A little advice needed for a nearly Newbie

Benjs · Oct 13, 2015

Hi all

I decided to get a few months of ownership in (and the nightmare of changing pads and discs) before asking a bunch of questions of those that know. But as i'm sure is inevitable i made my list at lunchtime of 'things to do'.
To my surprise the list isn't that long, it however could be properly expensive so as i'm making sure i keep it serviced at least once a year, even with low mileage, so i want to ask a bit of advise before blowing any spare pennies.

First off is on exhausts. After a bit of investigation i have found i have PSE (code XLF under bonnet) but with no switch. Unfortunately the great news ends there as on inspection the bottom seams of the boxes are quite rusty and the nearside is blowing. SVP have said they will look at them when they do the service in November but if they can't be saved i want to know what the options are. New PSE is out of the question as i believe they are £1500 + vat each, but could i find used or should i just go aftermarket stainless (i can't believe i my ownership lifetime that the genuine PSE will add much to the resale).

Second up is Stereo. Mine has PCM1(non most) with Bose and cd changer. The previous owner had an Alpine CDE173BT head unit with bluetooth fitted (albeit the mic just lies on top of the steering binnacle) and the Nav and cd disconnected. Now having tried various experiments with stand alone nav unit (which interferes with the radio) i think i'll have to go for a double din unit and have the PCM taken out. I really didn't want this but the only other option is a dension set up which won't have bluetooth or DAB. My question is, which units are recommended and when changed will i loose all the BC information on the dash (not much more than temp and mpg and range i know but still useful)

Last (i promise) Is there any place someone can recommend near Worcester for detailing. The paintwork is pretty good but in strong sunlight it shows a lot of swirls and i'd like them removed.

Thanks all for reading. I'm hoping to get along to some meets etc soon and get to see some of the other fantastic cars i see on here

Cheers Ben

JuliusF · Oct 14, 2015

Exhaust wise this might help
https://www.porscheclubgb../forum/tm.aspx?m=880468
Scan through the forum - there's a recent thread on stereo upgrades as I recall.
Good luck.
J

Benjs · Oct 14, 2015

JuliusF said:
Exhaust wise this might help
https://www.porscheclubgb../forum/tm.aspx?m=880468
Scan through the forum - there's a recent thread on stereo upgrades as I recall.
Good luck.
J

Hi Julius

Many thanks for this. Had a look at the exhaust thread and i must say its very interesting. Still not sure if i should try to source a used PSE but from the few searches i've done that looks unlikely.

On the stereo i did see the thread, but unfortunately this was for a newer C4S with MOSt fibre optic connections so it wasn't the same set up

Cheers

Ben

wibble · Oct 14, 2015

I did see a s/h PSE system on ebay. The final bid was over £500 for the same cost as a aftermarket sport system! But then you have no guarantee the valve switches or whether the baffles have failed etc. Exhausts are a consumable item and would be nervous buying s/h.

Have you tried calling OPCs for quotes on PSE? For instance Exeter OPC had good prices on 944 parts over others. You could also try Northways indie - they might be able to source direct from Germany with next day delivery in most cases.

Benjs · Oct 14, 2015

wibble said:
I did see a s/h PSE system on ebay. The final bid was over £500 for the same cost as a aftermarket sport system! But then you have no guarantee the valve switches or whether the baffles have failed etc. Exhausts are a consumable item and would be nervous buying s/h.

Have you tried calling OPCs for quotes on PSE? For instance Exeter OPC had good prices on 944 parts over others. You could also try Northways indie - they might be able to source direct from Germany with next day delivery in most cases.

Yes i thought this may be the case with second hand. Just wondered if there were maybe some kicking round that had been taken off in favour of an after market sports system.

Just in case i did try OPC and i had got the price wrong........they are £1900 each!

JuliusF · Oct 14, 2015

Unless you absolutely want to stay with Porsche OEM configuration for say concourse or similar, I wouldn't worry about exhaust genuine parts affecting the resale of the car - most people know and respect Dansk and Designtek just as much! and if you want high flow cats you need to go aftermarket anyway.
Let us know how you get on.