Considering 94 3.6 Turbo...

[Mike Feinstein]

Thinking about upgrading (yes, I use the term loosely so as not to offend anyone), from my 94 cab to a 94 3.6 Turbo. I know that they are few and far between but I am hoping to get some feedback on this car. Is it as bulletproof as the NA cars (turbo-charger notwithstanding)? Were their any ideosyncracies or trouble spots to consider?

Anyone ever own one or drive one? I've heard that the 3.6 version really improved upon the turbo-lag of earlier iterations. Interested in your impressions.

Thanks,

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Mike
94 C2 cab

[RarlyL8]

I only have one data point for you, but it is an important one.
A fellow PCA member purchased a very pristine 965 only to discover (later) that it had pulled head studs. Heard that one before haven't we. Trouble is, to add insult to injury, this model cost over $10,000 to fix. Ah, the P-tax is a wonderful thing.

[5axis]

I looked at a Turbo S with the 928/slant front end and drooled for a while.
You also get some good parts from the factory, like a K27 turbo, a intercooler that works,and a simpler pop off valve. Add a boost controler and get ready to do your best impression of the "yellow bird tire smoke at the ring" video.

[kr911]

I drove one when I was looking for my 964 2 yeras ago. I almost killed myself when the turbo kicked in the midle of the turn. Long story short: The turbo-lag IS VERY BAD.

[5axis]

kr. The shot out of a cannon feeling is what makes these things so much fun. The near death experience is just a freebe. Driving a turbo takes a bit more planning. I have to make sure to get most or all of my braking done in a straight line so that I can have the thing spooled up in time for a smoother corner coming on the boost. I think of it as slower in and rocket out. (or even slower out)
I don't have the skill or courage to to throw a car around like the Ruf test driver, but I wish I did!
David 89 turbo cab

[Mike Feinstein]

Wow! I had heard that the Turbo lag was much improved in the 3.6. Could it have been a problem with that particular one? My 87 had lag but didn't sound as bad as what you describe.

Thanks,

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Mike
94 C2 cab

[plain fan]

If you don't like the lag pony up the bucks for the twin turbo! Just kidding, I drool at the sight of a turbo look 911 and really drool when I think about owning a real turbo, oh well, one of these days...

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plain fan

[Eric Coffey]

Those cars are great, but like you said, they are "few and far between". That translates into the cars (usually) commanding a higher premium. If I were you, I would be considering a `96 993 twin turbo. They are starting to become more affordable, and I have seen many go for under $75K.

-Eric

[Planter91C2]

Mike F,

do you not like your car?

i recall over the past few months you have considered a boxster, a 97C2 and now a 965.

you have a great car, just relax and enjoy it.

all are nice.

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Daryl 964 Targa

[Mike Feinstein]

Planter,

Ha! You are very perceptive. I love my car but about every two years I get the itch for something new. My wife says that is OK with cars but not with wives, so she is supportive of my addiction.

One important criteria is a car that I can use for DE's without having to install a rollbar (mine has the RSA "seat-delete" so cutting is required with all bars). Other than that, I'm mostly doing some research to identify my next conquest...innocent fun. Only recently turned my attention to the 965 so thought I'd gather some info.

Thanks,

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Mike
94 C2 cab

[jeff91C2T]

The 965's do have turbo lag. But not as much as you'd might expect. It can feel more dramatic because when it comes on boost, it can really hit hard.

I bought my 91 with an upgraded exhaust system so I can't say what the stock system feels like, but with this improvement, it feels like a normally aspirated car before boost, then GLH after that. Boost comes on very quickly in first and second. Not very noticable.

To give you an idea how well a 965 can be, I like to autocross more then anything else. Needless to say the Turbo isn't a good choice. But with these mod's I'm in the top 5 in our region. Next year I'm making the move to the right tires and hope to do even better. I drove a couple of 993's and a 964RSA and they were only marginally faster in the lower RPM's and no where close after about 2500.

As far as the 965 w/ the 3.6, I think they're to much money. Spend a little more and get the twin turbo or spend a little less and get a 3.3.