2012 Porsche Panamera Engine 3.0 Diesel.
Tiptronic. Owner Simon E.

Brief: Fix sluggish Tiptronic gearbox

The objective was to service the gearbox and drop sump, and replace the filter and the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). To our surprise, the Panamera had little oil left; it was running on only one-third of its capacity. Not good. We contacted the owner, mentioned we had a problem, and provided options to potentially save the box. The filler tube (Plastic) was damaged. A lot of black sludge, the 4 magnets were covered in it, a burnt smell. The box had been working hard! Chances were minimal due to driving with low ATF.

The final result was ordinary. Fortunately, Simon had another gearbox but wanted us to use certain additives to see if we could still save the original. Simon was fervently researching; we admired that. Liqui Molly had a product, but sadly, it was banned in Australia.

We expect the Panamera back once Simon’s additives are on hand. Watch this space!

1977 Porsche 911 2.7
Sportsmatic, Owner Ryan K. 65,500k

Brief: Back for further work e, e.g., repair burnt wiring issue. Bilstein Suspension, Sportsmatic gear linkage repairs, and rear sway bar fitment. The 911 is booked for a full bare metal respray on April 1st.

Work in progress: Wiring all repaired. Discovered several other issues, e.g., the ignition switch is intermittently at fault; Sportmatics have an electronic gear lever switch mechanism. There had been a previous repair some years back, a temporary repair. New part on order. Top & Bottom strut mounts require replacing; again, parts are on order.

At some point, either in Hong Kong or here, someone used the rear swaybar mount as a jack point, damaging it. This requires complete fabrication. Ryan bought a 25mm rear sway bar from the UK — an impressive piece of kit. Image to the right.

At the time of writing (18/3), waiting for specialised parts. Have less than 2 weeks to complete. Parts for the old Porsches are readily available; you just have to spend the time to find them. When Porsche discontinues, there is always an indie manufacturer to step in.

2009 Porsche Cayenne V6 Engine 3.6
Tiptronic. Owner Col. B. (First-time Porsche owner)

Brief: Replace front discs, front pads, sensors and brake fluid flush.

This particular OG Cayenne is something special. The condition is first class. Col, a sprightly and fully together 80-year-old, paid good money for it, but it was a wise choice, as the Porsche has clearly been cared for.

The new brake discs are Brembo, with the latest Brembo ceramic pads. Brembo claims there is little or no brake dust. Textar is usually our brand of choice, but Col was up to real-time testing.

We noticed the tyres were almost 10 years old and showing their age. Col will replace with Continental Contacts.

2006 Porsche Cayman S Engine 3.8 (Kitted from 3.4 to 3.8)
6-Speed. Owner Carrisa B. 150,00km.

Brief: Full Engine Flush, Liqui Moly oil 5W40, Filter, LN Engineering sump plug/washer. Gearbox oil change and inspection of the Cayman.

The Cayman S is an extraordinary car; the early ones are small and compact and have aged beautifully. Carrisa drives Cayman’s as intended. Say no more!

We drove the Cayman in late February and noticed a gearbox whine. Annoying at best, we saw no printed record of the gearbox ever being changed. The oil was filthy—perhaps 20 years of use! After the gearbox oil change, the whine disappeared. The change was necessary. Keen eyes would have noticed the deepened sump. She now holds 9 litres. The Cayman has the IMS Solution (We consider the best)

2004 Porsche 955 Cayenne S 4.5 (Engine)
V8 Auto. 171,324km. Owner Tom S.

Brief: Rough running, suspected fuel issue. Rear Discs & pads.

Tom is back! New set of off-road wheels & tyres. Very cool! The fuel issue was a combination of a wire node and a fuel filter that appeared to be original. The filter housing (top) was weeping fuel, a concern and a secondary reason to change. Unfortunately, the tank was almost full, hence we had to syphon and replace approximately 30 litres of fuel, a messy task allowing us to comfortably and safely reach the wire (plug) from the secondary filter to the primary fuel pump. One tank with a tunnel that separates fuel functions.

The work was successful. The V8 engine had a couple of left-bank rear lifters that were noisy. Liqui Moly's ‘Tappet Stop Noise’ freed things up, now quiet.

1974 Porsche 911S Engine 2.7
5 Speed. Owner Simon A. 140,000k LHD

Brief: Brake service, gearbox rebuild, chain tensioner upgrade (930)

Update on Simon’s long-term project: One of the issues was gearbox-related. Early 911’s use the legendary 915 gearbox. Simon reported a 5th gear whine. Currently, at the time of writing (March 21st), we have stripped the box, will replace all 6 bearings, made the syncros serviceable, aligned the 5th-gear cluster, and installed a gasket & seal kit, along with a new 41mm input shaft nut.