Slipstream - August 2019

Tech Session Recap: The Porsche Physical
by Scott Kerfoot
photos provided by author and Michael Baynton
The almost monthly Maverick Region tech session
happened June 29 at the family-owned Porsche (and
other) shop Fifth Gear in Lewisville, focusing on “The
Porsche Physical.” While there were at least a few other
events happening on the same day, the 75 members in
attendance received the benefit of having the full staff
that are decades old. Conversations about how to detect
when things are wearing, whether replacements are DIY
jobs or better left to someone with the myriad of special
tools were common. Even topics such as where to look for
oil leaks, when a leak might be bad, and how some of the
common leaks are remedied came up for discussion.
from Fifth Gear on hand. The newly renovated shop,
with an updated waiting area, fresh and clean work area,
and--most importantly on this hot and humid morning--
awesome air conditioning throughout the building was a
great location for learning about our cars.
The entire Fifth
Gear staff was engaged
throughout the event,
imparting wisdom about
both water-cooled (left) and
air-cooled (right) Porsches,
which were separated by
Fifth Gear’s Wasser-Luft
line. Those on the right side
had great conversations
about how to give their
classics a physical while
those on the left stayed
focused on learning about
their modern machines
from the underside. Luckily,
the Maverick Region collectors in attendance who enjoy
both air and water helped keep us focused on what the
region is known for: building friendship across that line.
The level of detail in the Luft discussions was down to
bushings, bearings, and seals, with discussions on some of
the obvious and not-so-obvious parts that can wear on cars
On the Wasser side of the line, the conversations
focused on maintenance intervals, how to perform regular
maintenance, what things technicians see from a wear
perspective on modern cars, as well as discussions about
preparing for track or DE days.
A big thank you to the Fifth Gear staff, who prepared
great conversation points, had all their experts present,
answered lots of questions, and set up the shop to provide
a great tech session that was both comfortable and safe.
You can find out more about Fifth Gear here: https://
www.facebook.com/pg/FifthGearAutomotive/
30 August