Porsche 911 Specialist in High Wycombe
The 911 is the car most of our work revolves around. Lawrence McGovern has been working on them for more than 40 years, from air-cooled classics to the water-cooled 996, 997 and 991, and every 911 that comes into the workshop in High Wycombe is looked after by people who know that generation’s strengths and weak points.
Every 911 generation, air-cooled and water-cooled
We see every kind of 911, but most of our work is on these:
- Air-cooled 911s (1964 to 1998): the early cars, the impact-bumper 911 SC and 3.2 Carrera, the 964 and the 993, the last of the air-cooled line
- 996 (1997 to 2004 for the Carrera): the first water-cooled 911
- 997 (2004 to 2012): the 997.1 and the 997.2, which brought a new engine without an IMS bearing
- 991 (2011 to 2019): the 991.1 and the turbocharged 991.2 Carreras
Turbo and GT models of each generation are welcome too. For the classics, see our air-cooled Porsche servicing page.
What we look out for on each generation
Each 911 has its own list. Air-cooled cars need their oil, valve clearances and ageing fuel lines and seals looked after properly. On the 996 and 997.1, the M96 and M97 engines bring the IMS bearing, bore scoring, rear main seal leaks and clogged front radiators. Mezger-engined Turbos and GT3s have coolant pipes worth pinning. The 997.2 and 991 are simpler in that respect, but their PDK gearboxes need servicing on schedule.
Our guides to the most common 996 problems, the 997.1 and the 991 go into the detail.
Servicing, repairs and rebuilds
Every 911 is serviced to Porsche’s schedule for that car, with genuine Porsche parts as standard, Mobil lubricants and PIWIS 4 diagnostics. If something needs more than a service, we handle repairs, diagnostics and engine and gearbox rebuilds in the same workshop. We’ll talk you through the parts options where there’s a real choice, but Lawrence only fits parts he knows will last.
Buying a 911
A 911’s history and condition matter far more than its mileage. Before you commit, a pre-purchase inspection at the workshop tells you what you’re really buying, from the over-rev record to the jobs that are due. Our 997.2 buyer’s guide shows what we check.
Common questions
Which Porsche 911s do you work on?
Every 911, from the early air-cooled cars to the 991. Most of the cars we see are 964s, 993s, 996s, 997s and 991s, including Turbo and GT models.
Does my 911 have an IMS bearing?
Only if it has an M96 or M97 engine: the 996 Carrera models and the 997.1 Carreras. Turbo and GT models use a different engine, and the 997.2 and 991 have no IMS bearing at all.
Do you still service air-cooled 911s?
Yes. Air-cooled cars have been part of Chelsea Carrera from the start, and Lawrence has worked on them since they were everyday cars.
Can you collect my 911 from London?
Yes. We collect and deliver cars for London clients, so the trip to High Wycombe doesn’t have to be yours.
Opening Times
We’re here throughout the week to help with all your Porsche servicing, maintenance, and inspection needs.
- Mon-Fri: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
- Saturday: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
- Sunday: Closed
Book your 911 in
Call us with the model, year and mileage, and Lawrence will tell you what’s due and how we’d approach it. If you’re in London, we can collect your 911 and deliver it back afterwards.
