redwing

which coupe would be best for a 911 first timer to use as a`3rd` car. I will not be doing any mechanicals myself.

Adrian

Dear Redwing,
I would not recommend a 964 C4 as a 3rd car nor as a first timer either. These things need to be driven and used and need some previous "driving in understeer situations" experience. Being AWD need sto be considered as well. If you do not need it then do not purchase it. I do not think a C2 is useful either as just a 3rd car. Personally for a 911 first timer, fairly bullet proof and lots of fun for the price plus bang for the buck, the 911SC is worth looking at. 1980 and up. Since I have been writing my book on the 911SC I Have developed a bit of a soft spot for the Weissach model built in 1980 and the 911SC Cabriolets of 1983.
I do recommend if you are looking at a 964 that you visit us on the 964 forum pages.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

ploglet

I would recommend that if you are serious about going the 964 route and you are not able to get into the later years of that model (mid 92-1994)you do a lot of reading about all the issues that the pre 1992 years had. There are a lot of issues with these cars. Which is too bad as they are great cars but expensive to maintain. The pre-964 are great cars and like Adrian sawa, they are bullet proof. Just my 2 cents.

Bill Gregory

[quote]<strong>do a lot of reading about all the issues that the pre 1992 years had. There are a lot of issues with these cars.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I'd take exception that there were "lots" of issues. Early engines were built without a cylinder head gasket, and in a small percentage of engines, can leak. Porsche fixed those that were found leaking at that time, with leaking being defined as wet to the touch. In 1991, Porsche updated the production engines by adding a cylinder head gasket, redesigning the cylinder head base, and installing all steel head studs. The 1990-on 964's use a dual mass flywheel, which helps isolate drivetrain vibration, however, the early Freudenberg units proved unreliable. In 1992 Porsche changed to LUK-manufactured units, which have stood the test of time. In late 1993, Porsche added a vent kit for the distributor, to help prevent the dual distributor rubber belt from breaking due to ozone concentrations. There is a $10 kit to add this to earlier 964's. 1989-1991 964's need different spacers on the steering rack if you want to fit 17" wheels. In order to store a cabriolet top, the rear suspension geometry was changed in 1991, which is important to know if you make any rear suspension upgrades.

Jay H

I agree with Bill above. Plus, the early 964's seem to be one of the best 911 values out there right now (if you find a nice example).

All of the early 964 problems have permanent, reliable fixes available for the faults listed above. The dual distributor belt 'problem' is almost a non issue IF you have the $10 vent kit installed and have the belt replaced at regular service intervals.

I feel it's unfair to classify the early 964 series cars as problematic and to be avoided. I think every 911 series had their faults. SC's have can have exploding clutches and airboxes and 3.2 Carrera's can have valve guide problems. All of which are expensive to repair. My point is to check out each 911 you are serious about with a thorough prepurchase inspection.

Good luck in your search,
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">90 964</a>
(3rd car)
(Just teasing Adrian!)

Want to be

redwing,

Due to the car is going to be a 3rd vehicle i would choose any 1984-1989 carrera.

The 964's have allot of issue but besides that the cars really draw current while sitting. If @ times you do not drive your car the battery could drain causing computer errors (dummy lights). The only way to fix these problems is to go to your local deal and hook the car up for about 15-50 bucks too the hammer.

The Carrera's you can un-hook the battery @ any time and no problems but the 964s it another issue.

Cheaper to work (including maintence bills)!

Work with your local Pca chapter to find a good mechanic and have FUN!

jpc <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Drew_K

As far as the 964's drawing a lot of current, there's an easier solution than going to the dealer: buy a $70 Porsche battery maintainer that plugs into the cigarette lighter. It automatically detects a drop in voltage and will keep the battery topped off. That's what I use when I know the car is going to sit for a few days.

Also, I had to replace my battery once because the old one kept draining. I never experienced any computer errors at all.

Disconnecting the battery is fine although it does reset the computer. Takes about 10 minutes of driving after that for the computer to reobtain its settings. No big deal at all.

Early 964's and late model 3.2's are about the same price now. Drive a few examples of each and see which one you prefer. If you like both equally, then buy the best example you can find and afford, whichever that may be.

When I was 911 shopping, I wanted to buy the first nice, low mileage 964 or 87-89 3.2 I could find. I passed over quite a few rough and poorly maintained 3.2's until I found my 964: 1992 C2 coupe with 36K miles. However, a nice 3.2 would have been great also.

Good luck
Drew

Want to be

redwing,

Response to the last post:

Yes i also put mine on a trickle charge but i believe this could cause problems for your battery.

My battery actually exploded after several trickle charges and my charger had a safety shut off too. (over charges)

If you un-hooked yours and no lights came on i would say you were very lucky. Usually the Air bag light would come on and other if i could remember.

I can remember once the battery was changed and the car would not even idle right. (Ram clear again &lt;flat bed&gt; , THE HAMMER )

The 964's cost FAR more for valve adjustments and about everything else too.

Try buying spark plug wire, EEEEEEEEEEEEEECh

The 964's have several problems that i do not want to get into about.

All Porsches have issue but in my book the 964 has the most. Most forget that Porsche was in their depression when the 964's were being built.

One year they actually over priced there cars in the Lambo region and then the next year they dropped them back down to orignal prices.

I would go with the Carreras but with all cars that get older they will have problems.

Ok enough said (i liked the 964) , Good luck on your search.

jpc <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />

Randall G.

Hi Redwing,

I used to own an '84 Carrera, until I test drove a 964 C2 in 1991. It knocked my socks off, and I had to have it!

Test drive both cars, and see if you're not moved by the 964's added comfort, safety and superior performance.

Keep in mind that any "modern" 911--964 & 993 included--will have more complex electronics and gizmos to maintain. It's this added complexity that gives you ABS, airbags, and a climate control system that actually works. If these features aren't important to you, you may do just fine with a 3.2L Carrera (a great car, BTW).

I think early 964s are currently the bargain Porsche. (very) Near 993 performance, safety & comfort for a lot less $$.

Best of luck!

Want to be

redwing:

I totally agree with the last post from Randal.
The Ac actually works on 964 and 993 but in any area that is HOT and Humid the older Carrera's won't even keep you cool! You won't be hot but you will not get the same performance of Ac as you do with the modern cars.

jpc
<img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />