Frequently Asked Questions
Porsche Expertise, Without the Guesswork
Longtail Engineering specializes in the service, repair, and mechanical restoration of classic European performance and exotic cars, with a particular focus on air-cooled Porsche automobiles.
Our work is centered on the systems that make these cars function properly—from engines and transmissions to fuel injection, ignition, suspension, brakes, and complex electrical faults. We approach every vehicle with the understanding that a decades-old Porsche deserves more than parts replacement and guesswork.
What types of cars does Longtail Engineering specialize in?
Our specialty is classic European performance and exotic automobiles, with an emphasis on air-cooled Porsche. We have a particular appreciation for the engineering, character, and mechanical intricacies of classic Porsches, including the 356, 912, 911, 914, 930 Turbo, and other air-cooled models. We also service select Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and other European vehicles where our experience and equipment are a good fit. If you're unsure whether your car is something we work on, contact us. We're happy to discuss it.
Do you specialize in air-cooled Porsches?
Yes. Air-cooled Porsche is at the heart of what we do. These cars have their own language—mechanically, electrically, and diagnostically. Properly servicing them requires an understanding of how the systems were originally designed, how they age, and how decades of previous repairs or modifications can affect their operation. Whether your Porsche needs routine maintenance, troubleshooting, major mechanical repair, or a complete mechanical recommissioning, we approach the car with its original engineering in mind.
What Porsche models do you work on?
We primarily work with classic and air-cooled Porsche models, including:
- 356
- 912
- 914
- Early 911
- Carrera RS and other performance variants
- 930 Turbo
- 911 SC
- 3.2 Carrera
- 964
- 993
- Other classic Porsche models
What services do you offer?
Our work encompasses virtually every mechanical and electrical system in a classic vehicle.
This includes:
- Engine service and repair
- Engine rebuilds
- Transmission and gearbox repair
- Clutch service
- Fuel injection and carburetion
- Ignition systems
- Engine tuning and drivability
- Brake systems
- Suspension and steering
- Cooling systems
- Heating and ventilation
- Air conditioning
- Starting and charging systems
- Electrical diagnosis and repair
- Wiring and electrical troubleshooting
- Instrumentation and gauges
- Oil and fluid leaks
- Preventive maintenance
- Mechanical recommissioning
- Performance upgrades
- Pre-purchase inspections
- Troubleshooting difficult or intermittent problems
Do you work on cars that have been sitting for years?
Absolutely. A classic Porsche that has been sitting can require considerably more attention than simply installing a battery and attempting to start it. Fuel systems deteriorate, seals harden, brake components seize, electrical connections corrode, and fluids can degrade. We can evaluate a long-dormant vehicle, identify what it needs, and develop a sensible plan for safely bringing it back to life. Our goal isn't simply to make the engine run. It's to make the car safe, reliable, and mechanically sound.
My Porsche runs, but something isn't right. Can you diagnose it?
Yes. Diagnosis is a significant part of our work, particularly when dealing with classic cars where symptoms can have several possible causes. A hard-starting engine, for example, may involve fuel delivery, ignition, vacuum leaks, electrical faults, mechanical condition, or several issues at once. We take a systematic approach to diagnosis rather than replacing parts until the problem disappears.
Can you diagnose difficult electrical problems?
Yes. Electrical diagnostics and repair are an important part of our specialty. Classic European cars can develop complicated electrical problems as wiring, connectors, grounds, switches, relays, and accessories age. Previous modifications or repairs can add another layer of complexity. We troubleshoot the system to identify the actual fault rather than simply replacing components and hoping for the best.
Can you fix an electrical problem another shop couldn't find?
We're happy to take on challenging diagnostic work when the vehicle is a good fit for our shop. If you've already replaced several components without solving the problem, we'll want to understand what has been tested and what work has already been performed. Sometimes the most useful starting point is simply to stop replacing parts and start diagnosing the system.
Do you rebuild Porsche engines?
Yes. We perform major engine repairs and rebuilds on applicable classic Porsche engines. The appropriate course of action depends on the engine's condition, history, intended use, and what we discover during inspection. We don't recommend rebuilding an engine simply because it is old, nor do we recommend replacing components without understanding why they failed. Our goal is to determine what the engine actually needs and build a repair plan around that.
Do you rebuild Porsche transmissions?
Yes. We service and repair transmissions and gearboxes on applicable classic Porsche models. Transmission work may include diagnosis, teardown and inspection, synchronizer and gear replacement, bearing service, seals, adjustment, and other internal repairs as required.
Do you work on Porsche mechanical fuel injection?
Yes. We have experience diagnosing and servicing classic Porsche fuel-delivery systems, including mechanical fuel injection, carburetors, and related fuel and ignition systems. These systems often require careful diagnosis and adjustment rather than simply replacing components.
Can you repair oil leaks?
Yes. Oil leaks are common on older vehicles, particularly air-cooled Porsches, but not every leak requires the same repair. We'll identify the source, determine its severity, and recommend the appropriate course of action. With a classic Porsche, the goal isn't necessarily to make a decades-old engine look like it just left the factory. The goal is to address meaningful leaks correctly while keeping the repair appropriate to the vehicle.
Do you perform preventative maintenance?
Yes. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to enjoy a classic Porsche without constantly chasing problems.
Depending on the vehicle, we may inspect and service:
- Engine and transmission
- Fluids and filters
- Fuel system
- Ignition system
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Belts and hoses
- Electrical systems
- Cooling and heating systems
- Age-sensitive seals and components
Do you perform mechanical restorations?
Yes. While we do not perform cosmetic restoration, we specialize in mechanical and electrical restoration. That means we can help restore the systems that make a classic car function as it should—including its engine, transmission, fuel system, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical systems, and other mechanical components.
Do you perform bodywork or paint?
No. Longtail Engineering is strictly focused on mechanical and electrical work.
We do not perform:
- Bodywork
- Collision repair
- Rust repair
- Paint or repainting
- Cosmetic restoration
- Paint correction
Do you install or balance tires?
No. We do not perform tire mounting, balancing, or tire-related services. Our focus remains on the mechanical and electrical systems of the automobile.
Do you work on modified or upgraded Porsches?
Yes. Classic Porsches are frequently modified over their lifetime, whether through performance upgrades, suspension changes, engine modifications, aftermarket electronics, or previous repairs. We're comfortable evaluating modified vehicles and can diagnose problems involving both original and aftermarket systems. When modifications compromise reliability or functionality, we'll explain what we're seeing and discuss the available options.
Can you work on a Porsche that has been partially restored or disassembled?
Possibly. We regularly encounter vehicles that have been through multiple owners, shops, restorations, and modifications. Before accepting a partially disassembled project, we'll need to evaluate the vehicle, determine what parts and documentation are available, and understand what work has already been completed. Every project is different.
Do you perform pre-purchase inspections?
Yes. A pre-purchase inspection can be one of the most valuable investments you make when purchasing a classic Porsche. We can evaluate the vehicle's mechanical and electrical condition and identify issues that may not be obvious during a test drive. Our inspection is intended to give you a clearer understanding of what you're buying—not simply whether the car starts and drives.
Can you inspect a Porsche I'm considering buying from another state?
Potentially. The logistics depend on where the vehicle is located and whether the inspection can be accommodated. Contact us with the vehicle's location, year, model, and seller information and we'll let you know whether we can assist.
Can you work on a car another shop has already diagnosed?
Yes. However, we'll generally want to perform our own evaluation before recommending repairs. A diagnosis is only as useful as the testing behind it, and classic cars can develop multiple overlapping issues over time. Our approach is to verify the problem and establish what the vehicle actually needs.
Why can't you give me an exact repair price over the phone?
Because classic cars don't always cooperate with estimates made from across the room. A 40-year-old Porsche may have previous repairs, modifications, worn components, corrosion, unavailable parts, or problems that aren't visible until the vehicle is inspected. We'd rather give you an honest estimate based on what we actually find than an attractive number that changes once the car is apart. For diagnostic work, the first step may be determining the cause of the problem before an accurate repair estimate can be provided.
Will you contact me before performing additional work?
Yes. If we discover additional repairs outside the original scope of work, we'll communicate our findings and discuss the recommended next steps before proceeding. Our goal is to keep you informed throughout the process.
Do you install customer-supplied parts?
Customer-supplied parts are considered on a case-by-case basis. Classic European vehicles can be particularly sensitive to parts quality, specification, and fitment. Using the wrong component can create additional diagnostic or reliability issues. We'll discuss the situation with you before proceeding.
Do you guarantee that you can fix my car?
We can't promise a repair before the vehicle has been properly diagnosed. What we can promise is a thoughtful, methodical approach to understanding the problem and determining the appropriate repair. Sometimes the right answer is a straightforward repair. Sometimes it's a larger project. And occasionally, the most responsible recommendation is not to proceed. We'll tell you what we believe the car actually needs.
What We Don't Do
Longtail Engineering is intentionally focused. We specialize in mechanical and electrical service for classic European performance and exotic cars, particularly air-cooled Porsches.
We do not perform:
- Bodywork
- Collision Repair
- Rust Repair
- Paint
- Repainting
- Cosmetic Restoration
- Tire Services
Have a Classic Porsche That Needs Attention?
Whether your car needs routine service, difficult diagnosis, mechanical restoration, or a second set of expert eyes, we'd be happy to discuss it. Tell us about your car, what it's doing, and what you'd like to accomplish. We'll determine the best place to start.