Howdy,

I also have a 97 965, what kittysgreyvolvo said, especially the part about the timing belt and idlers, in case you didn't know the white block is an interference engine. If you don't know how many miles the timing belt has on it, I would change it, if you change the timing belt, you might consider the water pump also. Also info about 960 upgrades on Turbobricks.

There is a known problem with the fuel rail, the end facing the radiator, will leak fuel, due to vibration, mine did. As a stopgap measure while I looked for a fuel rail I cleaned the leaking part very well, mixed up some JB weld, and didn't drive it for a day and half, that was in 2011, and has held up ever since.I did find the fuel rail kit on Ebay.

One other non front end thing, I chased a CCU issue for a bit before reading about the dome light sampling port I took photos:

http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/darkdelta99/library/965%20CCu

I also need to do some front end work. The only strut inserts I could find were OEM/MOOG, I got mine from Tasca pn# 271911.

Mine has the original exhaust, I live in Georgia, no winter road salt exposure.

One other thing, if you have any weird electrical problems, accessory related IE: power windows, etc, consider the ignition switch, an easy repair. Battery unplugged (must have code for radio, if factory) steering wheel covers off, unscrew switch, replace, reverse operations, and Bob's your uncle!

Sorry, my replies didn't answer your queries, these are great road cars, if the front seats fail to move forward and back, post back, it's a no parts needed repair.

Enjoy your 97

Fred