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It finally showed up earlier this afternoon... It was in good company with a Saleen S7 being delivered a few miles away and a 1 of 1 'Cuda Convertible on its way to Utah. Passport Transport was outstanding, very professional throughout. I'm so excited, let the fun begin!
(edited by John D. to insert working links )
Last edited by LPMM; 01-09-2014 at 01:14 PM.
Reason: broken link
It’s been about a year and a half since I bought my fat bottomed 964 and I figured it was time to consolidate everything into one thread, so that I can remember what has been done and plan for future mods.
Cliff Notes:
At the time of purchase, the prior owner warned me that it had a loud exhaust and that it sometimes had hot start issues and you could easily stall it. On the exhaust side, the car has B&B headers and a 2in-2out muffler and while the noise level is much higher than stock, the main issue was the drone. At ~2,500 rpms, the drone was insane and making for a pretty miserable driving experience. I called B&B to see if anything could be done and all they tried to do was to sell me some more stuff, thanks but no thanks. Anyway, I noticed that the PO had put a K&N style filter and I’ve never been a fanboy, so I sourced a nearly new OEM box and filter from Rothsport. On the intermittent hot start issue, it was also running pretty rich and upon doing some reading, I attributed this to the FPR going bad.
So shortly after receiving the 964, I dropped it off at a local air cooled specialist and asked them to do a once over to figure out anything that may need attention/replacing, to listen for a ticking noise I could sometimes hear (more on this later), to do a valve adjustment and to replace the FPR, and to install the OEM airbox when done instead of putting the K&N back on.
The shop had poured the oil too fast and it spilled everywhere so the ride home was entertaining with everyone staring and pointing to the smoke, and I then spent a few hours cleaning up the mess once home. On the plus side, I noticed that the drone was still present but much more subdued with the OEM airbox in place. However, the shop completely missed a couple of items that were obvious had they actually spent the time to look around like I asked them to do (they had the car for 3 days).
After some more reading, I noticed that a common item to check were the engine mounts and sure enough mine were shot. So much for the shop catching this.
I ordered a pair of Wevo Blacks and RLer HalV came over so we could meet and to offer moral support while I was turning a few wrenches.
Not much to add to this mod, fairly straightforward process as long as you properly support the engine before removing anything. End result.
Then, I removed the carpet from the frunk and took the 964 to an audio guy to rework the stereo by removing the CD changer, removing an redundant amp, relocating the crossovers, and cleaning up everything. Shiny!
Next will be to remove the Alpine alarm and spaghetti wiring seen to the right of the tank, to get new hood struts to get rid of my ghetto hood prop, and to do a RS style carpet to dress up the frunk area.
I then made a few purchases such as a mint set of tail lights and center reflector, a set of Cup 1s just because they were local and a screaming deal, Cult-Werk splitter and air ducts, Rennline carrier reinforcement, and OEM 997 GT2 carbon buckets.
I did not do much over last winter while the car was in storage mode except for replacing the missing door safety clips and taking the pedal cluster out so that a friend could compare with his. The bonus is that I did not have to do anything and Jon checked all the plastic bushings, lubricated as necessary, and reinstalled the cluster. As Spring approached, I decided to give the car a good once over to make sure it was ready to go. This is when I found the cause of the ticking noise I told the shop about and who said they could not hear/find anything. It turned out that my engine fan was delaminating, got off balance, and was hitting the shroud.
A call to Sunset and EBS Racing to order some parts, lots of reading on RL on how to do it, and then I took the plunge (full thread here). Pic before starting the work.
I figured I'd also replace the voltage regulator and alternator/fan belts for good measure. The Bosch version was not available, so a Hella voltage regulator went in.
A few hours later the job was complete. New fan, bearing, belts, and voltage regulator.
With the new fan in, I was able to get the car out of winter storage and take it to my friend Don who owns a PDR shop. I had a couple of dents with one being right under the passenger headlight, and since Don has a lift, it was a good excuse to remove the front bumper, to clean the gunk off the oil cooler, and to install the Cult-Werk air ducts while Don was working on the dents. We also noticed that the brake lights were no longer working, so I ordered a new pedal switch from Sunset.
Fog light on the left, air duct on the right.
All done
Due to unrelated reasons I was not able to drive the 964 as often as I had hoped and before I knew it, winter was right around the corner once again. I took it back to the local shop for an oil change before putting the car away in hopes that it would be done right this time, but they unfortunately spilled oil all over again. Another smoky ride home and more cleaning before I put it away and with no activity over the winter, here we are today.
The first order is to get new tires since the current ones are way too old. For reference, the car currently sits on Bridgestone SO2s 225/40 and 285/30 on 18x8 and 18x10. I don’t mind keeping the same tire dimensions but I am also exploring different sizing, especially up front where a slightly narrower tire may help since I rub the fender liner when turning (rubbed all the way through). Here are my options based on diameter closest to OEM and current availability.
I know the PS2s are a great tire but I don’t want to blow my budget on them and the Sumis are out just because I don’t feel like taking a gamble on quality, although several 993 folks seem to be happy with them. With the outliers out, I am leaning toward the Conti DWs in 215/40 & 285/30 sizing but I wanted to run it past the tire gurus to see if there was a compelling reason to go with different sizing and/or brand that I have not considered. Thoughts?
FWIW, I have sold and driven on any of these tires for a couple years and can speak on a couple of them. All of them perform good and I don't think you'd be unhappy with any, although I do have preferences. The Michelin's are by-far the best of the bunch, and the technology that goes into them is reflected in the price. Much like you, I rather not blow my budget on tires that expensive. I have never been crazy about ANY bridgestone tire I have every driven on, including the SO4. I loved my Dunlop Star-Specs, but I found them to be extremely loud. The HTRZ Sumi's would probably be my pick of the bunch, despite being the cheapest.
Thanks for the feedback Andrew and interesting that you would lean toward the Sumis. Might have to do some more reading but I like their price for sure.
The first order is to get new tires since the current ones are way too old. For reference, the car currently sits on Bridgestone SO2s 225/40 and 285/30 on 18x8 and 18x10. I don’t mind keeping the same tire dimensions but I am also exploring different sizing, especially up front where a slightly narrower tire may help since I rub the fender liner when turning (rubbed all the way through). Here are my options based on diameter closest to OEM and current availability.
I would consider the Sumitomo HTR Z III in the same 225/285 sizing. They run just a bit skinny, so it may be what you need in order to keep the fronts from rubbing. You may consider throwing a 7mm spacer on the front wheels if you think you have the extra room on the outboard side. Call me if I can help.
Seriously though, two overfills? Time to find a new shop
Originally Posted by dubjager
totally agree!
+2 . I went there because they are considered to be air cooled specialists and they maintain a lot of the local PCA members track cars. The owner himself is a big 964 fan and successfully raced one for years. I am sure they know what they are doing, however I have not been impressed with the quality of their work due to them rushing through and/or their lack of attention to details. I have a couple other possibilities lined up the next time I need something.
Originally Posted by damon@tirerack.com
I would consider the Sumitomo HTR Z III in the same 225/285 sizing. They run just a bit skinny, so it may be what you need in order to keep the fronts from rubbing. You may consider throwing a 7mm spacer on the front wheels if you think you have the extra room on the outboard side. Call me if I can help.
Thanks Damon. I exchanged a few PMs with Andrew and I'll most likely give the Sumi's a try, I am not taking a huge risk given the price and I also read some more favorable reviews from the 993 guys. My setup is not typical, it is a WB with NB suspension and the current wheels dimensions are:
18x8, ET 38, 6.5" barrel, 1.5" lip + 21mm spacer.
18x10, ET 24, 6.5" barrel, 3.5" lip + 28mm spacer.
The 225 SO2s rubbed all the way through the front part of the fender liner, so a skinnier tire would definitely help but I don't know if the 225 Sumi's would be skinny enough to eliminate rubbing. Andrew mentioned that a proper alignment/setup (which I desperately need) would also help resolve the issue but I am thinking of going with 215s instead so not to take any chances. I'll take some pics as soon as I can, perhaps it may help with the decision.
07-09-2013, 05:54 PM
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Anyway, I noticed that the PO had put a K&N style filter and I’ve never been a fanboy, so I sourced a nearly new OEM box and filter from Rothsport. On the intermittent hot start issue, it was also running pretty rich and upon doing some reading, I attributed this to the FPR going bad.
End result.
Another smoky ride home and more cleaning before I put it away and with no activity over the winter, here we are today.
Probably not, maybe they'd take much better car of that 