the Metzger engine does not suffer from the IMS failures that have occurred in the non turbo engines. They do have a intermediate shaft, but to work on or replace it, the engine must be taken apart. IMHO, you will be wasting money on O2 sensors, MAF and fuel pump, If they fail, they will throw codes and change them out. These parts will set you back between 1200-1500, so why replace something that is working fine. I can understand the water pump, Porsche pumps have plastic impellers and are known to fail with age. I've just replaced my trans and motor mounts at 46000, but not because they were worn out, but because I track my car and wanted to tighten things up. I also upgraded my intercooler hoses to Forge silicon ones, but only because I upgraded turbos and was dealing with more pressure, but the stock ones were still perfectly serviceable. The one item I would change out is the f hose as I have seen a couple of them go bad.

 

Thanks for the feedback on my list of parts.

History of my car is unknown, I'm the fourth owner, and I know it has seen track time.

Good to know the IMS bearing isn't a big issue on the turbo motors.

02 sensors and MAF are on my list because I get the cat inefficiency CEL when cruising, and on a cold engine the first time I get into 2nd it stumbles/bogs/hesitates a bit.

Fuel pump is on the list because I had the car just shut down on me once, and then it would not restart right away. Feedback from the forum was the fuel pump is going out.

With x50 turbos, a fpr, and a tune on the car, I would rather be safe then sorry when it comes to fuel delivery.

 

You may want to check your air pump and connections for the cat inefficiency cel. If the air pump doesn't dump in extra oxygen at start-up to heat the cats, it takes a awhile to warm them while driving. You may want to pull your fuel pump and check internal hoses. I've seen a few of them split and loss pressure while the pump is still perfectly good.

 

To summarize, it seems like coolant and brake fluid change would be prudent for the car of my age, which is in a very good condition otherwise.

Should I use the porsche-approved brake fluid or are there better fluids on the market?

 

Don't be fooled by the " lifetime" coolant info/message. I asked a good friend of mine that's in the know. He says it's lifetime for the length of the Porsche new car warranty period. There's another post inquiring if one should change their brake fluid in the recommended two years time frame. There was great advice given and OP I think still thinks it over kill. I guess he will find out if his brakes work as good as they should in a panic situation in a 4-6 years time. Nothing is lifetime- unless your talking of the one above.

 

Why not simply test the coolant chemistry to determine if it still contains the properties necessary to provide engine cooling...This could be said for any of the fluids (oil included). Depending on a arbitrary date (one established without knowledge of factors that contribute to degradation) to change fluids is quite irrational with no appropriate quantitative data.

On the other hand if you don't mind throwing some money away and further polluting the environment, then go for it...