Bucket list checkoff - I finally drove a Carrera
05-07-2011, 07:42 PM
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
Mirror, thanks for throwing a bone to the Lurkers Without Portfolio (tm). That may well be the closest I get to driving my target 911 until after all three kids finish college. And the first one hasn't started yet! I only hope the G50's stay reasonable...
Regards from Brooklyn,
Robey
Regards from Brooklyn,
Robey
You'll find that G50 when the time comes, I promise.
05-11-2011, 09:55 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
Fantastic write up!
I sold a 993 about a year ago that I absolutely loved. It was disheartening parting with that car but I had to do it. - 'nuf said on that...
Now I'm in the market for an 87-89 model. Drove my first possible 'candidate' today. A very clean red '89 with whale tail. While it was a more physically demanding car to drive and not near as quick as the 993 it felt more alive. The sound was pure bliss.
As you perfectly stated Mirror, I felt more 'connected' to the car. I was surprised at the lack of torque under about 4200 RPM. After that though everything woke up, and so did I... I really enjoyed the car.
Thanks again for posting your write-up.
I sold a 993 about a year ago that I absolutely loved. It was disheartening parting with that car but I had to do it. - 'nuf said on that...
Now I'm in the market for an 87-89 model. Drove my first possible 'candidate' today. A very clean red '89 with whale tail. While it was a more physically demanding car to drive and not near as quick as the 993 it felt more alive. The sound was pure bliss.
As you perfectly stated Mirror, I felt more 'connected' to the car. I was surprised at the lack of torque under about 4200 RPM. After that though everything woke up, and so did I... I really enjoyed the car.
Thanks again for posting your write-up.
05-14-2011, 02:23 PM
#20
Racer
Great writeup!
I will say this, however: having driven many 84-89 911's over the years, in stock form they are a bit soft and heavy feeling. As has been the experience in my car, however, they do respond beautifully to a moderate stiffening of the suspension through easily changed stiffer torsion bars and struts/shocks, along with a more sporty alignment. Also, and very importantly, a little bit of weight removed from these cars goes a long way toward waking them up, as does the addition of a aftermarket chip, such as Steve Wong's, and a Cat bypass.
Do these things, and the driving experience will be even more intoxicating than it was during your test drive.
I will say this, however: having driven many 84-89 911's over the years, in stock form they are a bit soft and heavy feeling. As has been the experience in my car, however, they do respond beautifully to a moderate stiffening of the suspension through easily changed stiffer torsion bars and struts/shocks, along with a more sporty alignment. Also, and very importantly, a little bit of weight removed from these cars goes a long way toward waking them up, as does the addition of a aftermarket chip, such as Steve Wong's, and a Cat bypass.
Do these things, and the driving experience will be even more intoxicating than it was during your test drive.
Last edited by 450knotOffice; 05-15-2011 at 07:53 PM.
05-14-2011, 06:56 PM
#21
Mirror,
Great write-up, as everybody's noted. The experience engages your senses more than any other car I've ever driven. BTW, I grew up just over the Sierras in Reno, so I know you have some great driving roads within easy reach.
Amar, thanks for contributing one of your outstanding photos. Eastern Washington also reminds me of the wide-open spaces of Northern Nevada.
Great write-up, as everybody's noted. The experience engages your senses more than any other car I've ever driven. BTW, I grew up just over the Sierras in Reno, so I know you have some great driving roads within easy reach.
Amar, thanks for contributing one of your outstanding photos. Eastern Washington also reminds me of the wide-open spaces of Northern Nevada.
05-15-2011, 04:59 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
+1 on Scott's suggestion to try a "rodded" Carrera. A sub-2600lb version that has a bit more HP unlocked, developed suspension and brakes on great rubber is impressive.
