924Board.org

[maireeka]

Hi, I've been trying like heck to tune my car, but I just can't get it right. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to take the car to get it tuned up. It seems as though all it needs is for the timing, air fuel ratio, idle, etc to be set up correctly. Would any good shop be able to do it? How much would it cost? I've never sent any car I've owned to a shop, so I'm pretty unsure about where to send it. I tried to set my timing on my own, but I couldn't figure out the light, and just took it back.

Any suggestions are welcome, I just need to get the car running well, and I haven't done any good as of yet.

Patrick
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1977 Porsche 924 red and READY!

[gohim]

Before anyone will be able to get your engine running right, you need to make sure that you have taken care of all of the basics first.

You need to replace the timing belt, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, air filter, make sure the spark plug wires, oil and filter are not overdue for replacement, and replace all of the small vacuum lines (yeah, they may not all be leaking, yet, but the stuff is cheap). replace the elbow on the camshaft oil supply tube while you are checking the valve clearances too.

Without hunting down all of the vacuum leaks, and replacing the all of the other parts, you can't be sure that adjusting the ignition timing and fuel system will make any difference.

[maireeka]

I've done probably half of that stuff. Oil and filter I'm doing very shortly. Is there a vacuum line diagram I can look at to make sure I got all of them replaced? I think I got them all, everything in the compartment that I noticed, at least. I also gapped and replaced my plugs. I replaced the alternator/water pump belt, and bought a timing belt. I was kinda scared to do the timing belt, because of some issues I had with the v-belt. However, I think I can do it now.

The stuff I haven't gotten done (and don't feel confident that I can get done), is ignition timing, valve clearances, and air/fuel. I guess I'll just try to do all of the other stuff, and see if anything changes.
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1977 Porsche 924 red and READY!

[Vince Ponz]

We all lost our crystal balls. Where are you? I know plenty in the NYC area.
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"Never let them see you sweat"
77.5 924 modified track car
79 931 Euro stock
88 924S SE
87 911 Targa stock

[maireeka]

haha, sorry vince, I thought I had filled out my location. I'm in very northern alabama.
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1977 Porsche 924 red and READY!

[-nick]

Look for an independant VW mechanic. They will easily be able to set the valves, timing, idle, and air/fuel. Assuming there are no mechanical reasons to stop them (i.e. bad/worn out parts). The timing belt can be put off and won't really effect the state of tune. Sounds like the car is ready for the mechanic.

nick

[maireeka]

Okay, I'll check around for any vw guys. thanks.
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1977 Porsche 924 red and READY!

[CMXXXI]

Mercedes and BMW(?) of the same era also used CIS systems, so if you find an independent shop that deals with either of these marques, they might be familiar.
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'79 Eurospec 931

[gohim]

Camshaft timing will affect engine idle and performance. Replacing the timing belt is easy, and takes less than 1 hour, provided you don't get sided tracked with other maintenance concerns you might find while working on the timing belt. No special tools required.

While you are in there, you should check the condition of the water pump. The 924 water pump will last a long time with the right coolant, but most people use the cheap stuff which will have eaten the inde of the pump, bearings, and impeller.

Ignition timing, idle mixture, and speed, are easy to set correctly by ear without special tools, once you have everything in good condition under the hood.

If you are going to pay someone to adjust the ignition timing, idle speed, and mixture, it would make more sense to do all of the parts replacements yourself first, save on the labor charge (why pay the guy to change your spark plugs), and to avoid having to pay to have the same adjustment done again, after you complete the tasks that were not done earlier.

[maireeka]

My plan was to do all that I could possibly do and then assess whether or not I needed to visit a mechanic. I'm still not sure what my car's problem is, but I'm beginning to think that it could simply be that the car doesn't like to run when it's cold. After 5-8 minutes, the car runs well every time.

I do, however, still need to purchase a fuel filter, plug wires, and a distributor cap. Where are the best prices on stuff like that?
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1977 Porsche 924 red and READY!

[gohim]

I buy most of the stuff for my Porsches ahead of time at the Pomona Fairgrounds Porsche/Corvette Antique Car Swapmeet. If I need something in a hurry, the are the Porsche Dealers with toll-free phone numbers that advertise discounts in Excellence Magazine, Performance Products, EBS (Engine Builder's Supply), or ZIMS.

An Internet Supplier that has tons of OE quality parts would be "stopshopanddrive.com". I have purchased toms of VW parts from them the past few months (almost a year) at 40-60% off VW Dealer prices. For instance, cv boots that cost $12-$16 at AutoZone sell for $2.50 from stopshopanddrive. Also purchases over $50 get free shipping.

Whatever you do, DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM AUTOMOBILE ATLANTA.

[CMXXXI]

Here is a list of places I always check. You will thank yourself for shopping around before buying from just anywhere. Prices can be all over the map, depending on what it is you are looking for, and shipping costs can easily cause one suppliers low prices to be more expensive in the long run.
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'79 Eurospec 931