Menu toggle

Alps Tour Advice

J

johnpd

PCGB Member
Member
I'm booking a tour of the Swiss Alps in my S2 with "Classic Car Tours International". It involves driving many of the Alpine Passes in August and would appreciate any advice on preparing the car or peoples experiences of driving Alpine passes in an S2. I'm going to change belts, water pump, thermostat and cooling hoses. I also plan to wire in an override switch to manual turn on/off the cooling fans.

Thanks, John D
1989 S2 - 125,000 miles


 
What a great idea, I plan on doing the alps myself this year. I think you are right to change belts, pump, etc if these are due for piece of mind.

However I think you'll find the S2 cooling system fairly efficient, the 3L engine is often raced with little or no mods to the engine so I would a thought a run up the alps well within its ability. Brake fade may be more of an issue on long descents but again I would have thought the turbo brakes are up to the task.

I would just make sure you use a good quality fully synthetic oil as most semi's will just shear down a grade or 2 and it may even aid with cooling if thats your concern.

Edd

 
ORIGINAL: Copperman05

What a great idea, I plan on doing the alps myself this year. I think you are right to change belts, pump, etc if these are due for piece of mind.

However I think you'll find the S2 cooling system fairly efficient, the 3L engine is often raced with little or no mods to the engine so I would a thought a run up the alps well within its ability. Brake fade may be more of an issue on long descents but again I would have thought the turbo brakes are up to the task.

I would just make sure you use a good quality fully synthetic oil as most semi's will just shear down a grade or 2 and it may even aid with cooling if thats your concern.

Edd
Click to expand...

Good point regarding the brakes - M030/S4/Turbo Brembos are a good idea (I know someone who has a pair for sale too!) although if you make sure your standard calipers are free from plate lift, the discs are in good condition, along with a set of sharp pads and decent brake fliud (ATE Superblue is particularly good), the standard setup should be able to cope fine.

Could be worth changing your gearbox oil too - lots of gearchanging with them countless hairpins!

I've had a couple of front outer anti-roll bar droplinks fail while on my trips across the European alps. May be worth replacing them with new ones, if they've never been replaced on yours.

Otherwise, these cars can cope fine with swallowing up the endless miles of European roads.

Have fun! I'll be visiting the Dolomites for the first time this year...I really need to start getting my route planned!
 
Since my wife is a half Swiss; i have driven through Alpine passes for years. You don't need any extra features to switch on fans. Your car will do just fine if it is in good condition, like Porsche are usually kept.
 
Oh and if you haven't got a spare DME relay in your glovebox, now is the time to get one.

May be worth replacing the heater control valve, or keeping a spare in the glovebox too!
 
Hi,
I took my S2 to the Alps last year (Write up in last months Porsche post) and did the Furka, Susten, Grimsel and gothard passes in one go, twice. My car which is mechanically standard had no problems except brake fade at the later part of the four passes. You don't need to do any modifications on the car, just make sure its serviced and mechanically in good shape. Have a great time its well worth the trip. If you need any recommendations don't hesitate to get in touch. Regards Jason
 
ORIGINAL: os951
You don't need any extra features to switch on fans. Your car will do just fine if it is in good condition, like Porsche are usually kept.
Click to expand...
Exactly this. Any 944 in good nick should manage a good hard run over the alps without batting an eyelid.

Service it well before you go, put some new brake fluid in and examine the pads and calipers carefully, change anything that looks like it is possibly nearing the end of it's life and enjoy the trip. You'll have a blast.


Oli.
 
The Mrs and I will be there in mid July.

we shall be on the swiss italian side this time but the road I enjoyed for simple scenary was that from interlarken to Lucern.

it overlooked a lot of lakes from quite a height and was stunning 360 degree views.the rd was the A8


 
Many thanks for all the replies, very helpful and reassuring, thanks for the reminder on brake fade I'd forgotten a track day at Castle Combe a few years ago where I experienced brake fade. I'll change brake fluid and will inspect the brakes. I've a spare DME relay but I'll fit it to make sure it does work! Will report back in Aug.

Cheers John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Back
Top