35 captured repliesPartial discussion capture · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH968CS Refresh
Leading reported evidence
Replace aircon components
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
All aircon components were replaced, and compressor/condenser replaced with a more modern set-up.
Leading evidence: 'Replace aircon components' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Recommend ), you will have seen some of its progress' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Bottom arms were replaced, and everything cleaned up as new.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
All engine bay wiring was replaced where necessary, particularly in those areas subjected to heat and fatigue.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
All aircon components were replaced, and compressor/condenser replaced with a more modern set-up.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
All new parts installed in the engine, pretty much everything that has a life was replaced with genuine or OEM.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
35 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Porsche Forum Australia: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T205155Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
The Shannons 968CS
Like many, I saw this car listed in the May auction catalogue and my interest was piqued. I’d always liked the 968, and the era of the Bathurst 12hr with the Mazda RX7SP, BMW M3R and other production car specials was front and centre for me growing up. So when the car popped up I did some research and registered to bid.
Not expecting to actually buy the car at auction, I was somewhat surprised when I ended up as the high bidder. Then some mild panic set in that maybe I’d done the wrong thing! Typical buyers remorse/regret, given that I was remote to the auction and didn’t necessarily expect to be successful (?). Oh well.
Being in Brisbane and the car in Sydney, plans immediately shifted to getting my hands on the car asap, and sending it to a trusted specialist that could really give it a good going over and determine what needed doing. I was under no illusion that the car needed substantial work, but that was OK as I was looking to the long term for ownership, and planned to use the car.
In the end the choice was pretty easy, Buchanan Automotive. After a cold call to Bruce and a brief discussion, the car was duly transported from Shannons to the North Shore. I recall the phone call after the car was delivered, in which Bruce was very clinical and forthright in his assessment of the car – it was rough (!), but all there.
When time allowed Bruce and Sean did the once over, and sent me a very detailed description of work that needed doing, principally focussed on making the car reliable, safe and useable. After pondering and discussing the car and its needs, we settled on a way forward and work commenced. If you’ve seen the Facebook or Instagram accounts for Buchanan Automotive (recommended), you will have seen some of its progress.
The car was a one owner, and had been purchased from SVM with a trade-in of a 944 no less. It also had the desirable M030 option, and LSD (220), no sunroof and was also a 4 seater, which meant it didn’t have the race buckets, but did have a back seat. It was built in 1994, and complied here in 1995. Fortunately the dash was in-tact, but other aspects had been let go. Certainly not a pandered one owner car...
Suspension was rooted, brakes were dodgy with front rotors badly scored and whilst it ran, it was an unknown quantity. Engine oil leaks everywhere, and just general mechanical neglect. Not wanting to start with a boat anchor, work commenced.
The good thing from my perspective was that it had never been modified, or altered in any way. A few minor scuffs and small dents, and a front nose cone that looks like it was repaired and repainted by a drunk monkey with house paint and a brush. Again, not unexpected, but would of been nicer have been a touch better.
First port of call was removal of the engine/transmission and a full strip down, inspection and re-assembly. Given the car had 226,xxx km on board and was now 25 years old, it was a sensible option to start here. Whilst it was out, the endless accumulated grime, oil and sludge was removed from the engine and the engine bay. In some ways it probably protected some areas, but they shouldn't leak like that.
Once out, the engine was separated from the transmission and was fully stripped down by Sean. Once stripped down, certain items stood out.
1.
The head gasket had turned to dust. The material had completely broken down.
2.
Certain parts of the wiring loom were in poor condition due to heat/age.
3. But the bores were good, pistons fine and most importantly crank good
Importantly nothing
catastrophic and all the important bits could be used.
Thanks for the interest, and yes the simple plan here is to do things once only. Whilst this is not a concours rebuild, there was an opportunity to do certain things whilst out/apart that would be difficult to do again. As well, with good advice from Bruce and Sean it was relatively easy to make the decisions as we went.
One suggestion from Bruce and Sean was to clean up all the engine parts/covers, bolts and ancillaries. Having seen the standard of work on Bruce's 928, I was happy to follow their lead. So, whilst the engine was apart, here's some before photos.
Watching with interest!! We were only talking about our old 968 CS last night... I think we need another! they are awesome cars, very under rated
The answer is 13, we owned one of them in black.
13 CS delivered with the M685 (rear seat) option, total Australian 968 Clubsports delivered = 60.
The OP’s car is a non sunroof M030/220 + 685... I’d imagine it’s a pretty scarce combo!
Definitely.My 86 turbo is sunroof delete, script interior with sports seats, and I think that's rare combo ttoo. How did you get figures ? I'd love to find more info on total 944/968s imported. I have read 110 turbos in 86 that were also sold into 87 like mine.
Sean did a great job re-assembling the engine and making it look better than new. Almost too good to go back in the car.
Whilst the engine was apart, the only modification/change as such was to replace the rods with Molnar items. The rods in the car were termed a "skinnier Version 2" rod, which are weaker than the 944 turbo rods or aftermarket H beam rods. Molnar were reasonably priced H beam rods, so they were purchased and installed.
Left to right is: 944 turbo, Molnar and 968 rod
The new rods
Pistons all cleaned up ready for new rods.
All starting to come together.
In terms of the numbers of cars delivered here, I've also seen reference to a total of 60, of them 14 were M030 + 220 optioned. I've also seen reference to 13 cars having the rear seats, but not sure how many of them also had the other 2 options, but at least one other exists. Would be interesting to hear from other owners as to where they sit in build date/order too. This is a late version, but it still sat on the dealers floor for a long time from compliance date to sales date. I guess 1995 was a torrid for euro sports cars.
That is the intention, but will be in the new year.
All good - before pull down there was a discussion with Sean & Bruce that these could be an issue, but no broken teeth or wear on cams.
Engine was rebuilt with new bearings all round (std, std), rings and all ancillaries replaced with new.
Head sent off for reconditioning. All hardware and fittings replated. Various photos of engine in stages of rebuild.
Some more photos of the engine as it was re-assembled.
Headers were sent to HPC in Victoria for a factory look finish - the whole assembly looks almost too good to go back in the car....
All new parts installed in the engine, pretty much everything that has a life was replaced with genuine or OEM.
Some changes made to fit a modern alternator, given age and development in these units.
All aircon components were replaced, and compressor/condenser replaced with a more modern set-up.
New radiator and fans. New genuine engine mounts
All engine bay wiring was replaced where necessary, particularly in those areas subjected to heat and fatigue. We didn't want this going up in flames when finished.
New clutch, pressure plate (green stripe) and DMF. New starter motor.
Exhaust was existing, but new CAT was welded in place.
Now onto steering/suspension/brakes/wheels and a complete overhaul of this.
Not long after it arrived, if I recall! And probably still is....
😜
😬
Will get another update together soon. Life got in the way, then Covid and family....
Can't believe it's been so long since the last update. Lots has been done since then, and still some more to do.
Most of the previous updates related to the engine rebuild. This was done to a high standard - didn't want to have to go back and do anything, just wanted to enjoy it for a long time to come.
It wasn't just the engine that was very tired - the suspension and brakes were way past their use by date. Given suspension has come along considerably since this car was built, some upgrades were included.
The car came with the M030 option, so had bigger brakes and anti-roll bars as std. With a focus on driveability, and attending to any items they needed it, everything was replaced or rebuilt. Brakes were rebuilt and new rotors, pads and brake lines fitted. Bottom arms were replaced, and everything cleaned up as new. New wheel bearings, anti-roll bar bushes etc. Power steering unit rebuilt, new hoses etc.
Everything was pretty filthy, but under the grime was some factory metal ready for renewal.
Some more progress shots. Front suspension rebuilt with the Koni coilover kit from Paragon. Another set of 968 front struts were used and modified as required. Rear torsion bars deleted. New camber plates from Racer's Edge were installed to give some more adjustability. New cross drilled rotors on all 4 corners, brake hoses, pads etc. Bearings were inspected and replaced in the front hubs. At the rear, everything was pulled out and inspected, replaced as necessary.
