Gino993

Hey you gurus,

How can I tell if this P-car that I just bought is really a Carrera 4? It does have the 'Carrera 4' emblem in the back it doesn't always mean that it is. I tried to do a search for it but couldn't find anything on the topic. Thanks in advance!

flatsixforme

I'm far from a guru but I can give some easy answers:

1. Check to see if there is a front differential/front driveshaft/etc.
2. Go drive around in the snow (if you can find any in AZ)!
3. Check to see if you have power assisted breaks (I think all C4's came with these to cope with the added weight)

Paul M

Silver brake calipers would be one C4 characteristic.

Gino993

Thanks Adam, I'll have to go see if I have that front differential/front driveshaft. Pretty hard to find snow around here though

Paul, I do have silver brake calipers so that's a good sign. Thanks!

dhicks

Look at the Vin number, then go to http://p-car.com/vin.html and do a comparison and it will tell you for sure

Gino993

That confirmed it. Thanks David! I just love this place!!!

Mark in Baltimore

Also, you can call PCNA and give them the VIN. They can tell you what you have.

Gino993

Thanks Mark. The link that David gave me confirmed that the car is actually a Carrera 4.

roebedo

Gino...

Where are the pic's. Did you take a drive up the B-Line yet? Looking forward to seeing your car. My mom just moved to Fountain Hills.. so I'm over there quite often, I'm sure I'll see it around town.

1pcarnut

Hey Gino,
Did I miss a post on how your car turned out? Would like to hear some details! Was concerned about the CEL and some of the other things mentioned in previous thread after you bought the car.

Gino993

Hey Mike, sorry I haven't gotten around to taking any pics. Let's just say that I'm a little disappointed with the condition of the car and didn't want to post any pics until I've taken care of some of the issues. When do you think you'll be around Fountain Hills? I'd like to meet up and get your honest opinion on the car. I work from home most of the time so just PM me if you want to meet at Starbucks or something...I'll even buy you the biggest latte or beers at Babes if you prefer

Anyway, I know the questions will come so I'm beating you to the punch. Here's a quick rundown of the condition of the car when I got it....

Cons:
- Right HID headlight flickers on and off while driving. Already fixed this by taking out the headlight unit (Thanks to RL posts ) and re-seating the connector in the back.
- As already pointed out, the seats were more worn than what it should be @ 55,200 miles. (I ordered a set of seat covers from fleabay since I currently don't have the funds to replace the seats but was pleasantly surprised by the product....looks awesome! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=110210342388
- Manuals weren't shipped with the car so I don't know what all the buttons are for. PO said he'll ship it over.
- Never trust a picture...there were more scratches and dings than the pictures show.
- The air filter is filthy...I've already ordered a replacement.
- The right-rear tire was flat.
- The passenger door doesn't open from the inside. Looks like the latch behind the panel got disconnected.
- The integrated V1 doesn't work (I haven't even started to troubleshoot this)

Pros:
- No CEL! Woohoo!
- The top is in great condition and works flawlessly.
- The engine starts with no problem, idle is a little rough, but power is good.
- Varioram works because I could definitely hear it when it kick in ...especially with the top down.
- I really like how the painted 18" turbo twists turned out ...charcoal gray. I still need to drop the car about an inch and it'll look good.
- I don't know the kind of rear spoiler this is but I actually like it. I know a lot of people hate it but I like the way it looks with the top down...with the top up?....ehhhh
- No engine leaks...as far as I can see...by the way, the engine pan (is that what it's called?) is already gone.
- The RS front lips will be installed soon and I'm having them re-spray the front bumper while they're at it. Might as well have the bumperettes removed as well (Slippery slope!!! )

I think that's it. I'll post more updates and pics soon. Peace!

Gino993

By the way, if anybody is planning on using Vertex Automotive in Florida to do their PPI...DON'T!

Gino993

Quick update... I took it to the emissins testing facility in Scottsdale this afternoon....failed! Here are the trouble codes:
P1691
P1127
P1129
P1123
p1125
...I think I have bad O2 sensors.

Gino993

Attachment 246857As requested, here are some pics. Ride height lowering and RS splitters soon to come. You can kinda see what the painted turbo wheels look like. The shop did not paint the center caps so I'll do that on my own and just paint around the Porsche crest. I also included a shot of the seats to show what the seat covers look like.