Welcome to the 911 Carrera 3.2 Register online
Porsche Post Magazine archive for 2019
Click archive month and jump to: January February March April May June July August September October November December END
If you would like to forward something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here, email us at: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
My copy date for the next edition is 20 October for possible inclusion in the December magazine.
PCGB Porsche Post Magazine archive: here
Porsche Post online Register 2020: here
January 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
In November, we attended the bi-annual Officials’ Conference. The Club is prospering, membership continues to rise, numbering 22000+, with good year on year retention. Club supported events (here) are increasing, with plans to take pop up events into some Regions. Elements of strategy and planning were discussed, one being the magazine content. Although the magazine will not be reduced in volume, the thought is to reduce this section [Regions and Registers]. A reduction in word count to half [Implemented March 2019], or a third, of the usual amount may be tried. If reduced, the majority of the content will be moved onto the website, MailChimp, or social media, payback would be the inclusion of an annual Register feature. Please email me your views.
John and Gwen Davies submitted the following informative piece:
‘We purchased our tidy and original matching numbers car nine years ago, which included a comprehensive service history, tool kit and genuine low mileage – even now it has still only done 76000 miles. Its Porsche Certificate Of Authenticity indicates, with its additional equipment when supplied new, it to be the Sport/SE model. Over the last few years, we have attended a number of PCGB events, the latest being the 70th Brands Hatch celebration. However, for a number of reasons, we have not been able to use it as much as we would have liked. We decided this year it was due a 12k service based on the number of miles completed since purchase, and called upon the services of Charles Marsland (CM) who was as enthusiastic as ever to service a 3.2. We scheduled for an oil + filter change, tappet check, the sorting of a couple of minor electrical issues, MOT check over and rectification where necessary. Part of this work necessitated the tidy up of the after market alarm systems fitted to this car. We had been experiencing a problem with the dash mounted remote chip, which had caused issues at a couple of recent classic car shows. Nothing worse than not being able to start first time at a car show. Upon arrival at CM’s workshop, he found this device would not work and therefore decided to push the car into his workshop. Whereupon he noticed it was very difficult to push, and thought it must be suffering binding brakes. He quickly established the car was fitted with four immobiliser/ alarm systems which was helping drain the battery when the car was parked three or more days. Due to the age and possible unreliability of two of these, they were removed. This still leaves the car with two approved systems. CM made the point that some of the late 1980’s technology has generally had its day, and the current generation systems are far more reliable. We took CM’s advice and he changed the gearbox oil to Mobilube 1 fully synthetic SAE 75w – 90. The difference, as reported by other register members, is quite surprising making it even smoother through the G50 gearbox and quieter as well. The tappets were checked when the oil was drained and the engine stone cold, and found to be spot on apart from one which required very slight adjustment. Porsche genuine cam cover gaskets and new nuts and washers were also used. CM considers the Porsche gaskets are slightly softer than pattern parts, giving better oil sealing, thereby reducing the risk of leaks. As the engine oil and filter were being changed using the genuine Porsche part, the opportunity was also taken to replace the oil tank sender unit. CM recommends the satisfactory way of checking the engine oil level is to ensure the car is at operating temperature, on level ground, and then allow the car to idle for a minute or so. With the engine still idling, the oil level gauge pointer should be in the upper white portion of the gauge. If the pointer should drop below this point, the level should also be checked on the dipstick and if it is not midway between maximum and minimum oil is required. Over filling by a small amount can result in the oil finding its way to the induction system and burnt through the combustion chambers, thereby creating excessive smoke especially on start up and can take many miles to clear. As already indicated, when carrying out a general inspection CM found it very difficult to push the car, due to failure again of the dash chip, his diagnosis proved correct when he found the brakes were binding due to all four outer pistons having seized. CM indicated seized pistons were common on little used 3.2’s, normally creating a brake imbalance, however, all four outer would not create the same situation. The braking system had proved effective for normal driving, issues would have shown up with arduous use when the brake fluid would probably have boiled. A total replacement of all four disc brake calipers, pads and discs was carried out. CM stressed the importance of driving these cars at least a couple of times a month all the year round, as and when weather conditions permit. This should include operation of all the electrics to minimise the risk of electric motors and contacts becoming stuck which can in turn create potential problems.
Additionally, this sort of use reduces the possibilities of stale fuel building up in the tank and system as modern fuel specifications are such that tank life is not as good as those from the past.
If your annual mileage is very low, it is still worth changing brake fluid every two years to minimise the build up of moisture in the hydraulics, could also be worth investing in a brake fluid condition check meter.
So the moral behind these notes is to use your car as often as possible, it does them no good to leave locked up in the garage, and ensure the car is regularly checked over by enthusiastic knowledgeable engineers’.
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTO Here (Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format))
Thank you, John and Gwen. My tip re oil is fill to the top of the red margin so when hot it reaches the first white mark, the photo shows a little more oil in the tank than I prefer. If in heavy traffic, or hot climate use is anticipated, the oil expands with extra engine heat and the oil level needle will rise considerably!
Happy New Year!
Do you have something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here? email: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
February 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
If you are a new 911 Carrera 3.2 owner and I haven't welcomed you to the Club, I hope you are enjoying your membership: the events (here), magazine, benefits and the value for money. Here's wishing you all a great Porsche Club experience, with lots of events to attend and enjoy this coming season. Club membership is about the social side of owning the cars, as much as using them; double the benefit, that is the joy. For those who are familiar with the usual national events, there will be even more on offer from the Club this year, so I hope it appeals to you and suitably impresses the new members. Although we are based in London, we are always aware of those members in places further afield, so the good news is that some national Club events should be coming closer to home for you. I know we also have overseas members, some of whom make a special journey to the UK to participate in PCGB events. It’s good to have you as members, and we hope to get the opportunity to meet you sometime.
Last December was my first ever visit to Bicester Heritage, and I must say what a good inaugural Club Christmas event it was. I was impressed, with so many more cars and people it just wouldn't have been possible, or as enjoyable, at Clubhouse. I'm looking forward to going back when the Club attends in the future. To keep track of Club activity, see the Calendar of events at the end of the Registers section. [see the Magazine, or here here]
Did you know we are the largest car club in Great Britain (including CI, NI, IoM) with over 22,000 members? And we collectively own something like 60,000 Porsches amongst us! Here is a flavour of where you all are, from the Register records as of 2018: UK; France; United Arab Emirates; New Zealand; Ireland; Canada; Australia and Slovakia. If your country doesn’t feature on the list but you are resident with your car abroad somewhere, please check online at www.porscheclubgb.com and add your vehicle and details in 'My Profile', or contact Clubhouse at membership@porscheclubgb.com
Over the last year, in addition to UK, the Register has seen cars leave from Spain; Jersey; Guernsey; Austria; Canada; Ireland and Malta. If you are contemplating leaving I would be interested in hearing the reason, so if you could spare a minute to drop me a line before you go it will soften the blow [email]. I always feel sad when I refresh the Register and a car has gone missing from the list, yet I have no inkling as to why. The remaining members break down into the following Regions – R1:27, R2:20, R3:18, R4:15, R5:32, R6:11, R7:42, R8:43, R9:23, R10:16, R11:37, R12:18, R13:24, R14:18, R15:21, R16:24, R17:35, R18:20, R19:44, R20:33, R21:56, R23:36, R24:21, R25:38, R26:26, R27:13, R28G:2, R28J:6, R29:50, R30:2, and R31:12.
So, there are quite a few in each Region for you to meet up with around the country. For those who don't know one another yet, good hunting, and enjoy your car finding the others out there. And, if you are interested in a further breakdown of the Register membership, here is a rough guide to the numbers by 911 Carrera 3.2 body type: Coupe - 341 plus 31 Wide Bodied/SSE; Targa - 144 plus 24 Wide Bodied/SSE; and Cabriolet - 96 plus 26 Wide Bodied/SSE. There are over 90 entries on the Register that do not give a body type, and quite a number that give Unknown/Unspecified, or a confused entry because both Coupe and Cabriolet, or Coupe and Targa, or similar combinations, are entered. There are even entries for other Models, Speedsters are recent culprits! Perhaps check you have your Carrera 3.2 in the right Register - Model Group: 911 (pre-89 all models). It is a shame there is such inaccuracy in the data for this fine model. Unfortunately, I can't amend the data held by Club; it is your responsibility to check this, and amend it through the Club website, or Club office. Now you know why I plead with you to check on your data, what is the use of an inaccurate database? Help me keep sane by simply taking five minutes to login at www.porscheclubgb.com, click on; My Profile; My Porsches; Edit, and check/amend your entry. Don't forget to click Update at the bottom when you have provided any changes, most of the required data can be found on your vehicle registration V5C document. You could make yourself an annual reminder and just pop in to update your current mileage, perhaps after each MoT? Thanks to those who have provided amendments in the recent past, I appreciate you spending your time on this task.
I've had some interesting pieces sent in from members that have been published over the last few months. Quite a pleasant and interesting change from me providing the content, I hope you agree. Do you have a story you could recount from last year - a trip, an upgrade, or a maintenance experience you could recount and share here? If you want to see your exploits in print, please email me your experiences, along with a high resolution photo or two, if possible.
Back in the December issue I asked if anyone would like their car upgraded from the Club’s standard 'Available for Display' category and placed on a premium [now meister] display list. Perhaps you missed this? Should you want to do it, just drop me a line to let me know. [email]
NO PHOTOs THIS MONTH
Do you have something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here? email: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
March 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Half way through the quiet season and I have not been able to manage a run out in the car. Every time we had a mild period and the roads were drying out, a cold night would come along with copious amounts of salt applied to the local roads. Even when the roads are dry, I can see the pink dust on the road surface and tell tale granules that have reached the pavements. We are not alone in keeping the car off salty roads. I've spoken to a number of modern car owners who take theirs off the winter roads, or use them less frequently. Hopefully, these will become the cherished classics of the future. Equally, I have spoken to some classic owners who happily use their cars throughout the winter months, despite the salt on the roads. My antidote was to run the engine and operate the electrical switches. My process for starting the engine was to crank it without cancelling the immobiliser. In our case, the immobiliser lets us do this, however, you may not be as fortunate. Check with your maintainer if you want to do this without damage to components such as the ECU. After cranking the engine for a few seconds, the oil light went out and my attention moved to the oil pressure gauge. Within a couple more seconds, the needle shot up to 2-3 bar. With the engine primed with oil, I stopped cranking, disabled the immobiliser, and fired up the engine. We are also lucky that we have doors at both ends of the garage allowing the exhaust fumes an easy escape. While varying the revs a little, I was also operating windows and other electrical items. It's good for the contacts, motors and mechanisms to be used occasionally. With the vacuum returned to the brake servo and the engine running, I pushed the brake pedal a few times. I also used the clutch to engage first and reverse to move backwards and forwards a little, keeping these parts mobile. After a few minutes, the steam had cleared from the exhaust, and ten minutes later the oil had started to warm, the needle having moved to the end of the first section of the gauge. I felt I had run the engine for long enough and switched off.
Continuing the usage theme, we usually reach our Insurance limit of 5000 miles per year (and sometimes exceed it with our insurer’s permission). Some cherished cars are being used less and less, meaning they may need a different maintenance approach that is focussed differently to regularly used cars. To me, the older cars are from an 'analogue' era when cars responded to love and attention bestowed on them by mechanics and home enthusiasts. They are not like today's modern vehicle where a lot of the maintenance could be a matter of plugging into the diagnostic port and changing whatever the computer says. Sadly, the skills to cover the older era are dying out as the 'old boys' retire, leaving something of a vacuum. However, because so many classic Porsche survive, we are lucky that independents, Porsche Cars GB, along with Porsche AG in Germany, actively promote owning/maintaining classics, even providing spares for us. I have been told we have a new local PC Principal with an interest in the older cars, so keep an eye out for further news for owners within driving distance of Hatfield. Hopefully, your own local Porsche Centre will also be promoting the older cars and providing the support they need.
Looking back over last year, we have enjoyed our local R21 events. They appealed to Sue as much as me and we see a lot of other couples attending. When we haven't had a guest speaker and it has been a simple social evening, it has been just that, social. Have you given your Regional meetings a try? In thinking about the demographics, I've checked the Register list and there are 22 female members with Carrera 3.2s (two even have two 3.2s recorded). There could easily be more than this because I didn't include members with unisex names (such as Chris or Alex), plus other female owners have contacted me about their car but don't appear on the Register. What I am trying to say is, PCGB is not just about men and their cars so, if you haven’t already, do try attending a Regional or National event, you may be pleasantly surprised!
After last months dip into the Register, here is a further extract from the details recorded. From the total number on the list (which covers all shades of a particular car body colour): 81 Black; 145 Blue; 126 White; 198 Red; 42 Silver; and 13 Green. There are 145 entries where the colour isn't recorded. The above details include data from my historic records as some cars have changed hands and don't currently provide confirmation of the colour, VIN, and other important data for that matter. If you can help update the records, please use the Club website to do so - www.porscheclubgb.com, My Profile, My Porsches. Perhaps you don't have the car anymore and you need to remove it, maybe you need to add it, or add further details from the V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate). After any changes, please click Update at the bottom of the page when finished. Any problems getting onto the site, send me an email, or contact Clubhouse on 01608 652911. PLEASE NOTE your vehicle information can only be viewed by Clubhouse and the Register Secretary, other members are unable to see it.
Don't forget, the new Ultra Low Emission Zone comes into effect in London on 8 April 2019. If you still have last September's magazine, see page 13, or tfl.gov.uk/ulez for more information. If you visit London in your 3.2, be aware it applies 24/7, unlike the Congestion Zone. If you have no intention of visiting the Capital, do remember the same restriction could be coming to a city near you in the not too distant future!
NO PHOTOs THIS MONTH
Do you have something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here? email: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
April 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Here is another piece kindly provided from long-term Carrera 3.2 owners, and Honorary PCGB members Mac and Sue McLeod.
“In March last year we were approached by the editor of Classic Car Magazine asking if we could find them a 3.2 Targa for a comparison with four other "targas"--- Targa is unique to Porsche. The other cars were Ferrari 348, TVR Tuscan, MR2 Toyota and a TR4A Triumph all with lift out tops. We pointed out that we were no longer the Display Register Secretaries, but there wasn’t another option available so we said we would do it. It was to be on the weekend of the "Beast from the East" and on the North Yorkshire Moors------!! Needless to say that was postponed for a week or two. The weather up there is pretty trying at the best of times. We were to meet up at the famous Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge where we would be accommodated for the two days. This is on a road with no number between the A170 and the A171 between Kirkby Mills and Castleton. That is also where the motoring and photo taking will be. Witches extremities are warmer than this and it was to be with the Targas OFF. We did about 150 miles over the two days with photographer hanging out of a variety of the cars whilst being driven at some lick up and down these roads. When it was our turn he knelt on the passenger seat with half of his body in the wind whilst I was trying to travel about ten feet behind one of the other vehicles, fortunately I had changes of underwear. This went on for many hours rain and shine, sometimes I was at the front setting the pace and at others in the middle or even at the back, it was a very hairy experience for all of us but it put a smile on. We stopped at a pretty little village Hutton-le-Hole for a stationary photo shoot and a bit of a break and a coach load of French kids got out, well! You would have thought it was the Paris motor show, they all rushed across to look at the cars which were sort of lined up, they had a smattering of English and one of ours some French and they reckoned it was the best bit of their trip so far. Sam Dawson the editor at large asked to be taken back to the hotel as he had forgotten his note book (analogue) believe it or not and I gave him my keys and told him to have fun (about 10 miles each way). It was insured for lots !! When he came back he could not get the smile off his face. He said that although he had driven plenty of 3.2 models he had never driven a naturally aspirated wide body, let alone a Targa, before and could not believe how it came out of the bends and how much grip there was, he mentioned scuttle shake but reckoned that was all part of the fun. If you get a chance, do that road and stop off for a meal at the Inn, the food is superb, and I am a fussy eater. You will go back down to the 170 and do it all again, you can even stay over night and do it again the next day.
As you may have read in a past column, on the way home, we hit a very big pothole and it shattered the front off side anti-roll bar mounting. It was probably weakened by its 22 years on the road and the G forces applied on Blakey Ridge, the good news is that when fixed the handling improved considerably. Sue sensibly declined the option to be a passenger for this and enjoyed a couple of days in the cosy warmth of the pub. We will probably return there in the spring just for the fun.”
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTOs Here
Thanks for putting this interesting piece together for us to enjoy and for retelling such an exciting experience, just another perk of owning these great machines. It’s a good reason to respond to our request to be added to the “Available for Premium [now Meister] Display” list on the Register. If you too have an article, as always, it will be gratefully appreciated. [email]
I recently noticed a smell of petrol when I raise the luggage lid. I suspect the short blue pipe from the petrol tank to the Ventilation System, Expansion Tank (white semi-clear plastic box on the nearside inner wing), may have perished, or succumbed to ethanol degradation. I have also started a refresh of the brake calipers, so more on these two subjects next month. Thanks to Nash and Jason for their brake reconditioning company suggestions. See more from Jason in May 2019 below...
Clubhouse is now restricting our column to 500 words and editing reports accordingly. The full version of our monthly reports can be found on the 3.2 Register Resources section of the PCGB website [as you are reading this online you are already there!]:
www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/registers/classic/911-carrera-3-2/resources/porsche-post-report
Do you have something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here? email: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
May 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Let’s jump in with an owner’s experience; the following has been kindly sent in by Jason Smith.
“I’m currently doing quite a bit of work on the car as I suffered oil starvation to a camshaft and am doing tin ware etc while the engine is out. As I was told, once you start it’s difficult to stop!!
As I mentioned, the reason the works began was due to oil starvation to the camshaft (the one marked can clearly be seen to be rusty!! here). This got me started on the tin ware, some I had cleaned up and re painted and some I had to replace. The work is being carried out by the Northern Stag Centre Ltd in Rotherham by owner, Peter Wood, and the team. Fantastic and knowledgeable, having owned and rebuilt several Porsches of his own. The parts have been purchased through Porsche Sheffield, Gavin and the team again have made the experience enjoyable. Still enjoying it at the moment!! Thanks for letting me share the experience. The pictures are just some I have of the work I’ve had done”.
Thanks Jason, I'm looking forward to part two on the engine rebuild, and other parts made good.
If you're interested in reading a like-minded owners blog, I recommend taking a few minutes to read Chris Stretton's and his family's Porsche history. I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did, click here or use full link address https://www.porscheroadandrace.com/my-journey-to-porsche-ownership/ Thanks for thinking of sharing this with us Chris.
Did you see the new section in February Porsche Post between the Regions and Register pages? Both the new section and the article were a surprise to us. I found out about it a couple of days from the print date when an urgent email dropped into the inbox. The publishers asked if I knew from Clubhouse about Nick Law's piece on the history of his car, and could I provide some Register text to accompany it at short notice. I must say, it was a nice chat on the 'phone with the Archant editor and they were very kind about including my information and promoting the Register. I was pleased to assist, but being dyslexic the timescale put the pressure on. If you missed the piece because it was hidden in an unexpected place, please check p91 of February's PP. If you have recycled your edition, you can view it from the PP archive here or the full link address at: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/news-and-events/porsche-post
For the last 24 months or so, the EU cross-border enforcement directive for traffic fines has been in place here. France seems to have been catching up with their outstanding fines in March (see the Club Forum, Chat Room, for more on the subject). Perhaps they were concerned Brexit may interrupt their opportunity to recover the charges after the original March leave date!
Brake calipers and petrol pipes will be held over until next month's column as I won't have space to cover it this month. Look out for possible early publication on the Register web site.
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTOs Here (Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format)
Do you have something to be included in the 911 Carrera 3.2 magazine column, or online here? email: 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
June 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Jason Smith’s Report - Part 2
‘The engine is now ready to be reinstalled having had a new clutch fitted and I’ve reconditioned the drive shafts, I think you’ll agree the results are fantastic! All parts are being sourced through Gavin at PC Sheffield who has been really helpful and pointed me in the right direction. I can’t wait to get it back in the car & be ready for the summer! I’m now starting on refurbishing the suspension parts, when will it end? Pete (Northern Stag Centre) said he thinks the camshaft rust was unlucky but probably due to oil starvation due to car being stood unused for a while over a length of time (the rest of the cam lobes are in unbelievable condition). I believe it to be its first rebuild, with just over 108,000 on the odometer, but I am looking into the history at the moment. We didn’t change any of the valve guides or rings but did install new chain along with a new oil pipe from the tank (I’m sure I’ve forgotten something). Region 7 have started to move the monthly meets around Yorkshire and was lucky enough to go to my first one last week, unfortunately it was in my Family Car!’
Our Brake refurbishment: On go the newly refurbished Classicar front brake calipers, complete in their resplendent new passivated zinc coating (Porsche Post Trading Post for details). After confirming the pistons were orientated with the correct 20 degree angle, on they go. I was working with Charles on the rears. His tip is to be sure the pistons are freed up in the caliper, using the brake pedal and a bar to return the piston a few times. We had to keep the piston from reaching the disk or it would be difficult to lever them back. It gets messy; manoeuvre the caliper off the disk, re-tighten the hydraulic pipe, and use the brake pedal to push out the pistons. Once the first piston is free, the second won't move further as there isn't any pressure now. If jammed, a light tap will straighten it to free it and exit the caliper. Charles’ tools include an airline but, for removing pistons, it isn't a reliable method. Everything was cleaned up, including carefully checking the caliper piston sealing ring groove, and reassembly was completed with new Ate seals. Calipers and pads refitted in the same place, confirmed by the worn 'C' witness mark on the back. After bleeding, a couple of pistons were being held back in the caliper by the new sealing ring, giving a 'long' brake pedal. I removed the pad and pressed the brake to move the piston out a little, allowing just enough gap to get the pad back in with a tight fit. If the disk has a wear lip, this will be a bit tricky!
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTOs Here (Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format)
Additional Data Fields on the Club website for Vehicle Register:
Thanks for everyone that has updated their vehicle profile on the Club website, My Profile. I've recently had an update implemented that reintroduced the body and interior colour, and I now see what you enter in the Notes section. Please use this if you want the Register to record additional information eg, famous owners, special options, or history.
July 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Our summer holiday was fast approaching, perhaps it felt that way because it was a few weeks earlier than we usually set off. The car had been prepared, including the MoT, and we were on our way to Italy. In the middle of the holiday, we were to meet up with 30 other Club members in Tuscany for 6 nights at a Castello near Greve in Chianti. A highlight was to be venturing out one day to see something of the Mille Miglia that happened to be circumnavigating us during the week. However, prior to the Castello, we met some of the 30 in Turin at the smart Lingotto Hotel. A lot of work must have been put in to convert a good part of the former FIAT factory into an hotel. A special treat arranged by Robin and Jo Walker was to drive part of the old FIAT test track on the roof.
After our time at the Castello, we headed back northwards. As well as its food produce the area of northern Italy is, of course, famous for its industrial heritage including the manufacture of textiles, guns, motorbikes and cars - not forgetting Maserati and Ferrari! Our return route took us past their home in Modena, but we were on a mission and couldn't stop to take a look. We were heading for Parma to meet up with a PCGB member who had emailed us after seeing our mention of visiting Italy in the December 2018 magazine.
George had suggested we drop in so he could meet fellow Club members and show us the sights of Parma. Famous for Parma (prosciutto) ham and Parmesan cheese, it has many cultural delights. What a great opportunity to have a local resident give us a walking guided tour of such a wonderful city.
On passing one of the many churches, we heard voices and upon popping in witnessed a wonderful choir in full heavenly voice. After a delightful lunch in a restaurant of George's choosing, we had a quick photograph and were back on our way to Salo, Lake Garda, to enjoy our next few days. If you’re driving in the centre of Parma, as with other Italian towns, be aware of the Limited Traffic Zone (possible multiple) restrictions.
(Useful Traffic Zone restrictions link: here - also covers other countries)
I can't describe the Italian driving style, a cross between manic and maverick perhaps. You get used to it, but it keeps you on your toes; much like a busy M25 where driving etiquette is now lacking. Also speed limits are baffling as they rise and fall, sometimes with what seems minimal signing, along with many speed cameras thrown in for excitement.
We kept our fuel tank topped up as some stations only sold 95 RON fuel, preferring to stick with the higher octane choice when we could get it.
That's all for now. I have run out of Magazine column space at this point, further content continued online below...
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTOs Here (Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format)
The car ran very well while on our 2500 mile Italian round trip. When stopping for fuel we looked out for fuel pumps, confirming they were delivering a maximum 5% ethanol as well as being of the higher RON fuel we needed. At least the 5% ethanol is still available, we will be stuck when this is bumped up to the next level of 10% as Porsche advise this isn't suitable for our cars. A point of interest; the filling stations we were using from the north and down to the Florence/ Siena area, we found the forecourts split into attendant service and self service. This was evident at filling stations on all types of roads and locations including Italian Motorways. If you don't mind paying a few extra cents per litre for your fuel visit the attendant pump row, usually to the front of the forecourt, or otherwise pull up at the self service pumps!
Once home we checked the fuel consumption over the holiday and we had achieved 32 mpg over quite mixed driving. Not many alpine passes this year but motorways and rural roads with some short trips into Greve for lunches when we were staying at the castello. I mentioned the overall mileage above, and yes, strangely it was exactly 2500 miles! We set off with the odometer trip on 5 miles (distance from the Enfield Shell garage where we had last filled up) and it went around two and a half times with 505 miles showing when I parked the car back at home.
While on tickover, and with a hot engine, I took the opportunity to check the oil level. When we had set off on holiday I had just changed the oil and managed to put in about half a litre more than I like to run with (see picture taken at tickover here; showing oil just above my prefered level in relation to engine temperature). My concern is that if we were stuck in slow moving traffic, and with hot weather, the level could go too high due to the thermal expansion of the oil when hot. No worries though, at least with the weather, we were informed while at the castello in Italy it was the coldest May since 1989! I've been using 20W50, for the last couple of years, and used about half a litre, consuming less than I would have expected when I ran on 10W40, so no need for any top up during, or after the trip.
While in Italy I had noticed the tyre pressures had all gone up a couple of psi but, when home they were back to normal. I guess the increase was due to altitude, and not hot weather.
Green Card - the 'International Motor Insurance Card'; before setting off for Europe in early May I insisted Lockton provide us with a copy. I say insisted as earlier in the year they had advised on having a Green Card if we left the EU on 29 March but were not keen to provide me with one as it was after that date. They seemed to think we wouldn't leave until 31 October. I didn't want to be stranded in Europe without cover if we left the union in a hurry before that date. There was talk we may exit on May 22, few days before our return from Europe on May 25. At my second attempt Lockton issued the Green Card. To my surprise it is printed on green paper; I thought by now the 'green' reference would be a historic reference like the term MoT is. I had mentioned to Lockton that there is a 'Foreign Travel' statement on the back of the Certificate of Motor Insurance document that Lockton forwarded from Chubb after my annual renewal. This states the cover includes what they term as an 'insurance extended' facility that exists for the EU, and the usual extra countries like Switzerland, Iceland, Channel Islands etc. Lockton didn't respond to this so I assume if we left the EU this is no longer valid, I thought that a little strange but they must know what is legal and appropriate.
The International Driving Permit/s; required to supplement your UK driving licence when driving abroad after the UK leaves the EU. When we went to Spain a couple of years ago we needed one of these, but that version doesn't cover all the other countries we were visiting this year. So, beware there were two IDPs required for Europe the last time I checked. Try this government site here for further information. Or, this site here as it has a clearer list of the applicable countries.
August 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Chris Challacombe kindly sent this in:
“Just a brief story of what F3CRC has been getting up to recently...... no good sat in the garage!!!! During the last month or two we’ve been out and about putting a few miles on ‘the shopping trolley’.
Following a track day at Goodwood we then set off for Scotland from Devon meeting up with friends at Pitlochry with the intention of travelling on to and seeing the sights of The Orkneys, driving the ‘North Coast 500’ and returning via some stunning scenery and staying at some wonderfully comfortable and restful hotels. Nine days driving, covering 2180 miles in all with a final run home in 10.5 hours - I would certainly recommend the Toll road around the Midlands, missing out all of the roadworks/narrow lanes and traffic clogging up the M5/M6 in the Birmingham area - running on super-unleaded we averaged 30.8 miles to the gallon (sorry, still living in the past!!!) for the 9 days which I was pleased with.
June’s Porsche Club trackday at Castle Combe was next on the agenda and with the club laying on some wonderful weather and the day organised to perfection as usual all passed smoothly, even though I was surrounded by GT’s this and Turbo’s that it was good fun.The photos show 2 views of the Scottish roads - slight deviations from the main routes but part of what is known as the North Coast 500 [Back in 2017, I remember a bit of the single track experience when we enjoyed the Highlands, along with a variety of other well maintained road types].
And then Castle Combe trackday.” [Photo Copyright owner Louise Tope at Williams Crawford. Lisa has advised me there are 100 or so images from the day, if you were there or know someone attended, you can view them on the Williams Crawford Facebook page here.”
Thank you for your contribution Chris, and also for putting your car forward for what I'm now calling our 'Meister Display List'. An invite was published in PP December 2018, and again in February 2019. If you would like to be added, please let me know and I will be happy to contact you for any special event display opportunities we may receive.
SEE ASSOCIATED PHOTOs Here (Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format)
Sue and I are attending Silverstone Classic on all three days, so do come and say ‘Hi!’ if you spot us (we’ll be wearing our name badges). There is no Register parking at Silverstone Classic, it will be a simple split of cars – either pre or post MY2000, as decreed by Silverstone.
If you need help or advice with your car please don’t forget to get in touch, or use the Club Forum: porscheclubgb.com/forum where there are a number of knowledgeable volunteers who will gladly assist you in your quest for an answer. Many thanks to those continuing to provide the answers!
September 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
I need to start off this month’s column by stating that a copyright credit should go to Louise Tope at Williams Crawford for last month's magazine photo of Chris Challacombe’s 3.2 at Castle Combe, as the credit went missing somewhere between the copy and printing process. Louise took many photos on the day, and they can be found on the Williams Crawford Facebook site (you don't need a Facebook account to view the photos).
Having had the tyres on the car for what seems a long time now, I have taken to regularly checking the tread depth. Reading the manufacture date off the tyre sidewall, they are five years old and have covered 20,000 miles since fitting them in 2015. It looks like I will be changing them before I have had the full wear out of them, as I am conscious of the ageing process affecting the available grip. I've found the Michelin Pilot Exalto a good all-round touring tyre, I couldn’t ask more from them, grippy in both wet and dry conditions. I'll be looking to get a new set of the same, hoping they are still made from the magic mix of materials. Looking online, they are much the same price but now designated PE2.
Did you know that there is fun, and prizes, to be had out and around your local area, as well as PCGB Regional and National activities? For example, Mac and Sue recently won the Sam Jackson Memorial Trophy in the Blackpool Vehicle Preservation Group concours. Mac emailed; "Hope you are well and enjoying the "lovely spring weather". Was thinking about trading in the cars for a boat. However we went to our Local car club's concours and much to our surprise we won. The competition is of course diverse Sunbeam Talbot came second and there were some nice Jags and a Jowett Jupiter to contend with. We were quite surprised as quite often Porsches are sort of overlooked at these kind of events. There was a very nice 944 S2 and also an immaculate 986 Boxster, in that bright yellow, there. The trophy pictured with me here is called the Sam Jackson Memorial and is quite desirable amongst the club members. It of course goes back next year. We are attending another event with them and it is the pub Landlords Choice. We are taking Sue's 944 cab. to that so that we don't get unpopular by maybe winning that with the 911 again."
Thanks for thinking of us and providing some local interest to the magazine, glad the weather cheered up by the end of the month - what a month June was! Sue and I had the good fortune to win a second prize in the Meister category at our local Region 21 concours competition. Held at Hatfield PC, there was a good turnout of cars, but ours was the only 3.2, where are you all? If our cars can do it, yours can too in whatever Region you are in!
Over the Silverstone Classic weekend Sue and I took as many pictures of the 3.2s in the Porsche Club car park area as we could, all the cars were such nice examples. Can you spot yours in the Gallery photos here? Were you there and your car is missing? Perhaps it is due to a change in registration number or, for not having entered your 3.2 V5C details online yet? More than a third of the 911 Carrera 3.2 cars present in the Club car parks can not be found on the Register. You may need to update your Register details here. The car park overview photo shows the parking outside the Club marquee, our car can be seen in front of the silver Boxster. Behind the marquee are our dedicated luxury toilets and circuit grandstand.
The 3.2s in the Club car park, that I have a photo for, and are not on the Register include: 761 JOO - 911 GCX - B520 WYX - C151 JGL - DT-550-RC - E752 HFG - EEL 874T - EOU 570 - F332 MDL - F361 UVX - F396 MDN - F41 RHX - GWC 758 - SGR 5V. Let me know when you are registered and I'll add your photo to the Gallery here.
Would you like to see a photo of your car in the Porsche Post Register column? If so, email one to us, perhaps with a few words about your car/ownership experience, and we’ll endeavour to get it into a future magazine edition. And, if you have an experience of maintenance or renovation, hopefully with a few photos, please let us know if you would like to see it featured.
If you need help or advice with your car, please don’t forget to get in touch, or use the Club Forum: porscheclubgb.com/forum here.
(Galleries; since the April Club site software update you may have to access the photos a second time to get the intended view/format)
October 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
A couple of years ago, I read somewhere that the Porsche high intensity screen wash (Part No: 00004400093) wasn't available and bought the BMW concentrate alternative through Amazon for about £6, it makes 5 litres! Having just checked on the German Porsche parts site, (search PET part no. without spaces here), the Silicone Remover 1000ml is available for €9.04, so ‘you pays your money and takes your choice’. See our Resources page on the Club website for more information and other tips: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/ click: Community-Model Registers-Classic-911 Carrera 3.2, scroll down to Resources; shortcut here.
Why do I mention this special screen wash? It's all about keeping everything in working order and not allowing things like pumps to seize up. The reservoir, with screen pump, is located on the left inner wing under the Velcro flap in the velour lining. We had plenty of opportunity to use the silicone wash during the summer’s spray laden roads, after the worst of the weather I realised I hadn't! To compensate it occurred to me to run the pumps when I was washing the car, checking the special screen and headlight wash function; they use independent pumps to the usual screen wash pump. I’m pleased to say, all was well. As I rarely use screen wash I'm thinking I should give the special treatment a squirt every time, otherwise I just won't get through it. It is supposed to help with the juddering you can get with the wipers, as well as the tip of adjusting the wiper arm to improve the blade angle, thoroughly clean the screen and the wiper blades, or just replace the blades!
On another note, I would also recommend using modern locking wheel nuts to replace the feeble originals. We should all have these stronger locks fitted for the security of our wheels. Buy them from good independent suppliers, or your local PC (it’s a 993 Part No: 99336105700) - peace of mind and £57 well spent.
Last month we mentioned Silverstone Classic. It was a great event, despite heavy downpours at times, and the horrendous queuing at the entrance gates seems to be a thing of the past. Driving in on the second day we hit debris on a roundabout. A piece of cast iron, 4" square with a lip along one side, came into sight from behind the raised roundabout centre. I tried to avoid it, but we heard the thud under the car as the front wheel had just caught the lip and flipped it up. I'll be applying underseal if an edge has marked the floorpan. Just after setting off for home on the same day, the back wheel clipped a smooth stone in the road, pinging it up at the rear silencer causing us to hear a tuneful ting, much nicer and potentially less damaging than the morning’s experience.
Did you attend and see your car in our Silverstone car park photos in our online Gallery?, Amazingly, a third of the 3.2s in the Club infield car park are not on our Register! Perhaps your car is not listed as you had a different model when you joined the Club, you now have a registration that isn't on the Register or, the 3.2 isn't the only Porsche in your garage and needs adding to your vehicle list? So, please can I ask everyone to check the website and record / update your details: https://www.porscheclubgb.com/ login and visit My Profile (from the right-hand end of the blue band).
Photo Gallery here.
November 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
Some time ago, we all had a PCGB Esso fuel card invite. At the time I didn't think I needed one, we are well served with a local Shell station with others on our usual routes and, since having the 3.2, I've gravitated toward using their premium unleaded both here and when touring abroad. The trigger to take on the offer of an Esso fuel card was something I read on the Club Forum about ethanol content across brands - take a look at the Oil and Fuel section, or use the search box: PCGB Esso card and bioethanol content in fuel, here. Esso confirmed their premium petrol was free of ethanol ‘except in Devon, Cornwall, the Teesside area, and Scotland’. [Esso fuel pump photo example here] Esso’s 97 RON is lower than Shell at 99 RON, and I wonder if this difference would be associated with the additional volatility of ethanol? Visit esso.co.uk/fuels-faqs here to read more on the subject. If you wish to take a PCGB Esso fuel card, and another for family members, look at ‘Fuel for thought’ from News in the blue banner on the Club website here. You'll find helpful information there and contact details should you want to join up. I found it a straightforward process, the setup was quick and worked seamlessly, my contact at the Fuel Card Application Centre saw it through with me and was very proficient and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, I joined the scheme just after I had filled the 3.2 with Esso and, especially now it's the quiet season, I'm not using the car much at this time of year. Also, I'm some way into the Shell ‘10 forecourt visits to get a fuel discount’ promotion, so haven't got around to using the Esso card for weeks. When I do go to Esso again, all I need to do is present the card after filling, wait to receive an email invoice with the Club discount applied, and what I owe will be paid automatically by bank direct debit after about a week, easy! [By coincidence Club ran a article featuring the payment process in October's Porsche Post p46 - Did you see the November 996 column p102 confirming the ease of use of the card abroad?]. In the future, I see myself using both premium Shell and Esso, but particularly filling the 3.2 with bioethanol free Esso for the winter months. This will save having ethanol sitting in the tank, doing all the bad things it does including separating out, generally damaging various components, and oxidising parts due to its hygroscopic nature. One final comment, during the application I wondered about the continued reference to WEX throughout, I learnt something, turns out they are the owners of Esso! (And, that's why we don't see the tiger anymore).
Don't forget to look at the great information available from FBHVC, learn loads about fuels and more at: fbhvc.co.uk/fuels here
We received a few lines from a member in response to our featured Register cars at Silverstone Classic. I wanted to print it in the magazine column, but ran out of space due to the word count restrictions in the Regions and Registers 'Club Life' section, here is Anthony's kind words...
Good morning Steve,
Thank you for the nice photo of my car in this months Porsche Post. It is the Guards red example reg B695 WKR. See our gallery pictures here
I thought I would share with you a brief background to the car.
I bought it back in 2012 when it had just 19000 miles on the clock from just one previous owner. It was first registered in February 1985 at Waldron Porsche of Maidstone. She still has the original Waldron registration plates and tax disc holder! After regular use for the next 5 years the car was just stored in an underground garage until I bought it 22 years later! I had the car professionally inspected when it was confirmed to be a nice original unmolested example. However, it would need recommissioning and after a big bill from Exeter OPC she was good to go!
I have added nearly 8000 miles of trouble free motoring. She's looked after by the same technician at Exeter every year and recently had some additional maintenance including a replacement rear silencer as the still original item had corroded.
I am lucky enough to also own a 993 and 991.2 GT3 but it's this Carrera 3.2 that somehow makes me smile the most!
Thanks again and kind regards, Anthony
Do you have a story like this? If you would like to see your words repeated here please send them to our email address 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com If accompanied by a photo I'll also put your piece in our Register magazine column.
December 2019 --- back to Top
Register Secretaries
Steve and Sue Edwards
020 8366 7770
911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
Technical Advisor
Charles Marsland
01732 848323
The PCGB National Concours was held at Hanbury Manor towards the end of October, a bit later in the year than usual. There was a good representation of 914s this year, the three taking part outnumbered the other model variants. One even gave assistance to a 911 that wouldn't start as its battery failed when it was their turn to drive to scrutineering - my jump leads came to their aid! Although the number of concours participants was the same as usual, the number of club members visiting the event was well down on previous years when it was held at Ragley Hall. I believe this venue was a one off, so I guess next year’s event will be back in a more central location, with better visitor parking and hopefully back to higher attendance figures for this important Club event. I was fortunate that it was less than half an hour’s drive to Hanbury Manor, my shortest ever journey for attending a National event in the 3.2. See a couple of pictures in our Gallery here. Good to see first year member Chris' car in the car park. I think you would have had about a three hour drive to the event. The car didn't show it, shame my picture isn't sharp enough to do it justice.
A week later, I was up at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, not for the first time but I hadn't been there for years. This time it was a raffle prize that Sue had won at the Region 21 Concours, and she kindly gave it to me. After we enjoyed a delicious lunch at PEC, I had 2 1/2 hours behind the wheel of a 992 C2S PDK in the company of my excellent driving consultant, Tim Goss (the 1960s - 80s racing driver). He let me take my time learning both the car and track taking the less is more approach, I guess; the 'Straight' section hadn’t been built when I visited before; see the track layout here (the figure of eight section isn't shown so take a look on Google Maps here). What a car, the straight-line performance was staggering, the cornering phenomenal, and the brakes were fantastic. After exploring all the Experience Centre elements on offer I was unexpectedly able to take advantage of having the track all to myself, we chose to forgo the mid-afternoon tea break that everyone else went in for. Tim allowed me to explore the limits of the car on the low friction circuit. Going around it clockwise there is a right, left, right sequence of corners; Tim was impressed with my four wheel drift out of the second right hander. After two hours driving, Tim complimented my feel for the limits of the car and took me to a separate area with a tight figure of eight track, a section off of the Straights section of the circuit. I picked up speed and the intention is to stay within the white lines, I was now having fun enjoying these tight little laps, Tim thought I'd had enough and we moved on. The big worry for me had been that in the figure eight section there is little run off and lots of Armco barrier! By this time my confidence in the car was mitigation for the worst of consequences. Once back in the main building with Sue the first thing Tim said was that he hadn't been driven faster in the 'eight' section. A compliment indeed, but it is truly down to the car being so confidence inspiring and Tim's tuition. My driving wasn't all so impressive, on the Straights Tim had me drive flat out from a standing start and not brake until I reached a marker near the end, it didn't happen. I couldn't get to the marker before coming off the throttle, self preservation kicked in. The brakes would have easily stopped the car in the margin after the marker, I just couldn't do it! When out on the track you just don't feel the size, it's really enjoyable navigating the very tight and twisty sections which I preferred over the faster Handling Circuits. The 992 would be the first thing I'd buy if I won big on the lottery, complementing our 3.2 in what would be my ‘dream garage’! Of course what I got out of the day, and the car, was entirely due to Tim's approach and trust, I can't thank him enough.
I’ve booked my ticket for the Porsche Christmas at Bicester Heritage event, I’ll see you there if you are going. I’ll be wearing my Register Secretary badge, so do come and have a chat if you spot me.
A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us both!
_________________
Useful links:
Forum: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/
Porsche Post archive: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/news-and-events/porsche-post
Insurance valuations: here -https://www.porscheclubgb.com/membership/valuations
Membership options: here -
https://www.porscheclubgb.com/membership/membership-options
Register registration/update: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/my-account
Car Sales: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/car-sales
Images: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/images
Events: here- https://www.porscheclubgb.com/events
Shop: here - https://www.porscheclubgb.com/shop
Keep the passion
All links checked periodically, please let me know if any have gone out of date.
Any errors or corrections please contact me at 911carrera32@porscheclubgb.com
END --- back to Top