DaveC4S

I'm considering buying a 968 cab or a 944S2 cab, manual transmission. I'm just starting to research these cars and would appreciate any feedback/comments on what to be on the look-out for with these cars. I've been told by a friend that there is some debate over some of the 944 cab's being factory or not - he said that ASC (American Sunroof Corp) made many of the cabs for Porsche. Are there any concerns with cowl noise/vibration? Any type of transmission issues, etc?

Also, if anyone has any good leads on nice cars becoming available, that would be greatly appreciated.

ckathens

where are you located? If you're in the Bay Area (Cal), I know a few cars available. I would suggest checking http://www.968.net/ forums for much more info on what to look out for in the 968's and for tips on cars for sale out there.

-Steve

Stephenwz968

The main engine difference with the S2 cab is the lack of variocam. The variocam gives it about an extra 30 hp, however there have been some failures from the pads that the variocam chain runs over. The 968 is more refined in the suspension, and the 6 speed is very nice. I would test drive both to see which appeals to you more. Good luck,

Steve

sayporsha

I would recommend the 968, but hey, I'm biased. The car always turns heads and I consistently get questions and compliments about it. The 944S2 can be a good value, though because you you get a similiar if less evolved car for less money.

It's true ASC converted the shells to Cabs before assembly, and they did a fine job. I test drove mine through some VERY rough streets and was impressed by how solid the car felt and the absence of squeaks & rattles.

There are a lot of threads out there with the typical pre-purchase information you need. If you do a search I'm sure you can find everything you need to know. Here's a link to one I recall:
https://rennlist.com/forums/968-forum/106316-968-cab-search.html

Best of luck,

Damian in NJ

In the contemporary press coverage/comparisons 968 cabs were lauded for the lack of scuttle shake compared to other cabs-vettes, RX-7's, etc. I did go straight from a 968 coupe to my cab, and yes it is a bit more flexible-but not to the detriment of enjoying the car. You can add some stiffness back with strut tower and control arm braces, as I have. Porsche did not offer the 'sport' suspension/brake mo30 option on cabs, but many people have upgraded somewhat and suffer no ill effects.

Buy the best car you can afford-I've driven some very nice 944 cabs, and if you get a good example you'll be happy with one. Cosmetically, they upgrade great with 968 mirrors and doorhandles. You don't get the extra hp and six speed, but it's still a great drive.

Damian in NJ

One thing though-for some reason you won't see many 944 cabs in great colors-the tend to be white, red, black-the 968 cabs seemed to be made in a much wider color palette.

BruceWard

All 968 Cabs were built as Coupes in Stuttgart and then shipped to ASC who cut the top off.

I believe the S2s were manufactured by Audi and then shipped to ASC.

Either one is a great car. The 968 has a little more power, the S2 may have a little less weight.

DaveC4S

I live in Portland, OR - but would be willing to travel for a nice car. I've quickly figured out that these are rare cars, so I realize I will probably need to buy a car from a distance.

sayporsha

Cool, I didn't realize we were so close. Nice C4S BTW. Do you ever make it to the track days at PIR?

DaveC4S

Yes, do make it to the track at PIR now and then. I wished I had more time to go and use the track, maybe this summer.

Stephenwz968

I know that lots of people on rennlist and 968.net have gone to check out cars for buyers that were distant. As far as cars for sale go, there are a few on the PCA website, including a green MO30 in California.

Steve

User 41221

Just to give you a heads up, if you find any 968's (or S2's, for that matter) in the KC/midwest area, give me a shout here. I will be happy to PPI the car for you. Its my way to give something back to the Rennlist community.

Regards,

Thom

I have pictures of 968 Coupés being assembled at ... Karmann, who are not based in Stuttgart IIRC.
I am sure those pictures were posted here at some point, if not give me a shout and I will see where they are hiding on my HD and post them here.

BruceWard

My understanding is that ASC owns Karmann and that Karmann as a division of ASC carried out the Cab conversions. Perhaps the pictures are of Coupes about to be cut into Cabs?

Would love to see them either way.

Thom

I did not know ASC owned Karmann.

I do not think cabs were cut off coupés as the windscreen are slightly different, AFAIK.

Anyway, here are the pictures, courtesy of transaxle.net