Would you Buy a 96 Varioram or Stick with a 95 Model?
01-10-2019, 11:13 AM
#31
Three Wheelin'
Just as a reminder, both the immobilizer and the SAI fault can be programmed out with an ECU tune. Easy on 97/98, not as easy on 96, but still can be done. Then you have the extra power of VarioRam without the two annoyances of the OBD2 engine.
I used to have to lock/unlock my car to disable the immobilizer each time drive it from my garage. Now I just step in and go. Sounds minor, but it does make the driving experience that much better.
I used to have to lock/unlock my car to disable the immobilizer each time drive it from my garage. Now I just step in and go. Sounds minor, but it does make the driving experience that much better.
01-10-2019, 06:25 PM
#32
Rennlist Member
Buy the best car you can find; I would worry far more about finding a loved rather than a "skimped" example than what year it is. They are all old now!
01-12-2019, 06:51 PM
#34
Drifting
All else being equal, buy the one which looks best to you.
If it were my choice, the 96 since I own one and love it.
If it were my choice, the 96 since I own one and love it.
)
01-13-2019, 01:29 AM
#36
Nothing against the '95's, but I will only buy Varioram 993's. Two in the garage and plan on adding a 3rd this year.
SAI issues are way over blown IMO. Repairs are not even needed with proper maintenance, even if that includes cleaning the ports and changing the valve. Definitely worth it for that Variorum "kick" and the extra 12hp.
With all that said....... I wouldn't kick a '95 to the curb if it fell into my lap and the condition was great and the price was low.
SAI issues are way over blown IMO. Repairs are not even needed with proper maintenance, even if that includes cleaning the ports and changing the valve. Definitely worth it for that Variorum "kick" and the extra 12hp.
With all that said....... I wouldn't kick a '95 to the curb if it fell into my lap and the condition was great and the price was low.
01-13-2019, 11:10 AM
#37
A bit of a highjack of this thread but along the same lines... should I try to avoid a '96 due to the ECU? I understand that '95, '97-'98 are the ones to get if I want to easily tune (remap / chip) the engine. Can't I just replace the entire ECU in a '96 with one from a later car???
01-13-2019, 11:29 AM
#38
A bit of a highjack of this thread but along the same lines... should I try to avoid a '96 due to the ECU? I understand that '95, '97-'98 are the ones to get if I want to easily tune (remap / chip) the engine. Can't I just replace the entire ECU in a '96 with one from a later car???
01-13-2019, 01:06 PM
#39
I am debating between a 95 C2 and a 96 C2. Both are about the same price, but the 96 C2 has fewer miles. I know the Varioram engine has its own set of problems and there are potential problems with the alarm and lock system.
However, I suspect the 96 model is probably in higher demand and may command a higher price in the future. Any thoughts about the pros/cons of the 96 Varioram?
However, I suspect the 96 model is probably in higher demand and may command a higher price in the future. Any thoughts about the pros/cons of the 96 Varioram?
'95 has OBD1 and a user replaceable chip both make life easier for the tinkerer
'96 up RoW is also OBD1 like the '95s but they come w/ vram
'96 up US are OBD2 w/ vram, '96 has a 1 year only non flashable Motronic, 97 has a flashable Motronic(by a pro not an owner)
Beyond that it's a toss up more dependant on condition and setup than anything else
01-13-2019, 03:55 PM
#40
how much is a 97 ECU? Does anyone produce a modern third party ECU??
01-13-2019, 04:09 PM
#41
01-13-2019, 04:09 PM
#42
01-14-2019, 06:56 PM
#44
I test drove a '95 today with RS flywheel and I can certainly feel the difference between the vario and non vario. It has noticeably less 'grunt' from 1-2 gear at normal speeds. I agree that if a '95 ticks all the right boxes I would not pass on it but I certainly prefer the varioram.
01-14-2019, 07:42 PM
#45
Rennlist Member
lko has the best plan, get the '95 and install the varioram.