I Hurt...

Like most us I can't stomach a mechanic bill......so I decided a while ago to tackle the 90K service. Today was the day...Changed all 3 filters (cabin, air and oil) no biggy, changed the oil..another no biggy, changed the transmission fluid, serpentine belt...could not believe how easy that was and than went onto the plugs. The rear plugs are a bitch. I figure I spent about $350 for the supplies and saved $900 by doing it myself. If I was a dealer I would have lost my *** because it took me all day but my time is free. The test drive made me realize the spark plug change made a huge difference in performance. The old plugs looked tired. But I have to say my body hurts from contorting in ways I didn't know I could. but its a good pain Thanks to all the previous guys that posted the "How to". The search here on RL is my (your) friend.

I hear ya.. Yesterday I changed out all my brake pads. By some stroke of wierdness I had a full set of front and rear "sport" pads plus an extra set of rear pads so the total bill was $0. I pressure bled my clutch slave a bit too since my cluth was catching very early. All four wheels off the ground, all four wheels off, get the pads changed and then back on the ground in about three hours. The car is a dream to work on, but I'm nevertheless all achey at the end of these sessions. Feels good though. Brakes are smack on now.

I always enjoy working on my vehicles when it's an elective project rather than repairing something that must be done immediately. Sounds like you guys had a good time, I know the feeling.

Wtg pete, my last project took 3 weeks and drew blood multiple occations. But worth it and saved $ is more driving days

DYIs are just great for those of us who do it. I mean is not only the monetary $aving$ but also the feeling of accomplishment. I feel like I bond with my car every time I work on her. I sure you guys feel the same way.

After the fact, when I'm half into a bottle of red, I think of the $900 I've saved and not given to the dealers mechanic. Suddenly, the pain reduces immediately, and tomorrow it's gone.....

man/machine, good bonding for sure...... makes it harder to get rid off. Good job Pete! Keep an eye on the floor for any leaks.

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+1 except the older you get the more you hurt the next morning.. I have to do my motor mounts and AOS this spring.

Awesome! tremendous sense of accomplishment once it is done. As you get a bit older, you learn to take a few ibu before the cirque du soleil/contortion act begins and then a few more once the job is completed. I have learned that you need to take a few ibu, even when you write the check, slide the card, to pay the local dealer for work to be done. Well done Pete, I'm sure the smile on your face is a huge one...well deserved, too.

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+1!

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I had a few margaritas and a tasty cigar afterwards. Thanks for the good words guys!

Regardless of how big or small the job is on our Porsches, the satisfaction of doing it yourself, and the fact that you didn't have to rely on or pay a dealer or indy to do the same work is....PRICELESS. Well done guys, guess I better start refining my own 'to do' list now.

You get alot faster doing it a few times.

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No doubt! Took me 2 hours to install an automatic door lock in the passenger door in a truck I had in 1984. Driver side took me 25 minutes. Start advertising to do it for folks for free to build up your chops, Pete!

I changed out a back up light this weekend. Nice job on the DIY's. It's been so long since I owned a car that was actually designed to be worked on I'm still a little initmidated. However, reading these posts is inspiring. My first semi-big DIY's are going to be a Dension install and a smart-top install. Keep these posts coming.

boy I hear ya.... The car reminds me a lot that I am not 34 years old anymore

Awesome work and savings on the car. Being able to do the work yourself really makes them more affordable. Like others have said, tehy are pretty easy to work on, which is nice. People seem to be taken back when i say that i have worked on mine and have had most of the car taken apart. I guess it may frighten some that they would really break something. But i say that breaking something really helps you learn how to properly repair something and learn morea bout your car.

A very timely thread as I'd like to do my own 60k type service. But I don't have access to a lift so I'm wondering if there is really enough room under the car to change the tranny and VC fluids if I put it on stands. I'm a big torso guy and don't want such a tight space that it's too restricting for me. Wadda you think? Otherwise I really want to tear in to this car to get to know it better. There is nothing like getting your hands dirty to learn the workings of the car.

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The repair job isn't truly "official" until you've spilled blood on it. Cheers, -- Mike

I just started to install my suspension RoW-M030 and got the rear installed today, great fun project. again thanks so much to the DIY on rennlist and also renntech. That make it so much easier than going alone BTW for the dension install check the DIY on renntech, one is mine it is really not that hard. And pretty clean compare to a suspension install !

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I did the whole deal on jack stands. Had the car about 14" off the ground. I'm 6'-2 and just North of 220 (if this was a dating site I would have added more detail..). It was tight under the car. Helps if you have a piece of carpet to lay on. Just take your time.

Part of the reward of DIY maintenance is to exercise muscles that don't get normally used, hence the aches and pains. I also get bruises in the strangest places from working on the car. But it is all worth while when I look at the cash that I save.

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I was under the impression that the VC fluid is life of the car.... no changing necessary.

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Well I don't know.... They say that about the coolant too but I'm skeptical. I just bought my car and being as it's ten years old I want to change out all the fluids, belts, plugs, etc. to establish a base line for going forward.

You peeps with fixed back seats can relate: wait till you get stuck in the back sidew Ays with one arm over your head and one under your body and no way to get loose, simple trying to clean the window I did console delete today and my chest hurts from laying face down across the high bolsterrs of the seats

Awesome job on the car and great savings also! I'm fairly new to 996's, we just picked one up for my wife and started going through stuff on the car including a full GT3 interior install and '02 facelift we did ourselves, I'm amazed how much I learn every time I work on these cars. I was dreading taking out the entire dash, vents etc but after doing it a few times I realize how much faster you get each time you do it. And speaking of awkward positions your body has to get into it was just ridiculous..having already a very bad back and spinal condition I was in pain for 2 days but as you mentioned it was *good* pain! Cheers!