924Board.org

[twiggy]

Hi all,
I'm a newbie to this forum. I bought a 1981 924 Turbo recently (126,000 miles). I reckon it had been stripped and rebuilt but put together in a hurry. Body and interior, other than the dashboard, are very good but mechanically there were issues. Steering was stiff which I put down to strut bearings but actually the bearing spacers were missing. The spacers are discontinued (Porsche and VW) so I had to get them engineered locally. Clutch master and slave cylinders also needed replacing. Every time I look I find another bolt not tightened properly. I also reckon the exhaust is blowing at the manifold or at the turbo/manifold gasket. Before I start stripping back to the manifold, is there anything other than the manifold and turbo gaskets I should have at hand?
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Porsche 924 Turbo - mine. Jag XJ6 - mine. Mazda6 - wife's.

[fiat22turbo]

Possibly a new manifold as they are known to crack (even the newer S2 manifolds)
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Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

[Kenodog]

Good luck with that. They are NLA now and even if you could find one they were $1725 TEN years ago so think of what they would cost now !
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1979 Euro 931, Olive
1981 931, Sabine
1991 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, Ricky
1996 Ford E-350 ex-FedEx Van
2014 Mazda CX-5 (Kinderwagon)
2019 KTM 790 Adventure
2024 KLX300
2024 KLX140

[fiat22turbo]

[Kenodog]

If you have the cash to burn however I have a new S2 that's even been ceramic coated. Yours for a paltry $2, 000
_________________
1979 Euro 931, Olive
1981 931, Sabine
1991 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, Ricky
1996 Ford E-350 ex-FedEx Van
2014 Mazda CX-5 (Kinderwagon)
2019 KTM 790 Adventure
2024 KLX300
2024 KLX140

[peterld]

Hi Twiggy........don't let these LHD Toofah owners scare you off! That is of course assuming your Toofah is a 932 and not a 931!
Seriously though, the RHD exhaust manifold does not seem to exhibit the cracking problems of the LHD cars (different manifold). I'm personally convinced it is not only the different design, but also the fact that RHD cars at that time did not require cats....so probably ran cooler, and came with the full strength 177HP.........as well as rear discs, etc, etc.
Even if you do require an exhaust manifold, there seem to be enough on the English second hand market.

Unfortunately I would be surprised if the manifold and/or gasket is going to be your only problem. Given what you're finding so far, there are probably other issues as well, thanks to a PO with obvious little care, and probably even less knowledge.

If you are truly in this for the long haul, get yourself a workshop manual/Haynes, testers, and methodically set about reviving an underated and truly great Porsche.
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80/81 932/8 ROW

[Carrera RSR]

Due to heat in the exhaust/turbo area the gaskets and studs/nuts will let go eventually.Cleaning up the areas with carb cleaner will help you spot any new black carbon appear with any leaks. In the first instance just try to lubricate and tighten up as best you can.

So if you think its leaking, then get yourself armed with new gaskets and a few studs for the head, manifold, turbo, j pipe, and wastegate areas. Don't listen to the above, your manifold is probably not cracked. You will not be able to remove the manifold without removing the engine or head completely. If you don't know when the head gasket or cam belt was last changed then these should be on your maintenance plan in the short term. Without the exhaust leaks fixed you won't get all the 170/177 horses unleased either.

If you want RHD specific turbo queries covered or want some local Irish help, we have a turbo member or two here www.porsche924.co.uk and Arnaud is our man in Eire with a turbo who can help you out.
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1980 931 - forged pistons, Piper cam, K27/26 3257 6.10 hybrid turbo, 951 FMIC, custom intake, Mittelmotor dizzy & cam pulley, H&S exhaust, GAZ Gold, Fuch'ed, Quaife
Now www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=34690
Then www.924board.org/viewtopic.php?t=31252

[twiggy]

Scary stuff. I have the manual and a local friendly mechanic with all facilities available. Think I'll first concentrate on the gaskets, including the head and cam. Many thanks to all for the advice. I'll let you know the outcome.
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Porsche 924 Turbo - mine. Jag XJ6 - mine. Mazda6 - wife's.