PPI: Leak down/Compression test on 996.1 C4?

I'm about to get a PPI done by Porsche on a 996.1 C4 with c75,000kms.  Their standard PPI does not include leak down/compression tests (it is an additional $300) and they have suggested doing the standard PPI and if they see anything that warrants further investigation then considering a leak down/compression test. Is it better just to get a leak down/compression test done anyway?  Or is it unnecessary for a water cooled car with that few kms? Thanks in advance.

Not even run in at those klm Personally, I would follow the guidance of the workshop

What's $300? Get it done. Just for your own peace of mind. Frankly, I think that's pretty cheap.

Thanks P-Kay and Mike.  I agree Mike that $300 is very little for peace of mind, but I guess it all just starts to add up, e.g. to check if there is metal in the oil filter would be another $300 to drain and then refill the oil, etc.  Then everything else involved in an interstate purchase.  So if it is of limited utility I'd prefer to avoid the cost

If the service history looks sound, the km can be reasonably verified and the car presents well, I'd just go the basic PPI.  If the workshop finds anything unusual, just walk or negotiate hard!

gday d2000, i recently went through the same process as you.... these are great cars and as such they need looking after properly... so if the books stack up and the ppi is ok then really, i think youd be fine without a leak down on another point i agonised for weeks as whether to get the ims bearing done... i did and am glad but that in itself is a slippery slope happy to chat about that on message if you like good luck hughesy

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Doing a leak down / compression test was the best investment I made all year ( an easy X30+ bagger).  If I had not done those tests, I reckon right now I would be opening up the  mezger motor to diagnose whats causing lack of performance (excessive cylinder leak), then spending cash on fixing it along with while you are in their, may as well do this and that  costs that I wasn't expecting. I was handed a very decent set of leakdown and compression test results from a seller.  I have a diametrically opposing view, Mezger's aren't bullet proof in that "a lot of run in within those last 10k" can happen in terms of cylinder leakage / compression. Instead of pissing that cash away that I would of spent on diagnosing and fixing, instead, I brought something else and get to piss that same amount of cash away on making the 996 handle much better and go faster and perhaps get close to testing the limits of the Megzer's  motor so +1 for me with others on spending the extra $300 ish to your PPI costs for piece of mind.    Also, something to consider, if all is good on the leak test and you are going to buy the car and spark plugs haven't been changed for a while, incremental cost to have them replace the plugs (also reconfirm to the seller you are serious ) whilst they have access to the plugs after doing the testing helps to offset some of the labour cost on your service when its time to do them (on your nickel post purchase ) if you are having trouble justifying some of the cost.

Totally agree that a compression & leak down test should be done unless you have another $30k sitting around which you aren't worried about to drop a new engine in.

Wow, quite a diversity of views on risk mitigation! Given the kilometres and engine type I'm surprised you nervous nellies have gone for the leak down test rather than opening up the oil filter and draining the engine oil for inspection of possible IMS bearing debris. Anyway, when has a 996 Carrera 4 ever had an engine that would cost $30k to replace or rebuild?  I think we're getting a bit hysterical....

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http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Porsche-911-996-Carrera-3-4-Litre-Engine-Low-Kays-Outstanding-Condition-/142006757644?hash=item211043290c:g:bJEAAOSwY0lXSO4h

Thanks everyone for the helpful info. Being a conservative chap I will go for the leak down/compression if the rest of the PPI is ok. @Peter M I don't think I need to check the oil filter for IMS debris because I intend to get the IMS bearing replaced with the LN Engineering one (conservative again) - although let me know if I am wrong about that. @Hughesy, I'd love to hear of your experience re IMS. Thanks again all

Good luck with your purchase, hope it all goes well.  Please tell us how you get on.  Plus photos!

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LNE requires engine pre-qualification before bearing replacement for a very good reason.  Fitting in a new IMSB into an engine with existing debris (from whatever source) is an expensive and worthless exercise. Surely the garage won't charge $100 for the 15 mins cutting open the oil filter and inspecting it (that's how long I spent doing exactly that using craft scissor s).

Hey bro i agreeed with evryone else here said abiut leak and compressio test its a small insurance to pay for a toy that could potentionslly cost alot more down the road. When i bought my gt3 as well as my 993 c4s i did the compression test for due diligence essentislly i would like that peace of mind hows the condition of the car ? Interior wise ?

Hi D2000, how did your PPI go?  I'm assuming this is the red C4?  Nice looking car if so.

I didn't do leak down or compression when I PPI'd my GT3 (PCA just said it wasn't included and I didn't push it any further) and ended up paying an independent mechanic $400 to do one about 6 months later. All was perfect anyway but piece of mind is difficult to put a $ value on.

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Nope. Very nice car though ;-)

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dead give away Lee must be the C4 at Buik's... if so looked great in the photos so well done D2 that looks like a nice buy.

Or a yellow 996 GT3 possibly? Maybe there was another rare car there that PFA don't know about? You'll just have to wait n see :-)

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Yes, i know you can pick them up for less than 10, but you need to think about freight, labour, consumables and the possibility you might be chasing issues with the new engine. That's the point I was getting at if you can't do it all yourself. Aside from the fact the future value of the car is hampered by it no longer has matching numbers with whatever lay instore for the 996.

Sorry Mike, I think I've taken us off on a tangent! Back to the question of the usefulness of doing a leak-down test on a low mileage, full service history,obviously loved early 996 that runs and idles smoothly.  I don't discount that it could give you some peace of mind regarding the condition of the rings and valve seats but in the scheme of things isn't that the least of your worries on these engines? In terms of mitigating risk to your wallet, wouldn't the best thing to do is drain and inspect the engine oil, sump plug magnet, cut open and oil filter medium for debris and if everything is looks OK, negotiate a good price for the car and then get an IMS bearing upgrade virtually on the way home? All I'm saying in terms of wallet protection for a low mileage, full service history, obviously loved early 996 that runs and idles smoothly, an inspection by someone knowledgeable about these cars is probably by far the most important, oil inspection next and then leakdown testing is third on the hierarchy of risk control.

Looks like I went about it the wrong way!  Went with inspection and leak down/compression, but not oil/filter inspection.

You could get a late model 928 , with no worries about engine particles , and a V8 to boot! Might also be an investment.

So, long time between posts but nothing to report until now. Picked it up today and it is now on its way to Sydney.  Yes it was the one from Builk's, who were great to deal with. On the mobile so can't presently post any photos. Will do so soon

Congrats

Congrats, Looking forward to the photos

Congrats from the photos and FSH it looked a great buy

Well done, congrats.