Teststrecke Porsche III Gathering of Friends Teststrecke Porsche IV

Coastalaire 

June 2013 

Porsche Club of America - California Central Coast Region 

Teststrecke Porsche III 

Gathering of Friends 

Teststrecke Porsche IV 

http://ccc.pca.org/

California Central Coast Porsche Club Of America August 2009 

SGS MOTORSPORTS 

u experience 

u commitment 

u integrity 

805-544-7979 

3453 Empresa Dr. 

San Luis Obispo, CA 

www.vintageab.com 

The Coastalaire June 2013 

4 Race / Track Day Prep 

4 Special Project Cars 

4 Parts and Accessories 

4 Spark Plugs to the Special 

Set of Wheels You’ve Been 

Dreaming About 

4 Service: Minor and Major 

Factory-Style Service 

4 Brakes 

State-of-the-Art Frame & Laser 

Measuring Equipment 

Expert & Custom Color Matching 

Collision Repair 

Lifetime Warranty on All Repairs 

FOREIGN 

AND 

DOMESTIC 

4 Electrical Gremlins 

4 Engine and Transmission 

Overhauls 

4 Re-Sale and 

Consignments With 

an Ever-Changing 

Inventory 

4 All Cars Inspected by 

Our Shop 

Stop by for a visit at 1144 HIGUERA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO 93401 

Service ~ 545-9323 Parts ~ 540-3300 Sales ~ 545-9323 

www.sgsmotorsports.com 

Serving San Luis Obispo County Since 1982 

A Full Service Body Shop Where 

Quality is Never Sacrificed 

We Specialize in Insurance Claims 

Local Pick-up & Delivery 

2 

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3

COVER PHOTO 

by Bob Kitamura 

June 2013 

Coastalaire 

Porsche Club of America - California Central Coast Region 

John Mahoney, a ‘vetteguy 

helping our own, 

Chuck Jennings get started 

at our autocross. Chuck 

also has a ‘vette.What do 

they say about the apple 

falling from the tree! 

Contributors 

Andy Winterbottom 

George Shepard 

Editor 

Wind in the Willows III 

Gathering of Friends 

http://ccc.pca.org/ Teststrecke Porsche IV 

CALIFORNIA CENTRAL 

COAST REGION 

PORSCHE 

club of america 

Bob “Kit” Kitamura 

coastalaireeditor@gmail.com 

Associate Editors 

Bob “Milt” Worthy 

miltworthy@mac.com 

Jane Worthy 

janeworthy@yahoo.com 

Chuck Jennings 

concourschuck@gmail.com 

Staff Photography 

Chuck Jennings 

Webmaster 

Eriel Nash 

eriel@eriel.com 

June 2013 

The Coastalaire is available to all CCCR members 

on the website at http//ccc.pca.org/. 


Coastalaire 

In this issue 

Departments 

4.... .Club and Coastalaire Information 

4......CCCR Board Meetings 

5......Board of Directors 

5......Prez’s Corner 

6......Calendar of Events 

7......Editor’s Exhaust 

16....Porsche Tech 

18....Anniversaries 

18....New Members 

19....Advertiser Index-Rates 

20....Breakfast Club 

Club Events 

8......Teststrecke Porsche IV 

10....Gathering of Friends 

19....A Drive Up to the Castle 

Past Club Events 

9......Solvang to Santa Barbara 

14....Teststrecke Porsche III 

Feature Stories 

13....Festival of Speed 

Member Services 

Classified Ads 

Classified ads are posted in the CCCR 

PCA website at http://ccc.pca.org/. Submit 

your text and photo (if required) by 

email to: Bob Kitamura at 

coastalaireeditor@gmail.com. The editor 

reserves the right to edit the ad if it is over 

40 words. The ad is Free To Members. 

CCCR / PCA Mailing Address : 

California Central Coast Region of 

Porsche Club of America (CCCR/PCA) 

278 Via San Blas 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-6976 

CCCR Name Badge 

California Central Coast Member Name Badges. Your Beautiful 5-color CCCR Cost 

for standard badge with pin closure or optional swivel clip: $12.50, First Name, Last 

Name, Optional 3rd lines.-Your office within the club: Historian. Your model of 

Porsche: 356 Roadster (for example). To order: Print (or type) your First Name and 

Last Name the way you want it to appear on your name badge and send, together with 

a check for amount as determined above to: 

Dave Mills, 1191 Vista del Lago, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 

Questions? Call Dave at 805-547-1191, or email demills@charter.net 

Coastalaire is the official monthly publication of the Porsche Club of America, California Central 

Coast Region. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent 

the official position of the California Central Coast Region of the Porsche Club of America, its officers 

or members. Permission is granted to charter regions to reprint if appropriate credit is given 

to the author and Coastalaire, with the exception of copyrighted material. Any material appearing 

in the Coastalaire is that of the author, and does not constitute an opinion of the Porsche Club of 

America, the California Central Coast Region, its Board or Appointees, the Coastalaire Editors, 

or its staff. The Editorial Staff reserves the right to edit all material submitted for publication. 

The deadline for submission of articles is the 5th of the month preceding the month of publication. 

4

Board of Directors 

Chuck Jennings - President 

805-459-7416 

concourschuck@gmail.com 

Andy Winterbottom - Vice-President 

847-219-2964 

awinterbottom@sbcglobal.net 

Ken Finney - Treasurer 

805-542-9671 

klf4slo9ers@charter.net 

Sanja Brewer - Secretary 

805-541-9245 

sbrewer@eyesonly.com 

Rich Halvorson - Activity Director 

805-710-2704 

halvster@aol.com 

Teresa Halvorson - Activity Director 

halvster33@msn.com 

Eric Ruzius - Driving Events 

805-786-2135 

eric_ruzius@hotmail.com 

Jon Milledge - Chief Driving Instructor 

805-528-1665 

jon.milledge@me.com 

Joe Korpiel - Membership 

805-927-1244 

jkorpiel@charter.net 

Gary Thies - Safety 

805-489-4535 

geta356@yahoo.com 

Bruce Bero - Past-President 

805-441-1800 

bbmed@charter.net 


Prez’s Corner 

Chuck Jennings, President 

Here’s a scenario. You’re ol’ college roommate and best friend 

from the class of 1972 who has never seen California. He (or 

she) flies out from Poughkeepsie for a visit in September. 

Of course, you have to give him (or her) the E-Ticket tour 

of the Central Coast, including Montana de Oro, Morro 

Rock, Cambria, Hearst Castle, and all the wineries between 

Highway One and Shandon. 

While cresting the grade on Highway 46 between Cambria 

and Paso Robles, you point out the gorgeous view of Estero 

Bay and Morro Rock. A few miles further east, your friend, 

breathless from the view, sees a sign along the road – Adopt 

a Highway • California Central Coast Region • Porsche Club 

of America – and he (or she) manages to choke out something 

like, “Hey! Aren’t you in that Porsche club?” And you say, 

“Ya. That’s us. We adopted the next two miles. Every other 

month, a group of us comes out here and picks up the litter. 

We like to keep this stretch of 46 as beautiful as the rest of 

the view.” Your friend looks at you admiringly, nods his (or 

her) approval, looks back at the view, and says, “Wow! Good 

for you!” 

This scenario may not be as far fetched as you might think. 

Responding to a thoughtful proposal by Dave Mills at our 

meeting on May 1, your board of directors gave Dave the 

green light to apply for the Adopt-a-Highway Program with 

the State of California’s Department of Transportation. Since 

CCCR often tours Highways 41, 46, and 58, Dave is going 

to request for a flat and highly visible two-mile section along 

one of these routes. 

Here’s your chance to help preserve our pristine environment 

while promoting CCCR and the Porsche brand. We will need 

enough volunteers to schedule four workers for a few hours 

every two months, six times a year. We would be honored 

to put you on our crew for whatever time you can give. If 

you would like to help us in this effort, please contact me 

at concourschuck@gmail.com or 805-459-7416, or contact 

Dave Mills at demills@charter.net or 805-547-119. 

Board Meetings 

All members are welcome to attend the CCCR Board Meetings. 

Time is available for non-board members to have input during these 

meetings. 

Location Date and Time 

San Luis Obispo First Wednesday of the month 

Country Club at 6:30 PM 

255 Country Club Dr. 

San Luis Obispo 

Approved copies of the Board Meeting minutes are located 

on the CCCR website at http://ccc.pca.org/ 

5

2013 Calendar of Events 

DATE TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION INFO / CONTACT 

6/5 6:30 PM Board Meeting SLO Country Club 

6/7 thru 9 varies 

SLO Concours 

de'Elegance 

varies 

6/8 9:00 AM Breakfast Club Scottys, Pismo Beach See Back Cover 

6/14 thru 16 varies Classic Car Show Pismo Beach 

6/22 7:00 AM Teststrecke Porsche IV Santa Maria Airport See Page 8 

6/23 thru 29 varies Porsche Parade Michigan 



7/14 7:00 AM Gathering of Friends Laguna Lake, SLO See Page 10 



8/24 TBA Polo and Porsches Santa Barbara 



9/21 7:00 AM Teststrecke Porsche V Santa Maria Airport 


10/3-10/6 7:00 AM XKs Unlimited Anniv. SLO 


10/26 9:00 AM 

A Drive Up to the 

Castle II 

Hearst Castle, San 

Simeon 

November TBA New Member BBQ 





December TBA Holiday Party TBA 


2013 Activity Directors - Rich and Teresa Halvorson 

Rich - 805-710-2704 

halvster@aol.com 

Teresa - halvster33@msn.com 

6

Editor’s Exhaust 

Bob “Kit” Kitamura, Editor 

Well here we are, another exciting moment in the history 

of our club’s newsletter. This is our first full color 

offset printed copy, we are now one of the “big boys”. 

For the same price as we have been doing ourselves 

on a copier. Now Milt Worthy can have the rest of his 

garage back, which probably means another car. All of 

us should have a seven-car garage! I mentioned this in 

last month’s issue but I thought I would ask again. We 

are looking for more story writers about our club events 

and trips for the newsletter. Also if you take photos at 

our many events, please send them to me. 

With half the year on us, there are some great events 

coming up, another autocross, Teststrecke Porsche 

IV, the San Luis Obispo Concours and Gathering of 

Friends. October 26 th will be the date for another Drive 

Up to the Castle. More details and how to sign up will 

be posted in the August issue of our newsletter. It is the 


start of car shows on the Central Coast whether you 

are into European classics or American muscle, they 

are all here. For those of you that are new to the area, 

every Saturday morning the Pismo Derelics meet down 

in Pismo at the OSH/Ross shopping center, http://www. 

pismoderelicts.com/. It is well worth the look. And 

don’t forget our very own Breakfast at Scotty’s on the 

second Saturday of every month at 9 AM. Join 30 to 

40 or more fellow Porsche club members for a cup of 

coffee or full-blown breakfast. There is something for 

everyone in the club. 

Also, make sure that you check out our sponsors and 

advertisers. Use them when you have a need for one of 

them. They help to bring you this publication monthly 

and we are very greatful. 

See you at one of our events! 

7

arrival time 

CCCR -PCA presents 

U T O C R O S S 2013 

Arrive at 7 AM for registration. Because 

of TSA requirements, once you leave the 

site, you cannot return. All entrants must 

be on the premises by 9 AM. We will 

have portable toilets on site. Directions 

to the site on MotorsportsReg.com 

insurance requirements 

Teststrecke Porsche IV @ Santa Maria Airport - PCA Zone 8 Rules 

All car occupants must wear a Snell 

approved helmet (SA, SAH, K or M), 

which has the current available Snell 

rating or the one previous Snell rating; 

Expiring helmets shall be acceptable 

until June 30 of the year after 

the new standard; You must show 

your helmet at Tech. We will try to 

have a limited number of loaner 

helmets available. 

Saturday June 22 

Registration opens May 1, for PCA members 

June 8, for non-PCA members 


checklist 

Be sure to the check oil, 

Set the tire pressure 

Fill up on gas 

Bring food & water. We will also 

have a catering truck on site where 

you can purchase food. 

We suggest wearing a long sleeved 

cotton shirt and comfortable cotton 

pants with shoes with good traction 

soles without having large lugs on the 

tread. Smooth tread rubber or leather 

is best 

PorschE 

santa barbara 

is a major sponsor 

for this event 

registration - a Zone 8 Autocross run by PCA Zone 8 Rules (http://zone8.pca.org/rules/2013/2013Z8Rules.pdf) 

The single-day CCCR autocross registration opens May 1st, for PCA members. June 8th, for non-PCA members. The fee is $50 PCA Members, $60 

Non-PCA Members. Registration is done via MotorsportReg.com. To register, you need to go to the MotorsportReg.com home page. If you do not 

have a MotorsportReg.com personal account, you must first establish one. On the first MotorsportReg.com page, you will see on the right hand side, 

“Create an Account”. Click on “Create an account now”. The website will lead you through the account creation process. It will then return you to 

the “Dashboard”. We will accept only 54 entries. This normally means all entrants get 7 runs. 

Before registering for the event, you must click on the tab “My Account” in the upper right. Be sure to list your car in the “Garage” section. 

Now that you have a personal account and are logged in, you should go to the “Dashboard” by clicking on the “Dashboard” tab in the upper right. 

At the “Dashboard”, you should scroll down to our event on June 22, “PCA – California Central Coast” at Santa Maria Airport. 

8

Solvang to Santa Barbara 

April 27th was a perfect day for touring the Central 

Coast. Approximately twenty CCCR members departed 

Pismo Beach for Solvang’s Vintage Motorcycle Museum. 

An impressive collection of immaculately restored 

“bikes” of many different makes and models stirred 

several of our members to reminisce about their rides 

of yesteryear. If you have fond memories of balancing 

on two wheels with an engine between your knees, this 

museum is well worth a visit. 

The drive on Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass to 

Santa Barbara featured clear skies, warm sunshine, ten 

Porsches, and not a single CHP. Now, add that this was 

my first ride in Jim Eckford’s open 2004 911 GT and it 

just doesn’t get any better than that. 

In celebration of the arrival of the newest iteration of the 

Cayman, the folks at Porsche Santa Barbara greeted us 

with a tasty buffet of culinary treats of finger sandwiches 

and a mixed-fruit cobbler that demanded seconds or 

thirds. Of course, the driver’s seat of the new Cayman 

on the showroom floor was never allowed to cool to 

room temperature. Most of us left our “impression”. 


by Chuck Jennings 

Lori Betz meets James Dean 

As part of the festivities, PSB gave everyone a free 

raffle ticket to win a very “techy” set of Porsche 

hard-case luggage that got almost as much admiration 

as the new Cayman. Shortly before the 

PSB hostess announced the winning numbr, I 

showed her my ticket and jokingly asked if I had 

the winner. She smiled awkwardly. And then, the 

most unlikely thing happened. I tried to explain to 

anyone who would listen that I was the last person 

expected to win. I had not won a raffle or lottery 

since I was nine years old. This was embarassing. 

I couldn’t squeeze the hard luggage into Jim Eckford’s 

GT. Graciously, Jim and Chris van Beveren 

offered the trunk of their Carrera. My embarrassment 

slightly faded on the ride home. After 

all, it was a perfect day. 

9

Greetings to All European Car and Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts 

The Central Coast Region of the Porsche Club of America in conjunction with the Central Coast 356 Porsche Club are 

pleased to announce the Seventh Annual GATHERING OF FRIENDS Concours de Elegance for all European Cars 

and Vintage Motorcycles. We will again meet to enjoy many beautiful machines and raise funds in support of the local 

programs of Camp Hapitok, the Kiwanis Youth Fund and the Boy Scouts of America. We will gather on the grass, at 

lakeside, in the beautiful Laguna Lake Park in San Luis Obispo, on Sunday, July 14, 2013. 

This year’s show continues as a fun, low-key and gregarious People’s Choice event, truly a GATHERING OF 

FRIENDS. If you own a European Car of any make and year or any Vintage Motorcycle, you are cordially invited to 

enter and support this very special fund raising charitable car and motorcycle show. 

The entrants will again vote on a People’s Choice ballot and this will determine the award winners in all categories. 

Note: All entrants will receive two ballots for each car or motorcycle entered. 

With over 145 entries at last year’s 2012 event, there were many seldom seen historic vehicles on display. The 

majority of the California central coast’s European car groups were represented with cars entered from the Central 

Coast Region Porsche Club of America, Sons of Lucas (British Cars), Central Coast Vintage VW Club, Central Coast 

356 Club, Central Coast Jaguar Club and the local Mercedes Benz Club. 

This year's CAR classes will offer for the first time, a choice for owners of unrestored or “barn find” machines, offer the 

trucks/buses/vans their own class, a class for replica-cars and a unique show opportunity for some very interesting 

race cars. MOTORCYCLES have also been regrouped this year with three classes. Don’t miss out, as this is a great 

opportunity to see wonderful machines, visit with friends and enjoy a fantastic BBQ lunch. 


2013 GATHERING OF FRIENDS VII CLASSES 

CARS (EXCEPT FOR RACE CARS, ALL CAR ENTRIES MUST BE DRIVEN ONTO THE FIELD.) 

CLASS A RACE CARS All makes, types and years. 

CLASS B UNRESTORED/BARN FINDS All European makes and body types to 1980. 

CLASS C BUSES/TRUCKS/VANS All European makes and years. 

CLASS D VINTAGE PRE-1951 CARS All European makes and body types. 

CLASS E GOLDEN AGE 1951-1970 SPORTS CARS All European makes. 

CLASS F GOLDEN AGE 1951-1970 SEDANS All European incl. coupes/wagons/convertibles. 

CLASS G MODERN ERA 1971-1990 SPORTS CARS All European makes. 

CLASS H MODERN ERA 1971-1990 SEDANS All European incl. coupes/wagons/convertibles. 

CLASS I CONTEMPORARY 1991-PRESENT SPORTS CARS All European makes. 

CLASS J CONTEMPORARY 1991-PRESENT SEDANS All European incl. coupes/wagons/convertibles. 

CLASS X REPLICA-CARS All makes and years of European brands. 

MOTORCYCLES 

CLASS M1 WWII PRE-1945 All makes and models. 

CLASS M2 CLASSICS 1946-1970 All makes and models. 

CLASS M3 1971-PRESENT All makes and models. 

10


2013 GATHERING OF FRIENDS VII 

WHERE: The GOF Show site is set within Laguna Lake Park in the city of San Luis Obispo. Exit Highway 101 onto 

Madonna Road. Head southwest approximately three-fourths of a mile to the park entrance, which will be a 

right turn at the Dalidio Drive traffic light. Continue on the park road approximately one-fourth mile and turn left 

to show site entrance. A perfect setting for a Concours, cars will be on the grass and near the lake. Note: 

There are many restaurants and motels in the area outside and adjacent to the park as well as downtown 

San Luis Obispo. Free parking, children’s play area and restrooms are available at the site. 

WHEN: Date Sunday, July 14, 2013 

7:00 AM Gates / field open for car placement. 

7:00-9:00 Car placement and light cleaning. 

9:00-12:30 Judging and Peoples Choice balloting. 

12:30 Ballots returned and lunch served. 

2:30PM Award Presentations. 

OUR CHARITY: Sponsored by the SLO County Office of Education, Camp Hapitok opened in 1970 and has since 

provided an intensive educational program for elementary school students with communication disabilities. 

Local high school students, dedicating a month of their summer break, assist the teachers and staff with all 

Hapitok campers. These local high school student counselors work, eat, sleep and provide guidance to all of 

their special campers. This strong bond provides the additional motivation for the campers to practice and 

refine their communication skills. 

OUR LUNCHEON: Local San Luis County youth programs will also benefit when you purchase a BBQ Luncheon 

ticket. The local Kiwanis de Tolosa Club is famous for their catering expertise and will offer a luncheon menu 

with appetizers, BBQ tri-tip, BBQ chicken, salad, beans, bread and a drink. The cost is $20 per person. Local 

Boy Scouts will sell bottled water, coffee and donuts in the morning starting at 7:30AM. 

-------------------------------- Cut Here --------------------------- Cut Here --------------------------- Cut Here -------------------------------- 

- PLEASE PRINT - 

Name ___________________________________________________ Phone ______-______________ 

Mailing Address _________________________________ City __________________________________ 

State _______________ Zip Code _________ Email _____________________________________ 

Make of Car _______________________________ Year __________ Body Type _________________ 

Color _________________________ Class ______________ 

Entry Fee $25 per Car x ___________ = $__________ (100% to Camp Hapitok) 

BBQ Lunch $20 per Person x ________ = $ __________ (all proceeds to Kiwanis youth fund) 

TOTAL = $ __________ 

Make check payable to CCCR-PCA CHARITY and mail along with entry form to: 

H Miller 

1284 Alder Court 

San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-7801 

All entries will receive return confirmation with entry number. 

11

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MOTORSPORT 

Auto Repair & Restoration 

Jason Len 

Restoration & Service Manager 

Email: shop@xks.com 

(805) 594-1585 • (800) 444-5247 • FAX (805) 544-1664 

850 Fiero Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 USA 

A Division Of XKs Unlimited, Inc. 


Jaguar, British and 

European Sports Car Specialist 

www.xksmotorsport.com 

Jim Major 

jim@hyckers.com 

(925) 787-0634 

mobile 

(805) 927-5524 

office 

Manufacturing 

Services 

Printed Circuit Board Design 

Fabrication & Assembly 

Cable Assemblies 

Buying or Selling Real 

Estate 

35 Years Experience in 

Real Estate and 

Mortgage Lending 

Referrals Greatly 

Appreciated 

member of CCCR-PCA 

FREE LIST OF FORECLOSURES 

www.mypremieragent.com 

12

FESTIVAL OF 

SPEED 2013 

Story by Andy Winterbottom Photos by George Shepard 

CCCR-PCA VP, Andy Winterbottom, and member, George 

Shepard, had a chance to attend the recent Festival of Speed in 

Ontario, California; Andy as a participant and George as a spectator. 

Andy’s account of the event follows with all of the photos taken by 

George unless noted. 

We had great weather, dry and cool with cool being great for those 

in driver’s suits in the race cars. As one of the highlights of the 

event, the festival officials organized a literal line up on the track 

(side by side) of the 50 years of the 911 from 1964 to 2013. 

The track events included the Pirelli GT3 Cup with two Club 

Race run groups and two Time Trial run groups and over 100 

entrants in all. Traffic in the run groups was about right with 

enough for passing (and being passed) but not too many to 

clog up the track. There was open passing on the oval with a 

courtesy point-by on the road course straights but not as much 

passing in the turns for those in the time trials. I briefly followed 

a 2013-991 Carrera S on the infield turns and it bobbled in 

the tight turns as one might expect a “street” Porsche to do. 

This year for the first time, the PCA and POC ran together at the 

same event and they all played nice together. The San Diego 

Region organized the event and did the “grunt” work for this 

event, many thanks to their event organizer and CDI (whom I 

garaged next to) for a very successful 2013 Festival of Speed. 

Turn two on the banked oval remains scary (as in “pucker 

factor”) especially approaching it between 150 and 160 

mph, feathering the throttle and watching that big bad 

wall at the top of the bank, made me clinch every time. 

I spun out once coming out of turn 6 (double apex), I gathered 

my wits and re-entered the track between traffic and went 

to the black flag station. The black flag guy said, “why 

are you here.” Obviously, the corner workers didn’t see or 

report my faux pas. Just remember: “Two feet in - in a spin”. 

We were staged (before starting the session) according to 

our run times in three lines: Not as Fast, Faster, Fastest. I ran 

about midpack in the Red group of the Time Trialers with 

my best time of 1:55 (Last year, my fastest lap was 1:53.40) 

By the way, there is some great shopping in the Ontario Center. 

But that is a story for another day. 


4 

5 

7 

1 

2 

3 

6 

1. Parade of Porsches 

2. 50 911’s 

3. Infield 

4. Selling Parts 

5. Andy’s GT2 

6. California Speedway Tower 

7. George Shepard’s favorite 

Porsche 

California Speedway 

13

U T O C R O S S 2013 

Not quite as impassioned (nor as insane) as those who 

participate in the running of the bulls in Pamplona, 53 

eager drivers arrived at the Santa Maria Airport at the 

crack of dawn on April 20 for CCCR’s first autocross 

event of 2013, Testrecke III. Porsche entries included 

32 cars ranging in flavors from Clint Smith’s very quick 

356 to Mike Brown’s electric-conversion 914 to Jim 

Lokey’s 2013 911 4S. Fastest time of the day belonged 

to Tom Dobyns and his 2002 Corvette Z06 at 57. 053. 

The fastest Porsche time was run by Charlie Buzzetti 

in his 1987 Spec 944 at 61.136, closely followed by 

Chuck Jennings in his 2001 Turbo at 61.294. 

1 

2 


Teststrecke Porsche III @ Santa Maria Airport 

Story by Phlatt Tyerre 

3 

4 

Autocross events require considerable human-hours 

of preparation and on-site coordination. Jon Milledge, 

Eric Ruzius, and Chuck Jennings deserving the greatest 

appreciation, heading the team with their noses closest 

and longest to the grindstone. All entrants worked but 

got to drive. Volunteers that didn’t get to drive were: 

Alice Ober, Vicki Milledge, Bob Kitamura, Gary Thies. 

Vicki Milledge and Alice Ober persevered the tedious 

and painstaking timing duties for the entire event. Other 

CCCR members who graciously contributed included 

Dave Bundy, Bob Kitamura, Ken Finney, Paul and 

Susan Insch, Dave Mills, Bruce Bero, Gary Enoch, Bob 

Bruington, Mike Brown, Ken Shinpo, Warren White, 

Gary Thies, Guy, and Chuck Jennings. 

14

5 6 

7 

U T O C R O S S 2013 

Teststrecke Porsche III @ Santa Maria Airport 

9 10 

1. 911’s in the Hole (phoyo by Kitamura) 

2 Guy’s 944 Getting Started (photo by Kitamura) 

3. 944 Coming Into a Turn (photo by Kitamura) 

4. The Sole 991 coming into the Gate (photo by 

Kitamura) 

5. Craig Smith heading out onto the course (photo by 

Kitamura) 

6. Brown’s All-Electric 914 Getting Started (photo by 


Kitamura) 

7. “You Can Push Me Around the Course!” (photo by 

Kitamura) 

8. Ken, Ken and Warren Taking a Break (photo by Frank 

Cowan) 

9. Not a Bad Time (photo by Frank Cowan) 

10. Our Timers...Vicki and Alice (photo by Frank Cowan) 

8 

15

PORSCHE TECH 

The Bad, the Ugly and the Good by Pedro P. Bonilla (GCR PCA) 

If you own a Boxster, a Cayman, or a water-cooled 

Carrera up through model year 2008 (inclusive), this 

should interest you. 

INSERT Porsches.jpg HERE 

I’ll try to dispel the myths from the facts and tell it 

to you straight, as we believe it to be true. First read 

through the bad and the ugly; you need to understand it, 

but I promise there’s a good as well at the end. 

THE BAD 

Single Row Bearing 


• All M96 and M97 

engines have an 

intermediate shaft, 

supported by bearings 

on both ends. A 

small (but important) 

percentage of these 

cars are known to 

have issues with the 

intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing nearest the flywheel. 

This end of the IMS, in contrast to the other end does 

not receive pressure fed 

oil for lubrication, hence 

the failures. 

• The list of the M96/M97 

shod cars includes all 

Boxsters (’97 - ’08), all 

Caymans (’06 -’08) and 

all Carreras (’99 -’08) 

- except the Turbo, the 

GT2 and the GT3 which 

share the old air-cooled 

engine design based on 

Porsches 

Failed Double Row 

the 964 engine case. 

• These IMS bearings have been known to fail with as 

little as 5,000 miles while at the same time there are 

vehicles with 250,000 plus miles still on the original 

bearing. 

• Porsche made the first revision of the IMS bearing in 

model year 2000 going from a double-row bearing in 

the earlier models to a single-row bearing. 

• Porsche made the second revision of the IMS bearing 

in model year 2006 going to a much larger single-row 

bearing. 

• The single-row shod cars (’01 – ‘05) have the highest 

failure rates. 

• All of the three IMS 

bearings Porsche installed 

in the M96 and M97 

engines have been known 

to fail. 

• The double-row and 

single-row (up to ’06) can 

be extracted and replaced 

without having to remove 

the engine from the car, just the transmission. 

Bearing & Flange 

• The larger single-row (’06-’08) cannot be extracted 

from the engine without removing the engine and 

opening the engine case. 

• Porsche has never acknow-ledged that there was an 

issue with the IMS bearing and its design, but for model 

year 2009 the factory introduced a brand new engine, 

the MA1, which does not have an intermediate shaft 

(IMS) nor the IMS bearing. 

• Cars that are driven regularly and driven hard have 

less IMS bearing failures that those that are babied and 

sit in a garage or are not tracked or driven spiritedly. 

• If the IMS bearing fails the most likely result is 

catastrophic engine failure. 

• The intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing in all of these 

cars needs to be treated as a wear item, replaced roughly 

every 50,000 miles. 

• Every time you replace the clutch (or drop the 

transmission) it is recommended that you check/replace 

the IMS bearing. 

(Continued on next page) 

16

PORSCHE TECH 

THE UGLY 

What’s the percentage of failure? 

On the model years 2000 through 2005 (which use the 

smaller, single-row IMS bearing and have the worst 

track record) the failure rate is accepted at nearly 10% 

of all cars by the time they reach 100,000 miles. 

Why do these bearings fail? 

The simple answer is lack of proper lubrication. Porsche 

installed these IMS bearings completely sealed with 

lifetime grease. With time, heat and a little splash of 

rancid oil found inside the IMS, the grease dissolves 

and the bearing dries out. Very soon thereafter it starts 

to overheat and starts to wear the race and or the balls, 

eventually leading to catastrophic failure. 

The opposite side of the IMS is also supported by a 

bearing which is constantly lubricated with a stream of 

oil from one of the oil pumps. This bearing has never 

been known to fail. 

What can be done? 

Catastrophic 

There are several manufacturers that offer replacement 

aftermarket IMS bearings (including ceramic ball 

bearings). I want to let it be known that replacing the 


IMS bearing does not cure the problem, it just treats the 

symptom, like a (temporary) pain killer. 

These aftermarket bearings (including the stronger and 

more efficient ceramic-ball types) are also recommended 

to be replaced every 50,000 miles and also have been 

known to fail as well. 

THE GOOD 

To get to the good part, and it’s really good, please 

check out the next issue where we will explain about 

the FINAL (and affordable) IMS bearing solution. 

To learn more about the IMS and more, please visit my 

website at: wwwPedrosGarage.com. 

Happy Porscheing, 

Pedro 

Ⓒ2013 Technolab / PedrosGarage.com 

Worried about IMS failure? 

We have the IMS Guardian 

DIY Kit in stock, ready to ship. 

The only engine pre-failure 

warning system on the 

market for M96/M97 

Porsche engines 

The Kit includes a step-by-step DVD installation guide 

Call 954.385.0330 technolab/pedrosgarage 

Florida Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPI) 

FREE DIY tutorials 

and technical info 

on our website. 

technolab 

PedrosGarage 

We also offer: ECU Tuning, Bored TBs,HID/LED 

Performance Parts, Brake Caliper Restoration & Painting, 

AX & DE Magnetic Bras and Numbers, much more. 

954.385.0330 • www.PedrosGarage.com 

17

ANNIVERSARIES 

JUNE 

Stan & Jean Fiorentino………………...28 

Rick & Pat January…………………….18 

Jack & Barbara Keely………………….17 

Norman Hollinger……………………...16 

Rob & Patty Robinson…………………16 

Michele Smith………………………….16 

Paul & Brenda Piazza…………………..12 

David & Alice Dietderich…………........11 

John & Linda Olson…………………….10 

Stuart & Lainie Wachter………………..10 

Russell Zink…………………………….10 

Bruce Smith…………………………….. 9 

Craig & Deborah Smith………………….9 

Delores Smith……………………………9 

Suzanne Curtis…………………………...8 

James & Marian Lopes…………………..8 

Alaina Stahlman………………………….8 

John & Glenda Green……………………7 

Parker Irving……………………………..7 

Arch Woodward………………………….4 

Mariejeanne De Grier……………………3 

Allan Gelber……………………………..3 

David & Heather Hurth………………….3 

Jim & Roberta Major…………………….3 

Bob & Mary Stake……………………….2 

John Bernard……………………………..1 

Thomas Goerlitz………………………….1 

Keith & Kathleen Hanlin…………………1 

Kate McConkey…………………………..1 


NEW MEMBERS 

New Members for April 

Jack M. & Dianne Ravin 

Morro Bay 

Green 2001 911 Carrera 

James S. & Jaymi Wilkes 

Atascadero 

Black 2004 911 Carrera 4S 

Robert Lee Wong, Jr. 

Pismo Beach 

2012 911 Carrera 

Stephen R. Heinrichs 

Burlingame 

1954 Speedster 

1959 356 Coupe 

1965 356 Coupe 

1989 911 

TO THE CCCR 

PORSCHE CLUB OF 

AMERICA! 

18

ADVERTISER 

DIRECTORY 

2.........SGS 

2.........Vintage Autobody 

3.........Porsche Santa Barbara 

7.........Urgent Care Morro Bay 

12.......Friends of Hearst Castle 

12.......Fed Ex Office 

12.......XKS Motorsports 

12.......Rich Halvorson 

12.......German Auto 

12.......Select Electric 

12.......BMW of Santa Maria 

12.......Manufacturing Services 

15.......Pedro’s Garage 

18.......Worthy Associates 

20.......The Tire Store 

20.......Porsche Santa Barbara 


COASTALAIRE 2012 Yearly Advertising Rates 

All rates are for 12 monthly issues from the date started. 

Full Page.....$ 950 / year Half page..............................$ 600 / year 

1/4 page.....$ 400 / year 1/8 page or Business Card $ 300 / year 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS. Their support of our club is 

greatly appreciated so you are encouraged to to make your first call to those 

advertising in the Coastalaire. Let them know that you saw their ad in the 

Coastalaire. We also encourage you to advertise your business in the Coastalaire. 

If you are interested please contact Bruce Bero at 805-544-2376 (bbmed@ 

charter.net) or Sanja Brewer at 805-541-9245 (sbrewer@eyesonly.com). 

A DRIVE UP TO 

THE CASTLE II 

Coming up later this year 

will be another opportunity 

to drive up to Hearst Castle. It 

will once again be a limited 

number of cars. So stay 

tuned in. 

19

Coastalaire 

350 Piney Lane 

Morro Bay, CA 93442 


Come out on the 

second Saturday 

of the month at 

9 AM and join us 

for a great time of 

food and talk. 

750 Price St. 

Pismo Beach, CA 

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20

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