Galaxy Garage » 944

Save a lot of money by using BMW reference sensors on your 944

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:04:12 +0000

“If you’re having problems with your idle, acceleration, or experiencing hard starts… chances are you need to replace your reference sensors. If you’ve found this web site, it’s probably because you’ve recently learned that the average price for these replacement reference sensors is about $140 each, and lucky you if you have an 83-85 because you need two of them! Maybe, this is your first Porsche, and you’re just starting to come to terms with exactly what it means to own a Porsche. Well, I’ve got a LITTLE bit of good news… you have TWO other options!

There exists a cheaper aftermarket reference sensor which typically sells for $79.95 a piece (you still need two). The difference between them is the casing, it’s plastic instead of aluminum. But, keep reading… there’s an even BETTER option. There is a BOSCH replacement sensor that was used on the ~1983-1985 BMW 323i that are IDENTICAL to the pricey $140 dollar ones, even have the aluminum casing, but… they’re also half the price. Expect to see these priced anywhere from $59.95 to $89.95. As these cars begin to get more rare, I would expect these prices to eventually go up, so if you think you MIGHT need to replace them in the near future… I would get them. The BOSCH part number is “12 14 1 708 618” This part can be ordered anywhere German / European Bosch parts are sold (or your nearest BMW dealership).

It’s worth mentioning that the ONLY difference between the ones sold for the Porsche 944 and the BMW 323 is the length of the wire. Quite literally, the absolute ONLY difference is that the wire is about 1 and a half inches longer on the BMW sensor. That’s it!!! The sensors, plugs, and mounting are otherwise 100% identical. Now you can put that $100 you saved in a new sunroof seal!!!”

excerpt from http://www.pontiacperformance.com

Saab T-7 oil issues

admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:58:32 +0000

With new federal regulations as well as compatibility issues with catalytic converters, the oils of yesteryear are gone. What this means is that the additives once found in high end oils are gone. These additives provided protection at the point when oil is the thinnest: the power stroke. While normal cars do not approach the same level of need that diesel and turbocharged applications require. Modern engines have less of a need for this added protection with today’s tighter tolerences to bearing surfaces.

ZDDP is the substance beign removed from oils. Modern car owners have the complaint that ZDDP damages catalytic converters over time. It is also toxic. Older car owners though need the added level of protection in their engines to keep bearing wear at a minimum.

Maintaining 6 cars with very picky oil requirements and related horror stories means I need to know about this stuff. The Saab T7 engines found in some 2000 to 2004 Saabs are notorius for engine sludge. There are a number of reasons why, but it most likely points to the catalytic converter being directly under the oil pan. The current mechanic suggestion is to use full synthetic 5W40 oil. Good luck finding that. After much reading, I went with Shell Rotella T Synthetic 0W40 found at Wal-Mart. Sicen all of the oils are changing due to regulations, you need to read the labels. Saab is standing by the Group III standard, although Group IV would by just as well if you can find it in the correct weight (Shell Rotella T Synthetic)

Check out the wikipedia page on Rotella: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_Rotella_T

Spec Miata and Porsches

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:17:04 +0000

Well, Its been a while since a real post (the others have been automatic and feed based…)

A lot has happened…

The old black 944 lives again and has nearly 150 miles on the new engine.

There is now a 944 S2 Cabriolet in the stable. It is currently getting Konis, springs, and a nice alignment (previous owner had a BAD setup)

The miata took a trip to Homestead, FL. After coming home, I decided that it needed some work… posts to come!