edb

I am a day or two away from buying a 1994 911 RSA w/17,000 miles. This will be my first 911. Last night I picked up the latest 911 & Porsche World magazine. I read the article on 911SCs entitled "The perfect air-cooled Porsche?" In the article they mention, "Even more recently both the 964-model 911 C2 and C4 have complex dual-mass flywheels and dual distributors that can be troublesome--and expensive to maintain. And, some routine maintenance is suprisingly difficult, too."

I would welcome any insight into how pervasive these problems are, and any details on the quality/reliability of 1994 911s (or a pointer to a place to research this). Also, I am a middle-aged guy (45), will the RSA been "bone rattling" compared to non-RS (It is 3000 miles away so I will likely not drive it before I buy it).

Bill Gregory

edb,

Not to worry. The dual mass flywheel problem (first production unit wasn't reliable) was taken care of by Porsche in 1992, so your '94 will have the more reliable dual mass flywheel. The dual distributors need to have a vent kit, which Porsche installed in production in late 1993, so you're 94 will have it. Also, every 50,000 miles you should replace the drive belt for the second distributor, which can cost $150 and up. The advantage you have in the '94 is that most of the 964 "timebombs" have been taken care of.

Maintenance is more a bit more involved than earlier 911's - you have twelve sparkplugs, for example. The 964's are a more modern and complex 911 than earlier models, and that complexity has maintenance implications. The good news is that by 1994, Porsche had fixed many of the peculiarities or problems. I'd say you're getting one of the best examples of both a 964 and 911.

As far as ride, the RSA will be tighter than the standard C2. You probably know already that the RSA has the same suspension as the stock M030 option, consisting of a larger front swaybar (22mm vs 20mm), Turbo progressive rear springs, and Turbo shocks (Boge HD). Wheels are 17". My C2 has the stock suspension, for a little while longer, and I characterize it as being tuned for touring - comfortable for going down the highway. You should get some feedback from RSA owners, however.

edb

Bill,

Thanks very much for your message! It's a big help. I will take your advice and search out local RS owners--I have tried (via the local Porsche mechanic) but have come up empty thus far.

MelissaM

edb,

Bill has given you some great pointers. I would like to add that I have a C2, and I changed the stock springs to H&R progressives. I also changed to 17" wheels. I was concerned that it would be "bone-rattling" but have been very happy with the ride. I don't notice much more harshness, but the improved handling is very noticeable and appreciated.

That said, I'm not sure how my suspension setup compares to the RSA's.

-- Melissa

Bill Gregory

edb,

You might check out rsamerica.net, which is the home of the PCA RS America registry. I'm sure there are some owners who hang around there that would share their experiences, or contact KeithV@rsamerica.net who runs the site.

Lightweight-Status-Seaching

edb,

Congratulations.. I am currently looking for an RSA and was wondering how you came upon yours? Ive been looking on the internet, dealerships, and in the papers but nothing.. There is a dealership near me that has 2 RSA BUT one is going for $69,000 and the other $79,000..(seems very high for an RSA). Ive seen a few for sale by the owners but none are even close to where I live (1-ohio, 1-Ontario, 1-FL)Im in New York.. The ones Ive seen for sale were in the $40,000 range and all have very low miles (Does that seem about a fair price for an RSA with 23,000 miles?) With that being said, do you have any suggestions on how I can find an RS? Have you seen any others? Thanks

John

edb

John,

Actually, I found the 1994 RSA on Rennlist. However, I live in Md. and it is in Calif. My plan (if my offer is accepted) is to (a) travel there to be present for the PPI, or (b) have 2 independent appraisals (~$500) done and if satisfactory, have it transported home (~$1,000) sight unseen.

The asking price by the original owner (not a dealership) is ~$43,000. I think that is a little high, but the car appears to have been cared for very well. I am not an expert on 964s, but I can't imagine how someone could be asking $70K+ for a 1994?

I also subscribe to Hemmings MN--that might be worthwhile.

Good luck and I will keep my eyes open for you--I am always looking ;-).

edb

Melissa,

Thanks for your message. I now feel pretty confident it will be fine. My fingers are crossed that I get it--I am up against 2 others who want the car. I'll let you know what happens--I will know tomorrow.

J richard

EDB,

Go for it!, I have had a number of 911's, one of each vintage since 67, and by far the RSA is my favorite. I have the H&R springs and monoball suspension, but bone stock 030 (sports suspension) RSA's are suprisingly supple compaired to my earlier torsion bar cars with sport suspensions. It is more the drivers car than the C2, but mainly for the lack of power steering. 911's never had a great turn radius, and those big fat low profile shoes are tough in a parking lot manuevers with no assist. (But the rock solid feel is awe inspiring at speed)

I would highly recommend a Pre Purchase Inspection from a Porsche shop familiar with the 964's prior to putting your cash on the line.(if you haven't already). And specifically ask about the paint, oil leaks and service records. If anything the $150 will make you feel a lot better about spending the travel cash. The only other items that seem to pop up on the C2/C4/RSA's are a problem with the guage faces peeling, noisy AC fan bearings, and ash trays that won't stay up. But these are hit or miss items, probably not a problem on a 17K car.

Good luck,

edb

J Richard,

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I have been waffling between the '94 RSA and a '98 C2S. I keep coming back to the classic 964 styling and uniqueness of the RSA.

Regarding the PPI: Would you have this done in addition to an appraisal from a 911 knowledgable appraiser? I was going to employ 2 appraisers (found in Hemmings) who live in Southern California to evaluate the car and send me their reports. In other words, would you recommend I have the local Porsche dealer who is familiar with the RSA perform a PPI too? Do you have any experience with licensed appraisers?

edb

Thanks everyone for your help. I just learned I did not get the car--I was outbid.

The search continues ...

J richard

edb,

My first ride in a 911, a IROC replica with a full rollcage, 2.5 slide valve motor with megaphones. I couldn't believe it. The sensation of being pushed to 150MPH with the incredible sewing machine buzz behind your head, the wail of the exhaust note and those funny bugeye headlights leading the way. The car tingled and twitched at every move, but stayed firmly planted. Then the amazing part...jamming on the brakes and feeling the blood rush to your face from the G force of the stop...then the engine thumping over at an idle, like a horse that just threw you to the ground. Lets go again.

Each time I have thought about changing a car I go back to this visceral experience as what I love so much about the 911. I have often toyed with the thought of other cars, including BMW, Ferrari, Shelby and Japanese marques, but have found few that can compare, and none that combine the experience with unrelenting attention to detail and engineering excellence.

If you enjoy these qualities in a car then I would highly recommend the RSA over the C2S. While the S will outperform the RS it does so with less attachment, tingle and emotion. The S will have more comfort and be easier, but then thats what I own other cars for. For me the 964 C2/RS represent the last of the "true" 911's and the last of the breed. The newer cars have a different soul, as unattached and insluated as their aero styling. (sorry guys this is my rant...)

That aside, definately get a PPI done by a porsche shop in the area of your choosing. Either contact the local PCA and get some referrals or post a request on the board, you'll get some good responses. As far as the independent appraisals,I have no expereience using them, but you really need someone who knows not just cars but porsches, and can give you an evaluation that is particular to the marque and the areas of concern with the model. Mechanically anyone familiar with the 964 C2/C4 will do. I would rather spend the money on a thorough PPI from a solid shop and the other half into an airline ticket and hotel stay. Regardless the condition, you want to make sure you LIKE the car. You can always take it to both a local independent and the local dealer. This is what I've done in the past, with very consistent results. Make sure you pay for the expensive ($150+) inspection not the "yea I saw it and it's a porsche" for $65. If you're really ****,have a leakdown test done. Also note that many PPI's will not make remarks about the paint/body, due to concerns over getting duped and sued, express your concerns to the mechanic and they can look for obvious signs.

Hope this helps, good hunting.

PS: As far as uniqueness, I have people ask me "what kind of porsche is that?" all the time...must be the stickers...

MelissaM

edb,

I'm sorry that you were outbid for your car.

I looked in the PCA classifieds (you can get 'em online if you're a PCA member) and found a couple of RSA's. One sounds a lot like the car you were looking at -- $44,500 in Santa Barbara, CA.

Anyway in the spirit of helping someone obtain an RS America, here are the ads:

1993 RS America (Tampa, Florida) $33,000: Recreational car, (approx. 70k) highway miles, grand prix white (black interior), limited slip differential, chip, kn filter, turbo brakes, rear seats and additional luggage dump, sunroof, power windows, air sony CD, garaged, 407-341-1377


1993 RS America (Tucson, AZ): Coupe,Guards Red w/black int, AC
Ltd. slip, sunroof, alpine AM/FM
cassette w/ 6CD changer, H&R
springs, polish Whls new Yokohama
Excel w records 42k miles, $40,000
Larry Dennis, 520-577-1741.
dennis964@earthlink.net.

1994 RS America: (Santa Barbara, CA): Original owner, 100% stock, s/r, a/c, lsd, factory folding rear seats, Blaup. radio/cass., one of only 72 1994s, very rare car in perfect condition. Black Ext./Black Int., < 17,000 miles. $44,500 (Tony Movasagi).

Hope this helps.

-- Melissa

Kevin

edb;

Like J Richard, has said the RSA is a better choice over a C2S, I would agree. I have a 98 C4S, and a 93RSA, the RS wins hands down. My wife hates the ride though. I just sold my RSA this weekend. If you want a tight road going machine the RSA will do it. I've noticed some all option RSA, my opinion is if you need A/C, rear seats, sunroof, stereo/cd, get a regular C2 and put a M030 suspension on it and rims and tires of your choice. Good luck