ksluna

Hi all,

So I am pretty much dead set on an air-cooled porsche. I've settled on the 3.2 or the 993, although I think the 3.2 speaks more to me and is the car I'd end up being more happy with, I called Tim Holt to ask about some 3.2s he had and pretty much he suggested I go with the 993.

55K is my budget and pretty much what Tim said is that all his 3.2s are the high 60s to 90s and the reason being is because of the low mileage. He suggested the 993 because the 3.2 has worn valve guides at 100K and produces probably only 70% of it's power as they get higher mileage. Not sure how true that is but it was disheartening.

I know you don't adjust the valves on a 993, but with a 3.2 is there a "fix" for the valve guide issue or do you just care for and adjust them every 10k miles (as I've read)?

What I'm looking for in this next car is just a fun raw experience. I have a reliable DD and I do not care about A/C, cabin noise, or amenities. I want a raw, air-cooled, 911 driving experience. From what I've read, the 3.2 offers this while the 993 was a step forward in modernization and isn't as "raw". However, for those who have driven both a 3.2 and a 993, is it similar in that sense?

fastdiablo

You rebuild the 3.2 as you lose compression. Often around 80k miles+ depending on how the motor was cared for etc. heads get machined, valve guides and new head studs etc. $10-14k in work once you do the clutch, sound pad, cap and rotor, fuel lines -everything you need to do while the motor is out being rebuilt. Once that work is done you know exactly what you have, and that's worth a lot.
I rebuilt my 88 right when I bought it right at 96k miles because one of the cylinders wasn't holding good compression during the PPI. I negotiated the price down accordingly. I added new Elephant suspension, did the rebuild and that car and motor friggen rips -also good for another 100k reliable miles..
I love the G body as a first air-cooled 911. So amazingly iconic, full analog, amazing sound and driving experience. Owned mine almost two years and I still get up early almost every single weekend for a fast rip through the canyons before the world wakes up. I also have a new 911 GTS, people don't even notice it -the 3.2 people always wave, thumbs up, comment and take pics. It's just a fun car to own.
Get a rare color if possible -I found my marine blue metallic 88 and fell in love -had to have it.
Also, G50 if you can find it and it's in your budget. I'd argue a 100k mile car that needs a rebuild but has good interior and paint is a good buy if you negotiate all the work etc. do it right and you're sub $65k all in. They are cheap cars to maintain once you rebuild them and fix the little issues you'll inevitably have with a 30 year old car.
The PPI from an air cooled specialist will be your best negotiation tool. Don't skimp. Good luck!

ksluna

Thanks fastdiablo! that car looks beautiful. So from what I can tell is that after a nice rebuild the 3.2 should be good to go for quite some time? Just to clarify, as you said you rebuilt it as it loses compression, is the engine just prone to losing compression as time goes by, or does a rebuild resolve that?

mooty

993 also have their issues and cost more to fix.
I prefer G body and specially 915 box.

Mark Salvetti

Bill Verburg

Stock, neither is particularly 'raw', Modified either can be made as 'raw' as you want. valve guide wear has been an issue on all air cooled since day1, right up through 993s, the cure is a valve job w/ Phosphor-Bronze guides.

performance wise the 993 has more potential but looks are often the deciding factor, especially in the street environment

myflat6

Just to add a bit to Bill's response about valve guides and 993's - the real difference is that the wear leads to issues with the SAI Emissions system, which causes emission check failures. If you are not in a state that requires emissions tests on cars of this age - it isn't a huge deal, but it can be in states like CA. I really enjoy my 993 - it is very difficult to compare this car to any of the torsion bar cars in my opinion - it's roots are in the air cooled vintage, but it shows evolution. I agree with Mooty's comment about the 915 if you get a G-body - I really enjoy my other cars with the 915 - a very different experience than the G50 in my 993 - both great, but both very different. To me, the 915 suites the air-cooled driving character more so than the G50 - which shifts much more like a Honda (smooth and refined) than a vintage Porsche.

fastdiablo

You can also save a good bit of money buying a 915 car as they are considered less desirable and don't command the G50 premium. Can def help w budget constraints!

ksluna

Thanks for all the info. I personally would not mind a 915 3.2.

One of the main things I'm concerned about a 993 is that all the advances in it just means more things to go wrong. I'm a youtube mechanic, lol. I don't mind learning how to do basic maintenance and easy fixes, but I don't have too much of an interest in being a full time mechanic. From what I've read on multiple threads is that the 3.2 is the most bullet proof engine out of the air-cooled engines...

Freddie Two Bs

The 3.0 on the SC is probably more bulletproof, once the head studs are done.

ksluna

Mainly wanted the 3.2 due to the upgraded fuel injection system! though SC prices are very attractive

911S3.6

The 993 era 3.6 twin plug motor is a lot harder to access due to space constraints in the engine compartment compared to the Carrera 3.2. Even changing the air filter.
Also with twin plugs you have two distributors, rotors, twice as many plugs... routing new plug wires on the 3.6 is a PIA due to accessibility [ unless engine is out].
3.2 is way more user friendly for those who want to tinker. Not as much power but great motor. And they go forever if you are judicious with maintenance, oil changes ....

myflat6

Funny you mention this - it is true - even replacing my spark plugs and wires was a PITA! Now, there is lots of space around my 2.4

There is so much to love about the 3.6 though

Bford100

I love my '86 Targa. Bought it 2 years ago, had 55K miles. My hobby is to rebuild things. So I did. Engine, trans, full suspension to OEM spec. So much fun!

Bford100

Oh....forgot the 915 rebuild, smooth as butter now...