Porsche 959 Maintenance - Original vs Canepa Spec

The 959 is a fabulous car. My friend has one of the 25 959S's. His was updated by Canepa. He drives it all the time and loves it. From what I can recall, Canepa takes out the "vintage" Motronec and replaces it with a modern programmable system. This I think unleashes 650 usable horsepower. The 959S already, from the factory has a simplified suspension without the complex height adjustment. I think Canepa does this modification to the normal 959's as well. The Denloc wheels are machined for standard 17" non-Denloc tires. I've been to Canepa's shop and have seen the extensive process a 959 goes through. He basically takes them completely apart.

Freeman

 

As much as I don't really like what I hear about Canepa... He did go to congress with Bill gates to get the cars to North America. Since none of the Porsche mechanics have much experience with them, I'd probably say stick with Canepa for anything more than an oil change

 

Tony Callas Motorsport has a good reputation in Southern California for knowing 959's. Tony ran a Porsche GT1 team at LeMans and is really thorough. I would call them for advice. They are really helpful.

Callas Rennsport Porsche & BMW repair, service & maintenance

http://www.callasrennsport.com/category/959/

Freeman

 

Mike Callas (RIP) is Tony's dad and was a true gentleman and incredible mechanic. I had the pleasure of having him work on my car just before he passed away. Mike grew up in an amazing environment.

 

959s come from far & wide, often clear across the country to be maintained by Tony.

 

EPE in Natick, MA - epe.com - is the only place to have a 959 serviced. They have completely rebuilt several 959 engines and have access to tools and knowledge of a long time enthusiast as well as access to NLA parts. I don't believe Canepa has ever completely rebuilt a 959 motor. And most, if not all, of Canepa's 959 people are no longer there. I'm told that PCNA will not work on 959's in the US. I'm not a Callas fan.
Canepa modified cars have issues. TPS is disconnected and TPS is tied into the function ECU. The MOTEC units used on the Canepa cars don't interface with the one 959 systems. I looked at one Canepa 959 and the parts removed had been hacked, literally out of the car! There was a box with cut wire harnesses, sheet metal, real hack job.

 

No he did not. He had nothing to do with Gates at that time nor was he involved with creating or passing Show and Display.

 

I've seen 959's at EPE. Last time I was there I also saw McQueen's last 930 getting motor work. They're known for being reliable and thorough and maybe without the bluster sometimes found out west!

 

Regarding Canepa, does this guy ever actually sell any of the cars up for sale at his shop. I'm not being sarcastic I'm legitimately asking this question because it seems like some of the cars on his website have been up for sale for years.
One of the Fchatters here said that most of his inventory is on consignment.
If he reads these threads, I wish he would start to post prices so you don't have to call on every car.

 

Hi there,
I have had my 959 for 8 years now. When I first bought the car the car hadn't been serviced for quite a while and was sitting for long periods of time. So car had to be recommissioned and it cost the seller 40k GBP to do this. Since then, I have done an annual service on the car which has never cost me more that 1500-2000 GBP but I do make sure the car does get started and moved around at least every month if not more frequently. Car is sublime and way ahead of anything built at the time and even more contemporary cars.