Useful Documents

Keeping your oxygen sensor in good condition will keep your car performing well.  Odds are, your oxygen sensor hasn't been changed for quite a while.  If so, it’s probably rusted into your catalytic converter and will be very difficult to remove.   Many sites will tell you to heat the cat converter with a torch and then risk second degree burns trying to turn the sensor out.  Try this instead...  

Soak the threads with penetrating oil for a few hours and then get vice grips and a small pipe to fit over the handle of the vice grips.  Clamp the vice grips on the base of the sensor as hard as you can and then use the pipe over the handle to increase the leverage.  The sensor should turn right out.  No burns, no fuss! 

To ensure you never have to do this again, remember to put anti-seize compound on the threads of the new oxygen sensor BEFORE you install it!

Here’s a good YouTube link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf7Gku3iPGc

I was having an issue where my brights would switch on spontaneously when my lights were on and my turn signals cancelled after making a turn.  The problem then got worse and the brights would spontaneously switch on when I hit large bumps.  I thought I’d have to replace the turn signal switch, but it turns out that the copper contacts in the switch tend to bend over time and make contact when they shouldn’t.  You simply need to bend the contacts back into place to resolve the problem.  This takes a small instrumentation screwdriver or a pick, good lighting, and some patience.  I didn’t even need to take the steering column cover off to make the adjustments.  

Here’s a great link to a Pelican Parts thread that explains the procedure. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/248149-turn-signal-switch-quick-fix-pictures.html

101 Projects for Your Porsche 911 by Wayne Dempsey.  If you own and air-cooled 911 you should by this book – extremely helpful. 

The 1974-1989 911, 912E & 930 Porsche Authenticity Series by Mark S. Haab.  Great resource for determining factory correct parts on air-cooled 911s and an extremely interesting read from a historical perspective. 

The Porsche 911 and Derivatives Volumes 1 & 2 by Michael Cotton.  Detailed info on all models of air-cooled 911. 

Porsche 911, the Ultimate Sportscar as Cultural Icon by Ulf Poschardt.  Not a technical book, more of a philosophical read about the soul of the 911.

Little shop in the Altadore neighborhood that specializes in Porsche and euro parts owned by Nathan.  Every time I need something he gets it for me at low prices in one or two days and I can pick it up instead of waiting for it in the mail.  I’ve bought a distributor cap and rotor, relays, an oxygen sensor, and spare keys and each time he had them for me to pick up the next day.  Far cheaper than buying from Porsche and way better than ordering online.  

If you’re replacing parts yourself, contact Nathan first before ordering online.   

http://www.gtrauto.ca

info@gtrauto.ca

I’m not sure why it took me so long to figure this out since it’s quite obvious, but an easy way to clean the mesh screen on your whale tail and the fresh air intake vent (centre of the hood below the windshield wipers) is by using the crevice tool on your vacuum.  Leaves, dust, bugs, etc. will just get sucked right out – voila!

If you store your car duing the long, cold winter like I do, I highly recommend Specialty Auto Storage.  Spectacularly clean, climate controlled, extremely professional and resonably priced.  I feel better about parking my cars there in the winter than keeping them in my own garage!  Give David a call - you won't be disappointed.

http://www.specautostorage.ca