Finding parts for ROW vs US spec
 

I am set on buying a 3.2 (after much research, I have no preference of 915 vs G50). There is a 1985 ROW for sale on the rennlist classifieds and from what I have read is that the compression ratio is higher on the ROW and also the ROW is a bit lighter making it a faster and lighter car.

To be honest, I don't care much for how fast the car is, if I wanted a fast car I'd get a modern 911. I didn't read anything about the interchangeability of parts or if parts are just as easy to find for ROW models as they are for US spec.

If parts are harding or more of a hassle to find, I think I'd settle for a US spec, but if its all the same, I would be highly considering the ROW that is for sale.

Thanks in advance!

Hello and welcome to the forum! In short, parts for a ROW can be just as easy to find as a US spec but also can be considerably more difficult to find as well - it really depends on the part. Are you in CA? If so, the car could already have been federalized, but still not legal in CA. Other members will likely chime in with their expertise as well. Best of luck!

Thank you for the warm welcome. I'm located in TX actually. What I want to avoid is having a ROW car and having a hard time finding parts. I've had imported JDM motorcycles and I just don't want to deal with the headache of that anymore.

I know exactly what you mean! I spoke with our Catalog Manager aka Porsche Guru and he said that as an investment, ROWs are not nearly what people think they may be and as mentioned parts can be a massive headache - maybe pass on this one?

Will do. Thanks for the information and I'll hold off until I find the right US spec 3.2

Thanks!!

ROWs rule :D

The differences in parts are pretty minor. I can't imagine there would be anything that is hard to find.
If you like the car, go for it.

I've had mine since 2005 and can't recall any trouble with parts. With the connections here most anything for our cars are around.

Terry

Most of stuff that went on federalized cars was added on. ROW cars are generally less equipped and have less smog and crash stuff. Some ROW parts have higher demand as people want to ditch the awful US spec monstrosities like sugar scoop headlights and bumper supports.

Whatever you need you'll be able to order online - the rest of the world all gets their parts no problems. Either through this site or at a pinch one from somewhere outside the US.

Massive Headache???? Same car more HP very few differences in parts buy it!!!

Yeah I would say if price is fair to good make a move on it. I don't think a ROW car is going to be inherently difficult to source parts. There are minor differences in the car. Its not like that model car never came to the US, if that was the case then I would be more concerned. Do it!

Smaller rear bumperettes, rear brake light at bumper, front fender side markers, H4s instead of sugar scoops, etc. are just minor appearance differences that I think look better than US anyway. Your doors probably have a crude metal bar added from federalization. Other than that you have slightly more horsepower than US. What's not to like? If it's in good condition - far more important than US or Euro spec - I wouldn't think twice.

Had an 82 911SC for over a decade while working in Malaysia. Every time I came home to the states I loaded up on parts I needed or wanted. They were cheaper here than in Malaysia. Use the proper PET and order what you need.

Um yeah... he's wrong.

+1

I've owned my RoW for over 40yrs, never an issue getting parts

It’s mostly crash test and emissions stuff, all of which can be replaced with US parts if they break.

^^ This.

I've never owned an RoW Porsche, but drove an RoW BMW for years. It was a model that was never offered in the US (e21 323i), and parts were not hard to find.

An RoW Porsche is even easier, as most parts are the same as the US cars, and the few that aren't are readily available from various vendors. Or so it seems to me.

Lets see..US 911 SC '83 930-16 180 HP @ 5500 rpm 175 ft lb torque at 4200 rpm

ROW 911 SC '83...204 hp @ 5900 rpm (redline 500 rpm higher than US) 189 ft lb torque at 4200 rpm.


I'll stick with my ROW.....

^
In completely stock form certainly an advantage. I wonder what the stock weight difference is......if any?

Well there is certainly a lot of conflicting info in this thread! Porsche guru says its a hassle, while many porsche owners say its not too bad.

The parts that are different, are those mainly accessory or /exteriorinterior parts? As far as I know, the engine would share the same parts. Or better yet, is there a list floating somewhere on the part differences if that list is small?

Also, for the US spec and ROW owners, where do you guys buy older parts? Are there just a lot of vendors on this forum that sell parts for these older aircooled porsches?