So Long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen, Adieu…

[jmatta]

Congrats LB...I've always been a 911 guy, having owned countless examples and variations. 964s have been somewhat unloved, but they are great cars to drive, though the C4s can have their issues (what Porsche doesn't?)

You probably know already, but the car doesn't appear to have the vent hose update kit on the dual distributor; a known weak point on the early cars. The drive belt can break causing the second unit to freeze in one position causing spark havoc with the second set of plugs.

You've found a magnificent example, though at the expense of someone whom was a great caretaker.

You'll enjoy the car, the 3.6 power and continue with top down driving pleasure!

[mikehkang]

I will start saving now.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by jmatta

Congrats LB...I've always been a 911 guy, having owned countless examples and variations. 964s have been somewhat unloved, but they are great cars to drive, though the C4s can have their issues (what Porsche doesn't?)

You probably know already, but the car doesn't appear to have the vent hose update kit on the dual distributor; a known weak point on the early cars. The drive belt can break causing the second unit to freeze in one position causing spark havoc with the second set of plugs.

You've found a magnificent example, though at the expense of someone whom was a great caretaker.

You'll enjoy the car, the 3.6 power and continue with top down driving pleasure!

Thanks. Yes, I've read about the tendency for Ozone to buildup in the dizzy and destroy the rubber drive belt to the 2nd distributor, and that the fix was a simple vent kit to vent the ozone away, but didn't realize you could visually detect it in photos - thanks for that... any source for the kit?

Also, the AWD is actually pretty robust, it's known weak link is the front diff input shaft seal sorta the 964 equivalent of RMS (what is it with Porsche and shaft seals? The Rest of the World doesn't seem to have trouble with them!), but the front diff on this car is dry. Also, reputably, the AC system isn't the best in the world - bad hose seals, etc.

I have the full 964 Factory Manuals, which have been my bedtime reading the past couple weeks. My wife remarked:"You're such a sexy man!" (of course she's right about that... though I'm pretty sure she meant it facetiously).

You seem to know these cars pretty well, any other pearls you'd like to share? TIA!

Cheers!

[clickman]

It'll be good if you can keep your head in 986forum. I'd miss your common sense, intelligent commentary.

Good luck with the new love...

[Perfectlap]

well any unpainted, pristine-like Porsche is a find. The year in question is interesting since that's when Porsche was close to falling off the cliff. I remember seeing the PCNA Chief on TV talking about how they barely sold any cars, like barely any at all.
The AWD seems a little weird on a garage queen. I doubt you'll endanger that by putting it near SUV's on snowy roads. Excellence had a nice RS clone in AWD a while back. Congrats but I think you'll be back in the Boxster fold at some point, well if you're a roadster guy at heart.

[jcb986]

Hey, it's a Porsche, who cares what number it is....desserter.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by jcb986

Hey, it's a Porsche, who cares what number it is....desserter.

Ha...Ha! I know you're kidding, but for me it's a sickness, an OCD if you will.

There are so many great cars out there and so little time. I want to experience them all.

Given my limited means, I have to keep the 'stable' in constant rotation.

This 911 will be the 49th 'fun' car I've owned in my life and with very few exceptions, they've all been great to drive and a pleasure to own.

Face it, we never really own the classics, we're simply their current caretakers and will, someday, pass them on to someone else.

And, in a sense, you never really sell a car. They're all still locked into the 'ol memory banks. I remember how my Datsun 'Z' would toss it's back end around, or how my AH Bugeye would grunch in 2nd gear (no matter what you did to it), or how the my XJ 120 would fry your feet through the floorboards, and on and on.
The Boxster will be archived the same way. Someday, the 964 will too.

Cheers!

[fusionist]

Congrats!!!!!! Nice ride! That's no reason to leave though. We'll talk about your ass-engined Nazi slot car too.

I've thought about a 964 many times. I'd love to hear a full comparison with the boxster. I believe they are almost exactly the same speed.

[jmatta]

You seem to know these cars pretty well, any other pearls you'd like to share?

The 964s have been very reliable for the most part. The updated coilover suspension was a huge upgrade for the 911 and this was the first twin plug "production" model. I'm sure you're aware of the head gasket (or lack of them) issue, though this car likely falls within the range. The 964 was also the first 911 to sport ABS and power steering.; the shift mechanism is also vastly improved from the prior series. My last 964 was an RS America, which was modified for track use, but looked fairly stock from the exterior. They are still a popular track car due to the modern suspension and decent power.

Enjoy and let us know your thoughts after your fun drive!

[Frodo]

Hey LB...don't be a stranger...you're still drivin' a Porsche after all.

Your input into the forum, and to my PMs, has been invaluable to me and lots of other folks as well. Sooo...like I said, Don't be a stranger!