V

Hi guys,

I havn't found any weight measurements on the 964 cab WTL (or America Roadster in the US) although I looked around a bit. I can't help but think that these machines are among the most beautiful porsche have done to date. I just love the 964s and the widebodies in particular.

1. Does anyone know what the 964 WTL cab/America Roadster weighs? Is it heavier than a 993 cab?

It's a hefty premium you pay for the 964 WTL cab over the 964 cab. I've been quoted around 20K usd for a 964 cab to 964 WTL cab rebuild using factory panels. The WTL cabs are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially good examples.

2. Do you guys think it would be wiser to look for a 964 WTL/america roadster instead of building one starting with a 964 NB cab?

Although I really like the WTL, it's among the heaviest 964s and you pay a big premium for looks only (e.g less performance than a 964NB cab due to weight). This brings my to the next question re performance. In the UK there (and here as well) there are lot's of threads about this. The main point being that there are more or less no differences between the ROW NA 964 and the US NA 964 engines. Power can be upped (without splitting the engine) from 250bhp to about 285bhp using a K&N airbox filter, some nice free flowing sport cats and a chip or a live remap (even better). The 993 has a distinct advantage in this field where using the same modifications power can be upped from 286bhp to about 305-310bhp (this is no joke, look at recent post on 993 board RE live remap). Also a bit better TQ in the 993 with the Vram etc. These upgrades are very cost effective since the cost for the filter, sport cats and live remap is around 2,5K usd so that's a lot of HP for the money. HP from thereon upwards costs much much more. OK so what do I want to say with all this?

3. Are the performance differences between a NA 993 and a NA 964 noticeable when driving on the street?

As far as comfortability, I know the 993 has the edge but you can't beat the look of the 964 IMHO and I'd love to own one . Also one last question for cab owners:

4. Is the wind noise noticeable when driving on the highway with the top closed? I mean compared to a coupe, is there a big difference?


Any input much appreciated

raspberryroadster

-i do not know weight differential, but not excessive between wtl cab & nb cab. additionally oversized (stock turbo set -up)for the wtl cab brakes & wheels certainly provide enhanced handling/stopping over narrow body.
-only road test of the wtl cab (that i could find) was done on an amer roadster by Car & Driver & its test results matched exceeded a c4 coupe (altho' by their own admission results brutally obtained)....i think i can find it. if you are interested send me a pm.
-generally in hard street/highway driving i doubt you will find much of any difference between the 964 wtl can & 964 nb,(except far better view out of rear view mirrors) or 993 cab. but i have not compared with a 993, but did compare with a 930, & imo 964 NA felt more torquier/quicker from the get go in street driving ( bigger engine/higher compression i guess).
-creating a widebody cab via fibreglass flares or steel flares from a wrecked 930 is not cost effective in n.amer. (as well the clone has no value as either a neat 964 cab, or a wtl cab). so imo best to seek out a wtl (or amer roadster,they are same car).....prices range in n.amer US$30-40 range).
-manual trans wtl cabs trade at a premium....

TL-Register

964 Turbo-Look Cab 1420/1450 Tip kg
993 Cab 1400/ 1425 or C4 1420 kg


lots of stuff about the widebodys

Norbert

raspberryroadster

hey norbert.....how are you? am now back in tokyo (land of pristine porsche 964's) .....considering earlier edition 911 or back to alfa gta or gtv

TL-Register

fine fine, Gerry !! hope your doing fine there and you still hold an eye on the widebodys for me - a nice black one is on for sale - but as ever TIPTRONIC ...

Norbert

johnjohnc2

Viggo> You are welcome to try mine is we ever meet at some PCS meeting or if you are nearby Kalmar

I can only compare my car to my old C2 coupé with RS chassi and a friends standard all original 993 cab (150000km).

My car WTL have new shocks, new loweringsprings and much more so i am not sure that it is fair to compare it to a standard wobbly 993 cab.
The WTL is more stable in high speeds and i do not feel any loss of power due to more weight. It is rather high originial but with HR 35mm you get a very nice car, both to look at and to drive.

V

Thank you guys for the answers. I guess maybe 25bhp difference isn't that noticeable? I also agree that the collectability of a "real" WTL cab or america roadster also makes up a bit for the premium you pay. Plus you also get the full leather interior as this was standard in these models - very nice.

john john, do you keep up with your friends 993 cab? I guess you do if you have had new suspension installed . Very nice of you to offer a drive in your car, thanks. I live in Stockholm but if I'm ever in Kalmar I'll let you know . I'm not selling the turboR but I thought a WTL cab would be a nice addition.. John, I really like your car and congrats on finding a nice example. What about your friends red 964 WTL? Seems like a really nice car as well judging from that detail thread you wrote a while back.. For how long did you have to look to find a nice one?

I recon Norbert knows his stuff as well. I love the WTL cabs but to be honest I think 50K eur is too expensive for what it is.. But maybe an America Roadster if I can find one.. They were only about 220 made I think. Seems like that is like looking for a needle in a haystack.. I know the search is half the fun but still..

SuperUser

Did raspberryroadster sell his? It looked very nice and is an amazing color.

Greg964

It is currently on ebay, seller is a used car dealer in Las Vegas .


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

bernd93

Viggo, I was in the same position two years ago. I could not find an acceptable 964 Cab WTL in Germany with manual gearbox and a colour, that does not cause headaches. So I decided to risk buying an America Roadster from a german specialist, who has a lot of experience with import of 964/993 from US.

[IMG=http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/8555/005gl.jpg][/IMG]

[IMG=http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2159/002abh.jpg][/IMG]

I would always risk it again.

bernd

raspberryroadster

yes reseller purchased (quite close to my asking price).....he is asking (based on market conditions) i think high side.
car is in decent condition indeed & does not leak oil. does need shocks/struts, motor mounts & enhanced engine supports. based on the mileage (110,000km) had i not sold it (based on return to japan) for preventative maintenance i would have done rebuilt distributor. clutch still engaged nicely. original owner factory ordered it in canada, and accordingly it is badged carrera2 (not america roadster) additionally he factory ordered it with full leather rear seats (most america roadsters have cheaper rear seat delete).
as above member has pointed out these cars should be lowered/stiffened.

raspberryroadster

virtually all cabs here in japan are tips.....and as i determined on my looksee trip last spring, a cab (especially a wtl) with a manual would command a serious discount from market/be a difficult sell. that is why i did not bring it over.
cheers

johnjohnc2

I agree that over 50´Euro is very much money for a 964 cab but i relly wanted one. Like most people i wanted a manual car, nice color and no accident and that was very very hard to find. I looked at 6 cars in Germany & Austria (for about 35-50´) before i payed a bit more for this one with 1 owner and 15000Euro spent the last years on service + changing everything with signs of wear.

I think a nice WTL is a nice longterm investment but if you just want a car to use i would go for USA car or a rebuilt c2/c4. Its nice just to get the fat body.

There is one red/black for sale in Sweden (fair price) but the seller removed the ad after this summer. If you want pictures and contactinfo, send me a PM.

Rickards Red/Red WTL is not for sale, i tried many times

V

bernd, thanks for your PM.

It seems like the america roadsters are more bang for the buck? So a normal C2 cab in the US is about 20K USD and an America Roadster (or WTL cab) is about 30K USD in the US? So the premium you would pay for a WTL cab in the US over a NB cab is about 10K? That sounds reasonable considering that 3.3 turbos are starting from high 30's and upwards..

A tiptronic would not work for me. I like too much working with the car, I mean an engaging spirited driving style.

I found this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Looks really nice, I have no idea where the bidding will stop though. Seems like it could be expensive. A red one would be nice. Colors are very personal. As with everyone else, I love the jellybean colors. I already have a black car so that's not interesting. White is nice but I need more color than one black and one white. I never liked silver so that's a no go as well. The darker blue metallics and darker green metallis are nice but also too little color. That rasberry color as well as the flatter rubystone red are cool but would probably be too much for me. Everything else would be fine more or less.

Maritime
Amethyst
Guards red
Speed Yellow
Ferrari Gelb
Signal green
Viola metallic
Tahoe blue metallic
Mint grün
Wimbeldon green
Ocean Jade green

etc.


etc..

bernd93

Viggo, I assume you in Sweden also have to pay customs/tax for an import from US. Don`t forget to add it to your costs.;-)

Just take your time to look around - you will find your car.

bernd