18Jan2012
996 Ignition Switch
We’ve seen it time and time before, but odd electrical issues often point to a bad ignition switch in these cars. Up under the dash is the ignition switch, fairly straight forward replacement with the right tool. Old switch showed some sponginess in it, so this should solve the problem.
17Jan2012
BMW 323i EML and CEL Light
This poor little thing was towed in with an EML light and check engine light on. The EML light typically relates directly to the throttle body being bad (internal TPS sensors on this model), and the CEL revealed a list of about 9 codes ranging from secondary air injection problems to MAF sensors to cam sensors to O2 sensors. Yuck. But, to get it back on the road, the EML was the main issue, so I ordered in the new …
17Jan2012
993TT Strut Brace/30k
Last year we put in a new clutch into this 993TT and did the spark plugs, etc for the 30k service while the motor was out. Today it came in to finish the 30k and to install a new strut brace in the front end. Cup strut brace ready for install. Going with a completely stealth install on this puppy. I wasn’t sure if the amp would give problems, but it cleared without any issues. Installed behind the carpet. And …
17Jan2012
RX-7 Continued
Due to popular request by regular subscribers, I bring you another fine RX-7 post. After getting the intake off the top of the motor, I just couldn’t 100% locate any coolant leaks. It is possible there may be some intake/throttle gaskets leaking, but even under pressure it was hard to pinpoint. Since this car is needed at school, I have to put it back together for now. Unfortunately, I found out that parts for these rotary engines are only available …
12Jan2012
Mazda Gen 2 RX-7 ABS Delete
Parts finally came in for the RX-7 ABS delete project (Non ABS lines, and the coolant pipe to replace a leak). Since the ABS pump was leaking fluid, and new ones cost about 1800 bucks, we decided to convert the entire system to non ABS. The ABS had been disconnected previously for other reasons anyway, lol. While Wes and Richard were plugging away at the chump car, I tackled this one. The leaking abs pump is on the passenger side, …
12Jan2012
BMW 325is Throttle Repair
This was a quick in and out project that came by the other day. Car lost all power and wouldn’t take throttle. Turns out the bushing in the gas pedal had rotted out and the cable slipped out of the lever. A new bushing and we were back in business. Driver under panel removed to get at the bushing. Hard to see, but the cable is just kind of flopping around in the hole. And the rotten bushing.
12Jan2012
Chump Car Cage Fabrication
Richard came by today to start the install of a roll cage for his future BMW chump car. With the benders, notchers, and welder out, the guys went right to work. Interior gutted and ready for the cage install. Wes bending steel by hand…….. Ok maybe he had some hydraulic help. The rear main hoop bent to shape and size. From there the diagonal bar was mocked up for the rear hoop and cut to fit. The tubing notcher in …
12Jan2012
951 Suspension Finished
Finished painting the front struts in our 951 project yesterday and got everything assembled with the weltmeister lowering springs. It’s lowwwww.
10Jan2012
Boxster Door Handle Repair
This is one I haven’t seen before actually. Customer came through with the complaint that the outer door handle wouldn’t open the door and felt crunchy. Typically we see the window drop issues or lack there of, but never a jammed door handle. I was eager to figure this one out. Once I got into the interior of the door, I immediately saw the issue. There is a retaining pin that attaches the door handle to an intermediate arm that …
10Jan2012
951 Suspension Upgrade
This low mileage 951 suffered what all 25 year old cars do….worn out shocks and struts. Most people don’t notice the effects of weak shock absorbers. I notice it right away when getting in the car and the car feels overly floaty on the road. Not how a Porsche should feel. So it was time to ditch the junk Sachs/Boge shocks and upgrade to some Koni’s. Shiny new Koni’s 🙂 Old front struts. The old dust bellows and bump stops …