do not open the timing cover if you do not hear a knock. so do not change chains as a precaution.
Water pumps can last almost forever on them.
don’t try anything with the gasket, …just buy a JDM EZ30D if and when the time comes. (importers ship,…they bury shipping in quoted prices, so call 4 that have them and get 4 different prices) 212hp used in Japan 99-2002 is correct with metal intake, later 250hp plastic suction power is not right.
stuff to replace now and then with new: OEM thermostat, OEM pcv valve, OEM rad cap. (none are on any table for planned replacement, … unfortunately).
if you have leaks, replace the valve cover gaskets / grommets, when it’s time to replace the spark plugs. This can be done by attaching each side of the engine,
(although some mechanics want to wean the engine, as the book says). you can buy whole kits of these gaskets as aftermarket, OEM is a pain as they have multiple part #’s for the same batch of rubber.
keep up with the fluid changes and don’t forget to change the front and rear diff lubes. (the good news: this is still an early car with easy-to-buy fluids, although the synthetics are nice)
remember: the alternator is rare and unique to this car. can’t be bought as a quality replacement at a parts store, so all they have is something that fits (to take money out of your wallet and leave you on the road angry with their happy warranty in hand your waiting for a flat bed).
if you ever need: buy a DB Electrical or a Maniac that is new. (these are popular aftermarket US SPEC 2001-2005 3.0 H6, 2005 a transfer to the new body).
but welcome to the forum, where all the cool H6 people in the universe discuss their awesome rides, porsche H6 be damned.
