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930 driving/ownership experience...

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Old 05-23-2003, 01:42 AM
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Raron
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Post 930 driving/ownership experience...

The older I get the more I begin to appreciate the way things used to be. Classic lines and simplicity of purpose. I'm considering selling my modified Z and I've been thinking about going back to a Porche (specifically another 911) but I'd like to hear your feedback on driving and ownership with the 930.

Turbo's have lag of course, so is the 930 lacking in the pure driving experience compared to an SC or 964? Also the 911 Turbo is considered almighty and I would want mine to be able to represent such. How easy is it to modify and get to 400hp? Does the long shift stick diminish feel? Do they rattle? Do most of you drive them because you for whatever reason didn't want to spend more on a 964 Turbo or do you have a special affinity for the 930?

I love the boldaceous curves and that's really all that matters... However I am curious as to how much others notice and give respect...

All in all, looking at my car addiction and the cars I've owned what how do you suspect I'll like the 930
Old 05-23-2003, 09:33 AM
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Geoffrey
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Personally, I think they are great cars. However, in stock form the suspension is too soft and the engine does not breath, and in the pre89 models, 4sp is horrible compared to a 5spd and many do not come with an LSD which the car really needs. I have an 89 and track the car extensively and really love the car. Had I to do again, I probably would get a 91-94 C2 Turbo because the suspension design is much better and the tub is much stronger and in the 94, you get a 3.6. However, this is comming from a performance oriented opinion. I do use my car on the street, but it really is the most fun on the track.

As far as comparisons, your NSX was a perfect car with no character, but did everything near perfectly. Your Z06 was a fast car but lacked brakes that worked. Your Viper was like a vette on steroids and probably was a lot of fun. A 930 is going to feel like an old car to you. The interior is purpose built and is from the 70s so everytime they added a feature they added a switch. Driving wise, with good suspension, they are crisp, great cars. As you probably know a German car does not rattle. After many track hours, mine still does not rattle.
Old 05-23-2003, 09:39 AM
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Toby Pennycuff
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Raron,

You may see me from time to time in North Dallas driving my petrol blue '79 930. For me, there is no more exciting driving experience than mashing down on the pedal and hearing the whine of a K27-7200 spool up. Of course, that is quickly followed by a tremendous push back into the seat as the car takes off like a rocket. Like many others in this forum, you simply cannot help but drive around with a huge smile on your face!

I have driven the later model turbos, and while they are all powerful, I like my 79 because of its unabashed power - it reminds me of driving the factory muscle cars back in the late 60's...... lots of power and torque. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

Modifications can run the gamut - from headers and a new turbo plus a bigger intercooler all the way up to some pretty wild motors. It's not cheap, but the investment pays huge dividends in terms of your driving experience.

My 25 year-old car does not rattle and the 4-speed shifter throw is not a problem for me. You can add a short shifter if need be, but I'm such a nut about my car that I still have the original 85 Mph speedometer (remember those?) installed just so I can keep things reasonably close to original. That said, of course, I don't recall any factory intercoolers on the cars sold to the public delivered in "Kokeln-aluminum"! Nor did they have stainless steel headers! Oh well.... <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />

At any rate, I love my "old" 930. <img border="0" alt="[burnout]" title="" src="graemlins/burnout.gif" />

Toby
Old 05-23-2003, 10:59 AM
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Raron
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Tony, thanks for the reply... What part of Dallas are you in? I'm in Frisco and would love to go for a ride in your 930.
Old 05-23-2003, 11:24 AM
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BrianKeithSmith
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I agree with Toby. I have 4K track miles on my 930, and the thing does not rattle. It is solid as a rock.

I sort of disagree with Toby on the 4 vs 5 spd. I love my 4 speed, although having an extra gear at some tracks would be nice.

My 930 is what I consider a street legal race car. No Frills, no luxury, nothing for comfort, just pedals, steering wheel, and a shifter.

Brian
Old 05-23-2003, 11:50 AM
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Last930
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I own both a 79 930 and a 2002 996 Turbo, and have owned a 96 993 Turbo. I would say that they are all great cars in their own right, really fantastic to drive . However, I feel that the 930 provides a more raw, visceral driving experience than the other versions, and demands more of the driver. It is sort of like driving a street-legal go cart!!
Old 05-23-2003, 01:54 PM
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Toby Pennycuff
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Raron,

I'm in North Dallas - Midway and Forest Lane area. Drop me a note and we can try to meet somewhere.

Brian,
I do miss my 5-speed from my 74 Ducktail Carrera. However, the "torque thrill" you get from the 930 kinda makes up for it.

Dave,
You are absolutely correct. The essence of driving these earlier turbos is "...mash the pedal and HANG ON!"
Old 05-23-2003, 02:26 PM
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Gino
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Raron-
My perspective is from the stock '86, 3.3L, 4 sp vehicle. Coming from a modified 951, its a speed toss-up, but they are very different. The 930 is a raw, unrefined throw back to a muscle car.
Maybe it's because I'm 50 , but it reminds me of my mod '69 z28 with a 3 barrel holley, hurtz shifter. Didn't really do all that much at low end, but just wait until the rpm gets over 4 grand, open up the floodgate carb and hold on to the steering wheel.
The 930 is just that kind of experience. When the turbo kicks in, hold on. The long throws and 4 speed are similar to.
As mentioned, it's a rock. Not a rattle to be heard anywhere; in fact nothing but engine to be heard, even over the new CD stereo!
Had it less than 6 months but look forward to every mile...
Old 05-23-2003, 03:00 PM
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ZCAT3
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Dave - the real question is if you had to choose between the 79 and the 2002 and would never be able to get the other back, which would you keep?



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