Help deciding which 911/turbo to buy

[Porschefile]

Well, as the title states, I'm in need of some help. Let me first say that I just now joined the board, however I've been browsing quite a bit here for the last 3-4yrs. I have been a diehard Porsche fanatic since I was ~5y/o. I've researched everything I've been able to think of, read many of the tech articles, etc etc. Basically, I just changed jobs and will easily be able to afford a 951, 911 and 911 turbo in the near future, so I want to start planning ahead of time. I've been considering the following 911's:

-930
-965
-993 c2
-993 tt
-964 C2
-SC
-Carrera 3.2
-'70-73 S

Sweet mother of God! I guess I've really been considering pretty much EVERY 911! I've researched all of the 911 variants mentioned but, I guess my main problem is not having enough experience with any of them. I've ridden in a 965, SC and 964 but none of them were driven hard. I have a bad problem with not being able to make up my mind. I would truly be happy with any 911, so it's really hard to choose just 1!

I guess it might help to list the things I am looking for. Lately I've had the modification bug with all of my current vehicles. I'm currently in the middle of building an extremely powerful 240Z. Whatever 911 I end up purchasing, I will most likely end up modifying it, although tastefully I might add. I've also become obsessed with turbochargers, which is definitely one of the reasons I've considered a 911 turbo. However, I also like high strung n/a engines. Whatever 911 I end up going with would definitely see some track use, although it would be primarily a street driven car. I really love the idea of an earlier 911, like a 911 S since it seems much closer to a true driving experience, with not much in the way. That's one of the reasons I like Datsun Z cars. Though, I have considered that if I did get an earlier car, I might like to convert to coilovers (yes, I am crazy!) in order to fine tune the suspension. It is because of many upgrades like this that I've considered many of the later cars. Take the 964 for example. It already has coil spring suspension, so that is one less thing I would have to worry about. When it comes to 911 turbos, there are many modifications I've researched and am intersted in. If I were to get a 930, I might be interested in converting to a 5spd. I like shifting, and it sounds like the 4spd gearbox wouldn't be quite suited to my taste. I've researched the 915 conversion and written it off due to the fact that I would modify a 911 Turbo (if I owned one), and the 915 couldn't handle the power. I also looked into the G50 conversion but, it seems that for the money it would cost, I might as well find an '89 930 since they already have the g50 5spd. I've also considered the 965 due to the fact that it already has coil spring suspension, a 5spd gearbox, and the fuel injection seems better suited in stock form to handle some of the modifications I might like to do. Oh God, I could go on forever. Sorry if this is hard to read. I have so much Porsche information rattling around inside my head at the moment that it all kind of comes out mixed up like this.

I guess one of the main things I really need to do is go ride/drive many of the different 911's I've considered so I can see which one I enjoy more or less. I live in Austin, TX. Anyone willing to give me a "spirited" ride in the near vicinity? I'll drive to Houston, San Antonio, etc to meet anyone! I'd deeply appreciate it. I've ridden in 914's and 944's, which have also been quite amazing when compared to other sports cars, but I haven't experienced much when it comes to 911's. The local Porsche dealership really doesn't have much except 996's (I still love those too) last time I looked, or else I go test drive something. I really appreciate anyone's suggestions, info or help.

[Doug Steinel]

Since you would really want to alter the car, I would consider removing the early S cars from your list. They are getting into collectible land over $20k and altering them would probably decrease what they are worth. Since you really seem to enjoy tinkering, how about an SC where you would plan on losing the CIS and adding tblitz's EFI? Or rebuilding a tired 3.0 L SC to make a performance car with hot cams high compression JE pistons and Webers. Their is lots of info on this board about these projects and you would love doing it and driving the car that results.

[5axis]

930 to 934 is only a few banks full of money away

This would be about the max bad A$$ street turbo without going over the top to 935 bodywork.

david 89 turbo cab

[charlesbahn]

I'd find the nicest 1984 to 1989 911 non turbo you can that has the style and color that you love and has a good PPI. Drive it a while. Then modify it with a Protomotive Stage I turbo with intercooler. And then hold on to your hat. Just my $.02

[JackT]

I would not start with a turbo. They are very fast but a 911 is a car you have to learn to drive. Find a nice non turbo, learn to drive it and then if you still have the turbo bug, sell the non turbo and buy the turbo.

[dickster]

first you need to ride in them as you say.

if you're into modifying theres no point in buying something already there - 993tt.

i would go for either a G50 3.2 that you can turbo and modify to your hearts content, or (and my choice) a 930 mid-late eighties.

good luck.

[JeremyD]

If you were amazed by a 944 then you will be blown away by a 911 and further blown away by a 930.

That said - don't get wrapped up by the stats and internet research. A well prepared earlier car (with torsion bars) with a later engine will teach 95% of modern cars a lesson or two at the track - see Jack Olsen and his success at the Open Track Challenge.

A 1984-1989 turbo with a few mods will spank most current cars too.

If you like AC and comfort the 965 1991 Turbos are great cars but they are pretty heavy too. if you want a platform to start modding - then I think the 1984 to 1986 Turbos - especially the grey market cars with the euro fuel delivery may be your best bet. The turbo was not officially imported until 1986.

So, all that being said - drive lots of cars - each 911 varient has it's own charm. You have to figure which one fits for you.

[jpnovak]

Welcome to the board. Since you live in Austin you will have to come out on one of our Fun Runs. You just missed one two weeks ago. Feel free to contact several of us in the area if you want to check any of our cars. Most of us have early cars so there is a good selection. And yes, spirited is a good part of our vocabulary. Lime Creek it is. email for a ride (jnovak @ appliednanotech.net, remove spaces) or call 407-9590.

My first question is whether this will be a daily driver. If not, the possibilities are endless. If you are going to modify the car I would stay away from an early S or E. They are increasing in value. I would also avoid a pristine T as many have been modified with great results.

You may want to look for a mid year car (74-77). These can usually be had cheap, especially if you find own with a basket case 2.7 motor. then swap in the engine of your choice, flares and bumpers and you have an RSR replica with comparitively little investment.

that being said, The 911 will outperform most cars out there in stock form. You should spend money on track time to be able to take your car to the limit and beyond in a safe environment. Once you learn what yours and the cars limits you can start a plan for modifications. Coil overs are complete overkill for a mostly street, occasional track car. If you want them so that you can easily lower teh car (like on a Z) that is not the way. torsion bars are just as easy to deal with.

[PeteBrown]

The best advice I can give is to determine how you are going to use the car. Is it going to be a daily driver, week-end sunny day cruiser, a track toy or full blown racer? Your answer to that question will narrow your field of cars.

I did a bunch of research and looked for 6 months to find my '87 3.2 coupe. However, after only driving it about 2,500 miles a year on the week-ends and becoming addicted to Driver Ed events I wish I would have purchased someone else's modified car or race car. Now I face the dilemma of modifying my stock car or selling it and finding a race car.

[kepperly]

1989 930 SLANT NOSE, IF YOU CAN FIND ONE. G-50 5SPD
MORE THAN ENOUGH BEGINER HP AND YOU WON,T MEET YOURSELF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.


KEITH EPPERLY 1987 SLANT NOSE CABRIOLET TURBO LOOK
CARRERA- STEVE WONG CHIP BURSCH EXHAUST, FIKSE FM-10S
SUMMER YELLOW WITH NAVY INTERIOR

[BOBCOHEN]

PSSSSSSSS I have a 88 930 For Sale.....

[rick conrath]

There are very subtle differences in the turbos, 78-79, 84 -88 until you hit the 89 five speed. Don't rule out a 4 speed car until you have driven one.
If emissions is an issue and your ultimate goal is horsepower, then go for the '78 and '79 cars. Most of these are exempt, are lighter than the later models, and can be had for a reasonable price without feeling guilty every time you make a change. If you are sticking with CIS , the '78 and '79 models have the larger fuel head and can support up to 450hp.
If you want originality and plan on making few changes, then I would look for a five speed so that you can maximize the torque at traffic speed and drive it in stop and go traffic.
Very few differences otherwise. Balance condition with price, your ultimate goals(be honest with yourself) and get the most complete car in the best condition possible.
As far as the 993TT goes....they are very,very nice. A definate classic on my list of future purchases. Starting price, emissions and your ultimate horsepower goals may hamper your choices here.
Drive a few cars, enjoy the search. The choices are endless.
Rick
'78 930

[Porschefile]

Originally posted by jpnovak
And yes, spirited is a good part of our vocabulary. Lime Creek it is. email for a ride (jnovak @ appliednanotech.net, remove spaces) or call 407-9590.

You mean to say you would take me for a ride on Lime Creek Road?! I'll be emailing you shortly! I've ridden on that road in several vehicles (240sx, nsx, etc) and it is insane. Thanks for the offer.

Well, I did want to buy a 911 that I could have as more of a weekend toy, so that I could highly modify it. However, with how my Z is going to end up, I'm really going to need something much more suited to daily driving. I think I'll probably go with a 951 for a daily driver though. I do want a 911 I can use as a daily driver whenever I want. I've been leaning towards the SC and 3.2 Carrera lately for many reasons. I really like the idea of an '87 3.2 because of the g50 gearbox.

Quick question. Does anyone know of any other company that makes turbo kits for the '84-89 Carrera? I looked at Protomotive. $5k isn't that bad I guess for the power increase.

[5axis]

A reminder. A turbo kit does not make a 930. You do start with EFI on the 3.2 but are missing the all the turbo chassis goodies (suspension and brakes) and lastly the drop dead gorgeous wide body. Take a 930 and do the EFI + the usual mods for such a machine and go run down Vipers.
Search for Amac's over the top 930's to get a idea of how far it can go.

Ps. I am being overrun by Corvettes this weekend. The Bloomington gold show is in town. Send reinforcements
david 89 turbo cab

[David]

If you're going to modify the car, a '79 or older is exempt from emissions testing in Texas (24 year rolling exemption). If you're going to get a turbo, get ready to spend some money, mods can be very expensive. I'm currently rebuilding my engine and adding EFI, I'm expecting to spend over $15K and I already have all the bolt ons.