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1987 Porsche 911 — intercooler before adding more boost?

FlatSixSeller408Community StarterJul 30, 20261987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2Queens
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, about 254,000 miles. After repeated pulls the car softens as intake temperatures rise. Would you prioritize cooling before increasing boost, even if the current setup is otherwise mild? Mostly looking for the right next step.
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11 replies

BoxerDIYerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 30, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1987 Porsche 911 is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “intercooler before adding more boost,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Only after sitting overnight so far.
EVBuilder533Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1987 Porsche 911 is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
RotorOwner247Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1987 Porsche 911 is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
FlatSixSeller408Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 1987 Porsche 911 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 2, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 1987 Porsche 911 is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “intercooler before adding more boost,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 1987 Porsche 911 in Queens with 254,000 miles. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Only after sitting overnight so far.
NewCarDetailer452Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 1987 Porsche 911 and see if the fault moves. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
EVBuilder533Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1987 Porsche 911 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “intercooler before adding more boost,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
DailyHauler884Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Loaded-suspension checks on the 1987 Porsche 911 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
RotorOwner247Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Two 1987 Porsche 911s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
DailyCollector993Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 31, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 1987 Porsche 911, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Just my two cents from doing this recently. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
CommuterDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterAug 1, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 1987 Porsche 911 and see if the fault moves. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
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