C2's Have A Bad Rap?

[LongDuckDong]

What is wrong with early C2's? 1990 Cab in particular, nobody seems to have anything good to say about them, yet I have never heard any particulars as to why. I am considering a 90 in particular to purchase since it is priced in the same price range as a 84 & 85 Carrera Cabs. I figure for pretty much the same money I should buy as new as I can. I like the Carrera stlying a little better, but I kind like the C2 and the "raising wing". Hate to keep asking all these dumb questions, but I wanna make sure I buy the right car and you all are the experts.......right?

[jfw834]

There are a few known issues with the early 964 911s that you can research here. do a search, or someone else might buzz in here with the specifics, but the first 2 or 3 years of production 89-90/91 are affected and i've read numerous threads here on pelican that suggest going for a later 964 not within this range unless the specifics have been taken care of.

other than that, i can say that you will like the carrera a LOT and will most likely get a lot more for your money. I would vote go for a G50 carrera (87 1/2 to 89) in as good condition as possible with lower miles. probably better....just my $0.02

[bigrubberjeep]

Hello LDD, When I was looking into my Porsche purchace late last year, I also wanted the newer look of the c2 with the raising wing, not to mention I was really excited about finding a c4, after making 4 separates stops at different porsche mechanics, they ALL suggested I stay away from the first 2 years of the c2's and c4's simply because they always required more man hours to fix fuel issues as well as leaks and something about a vent for the distributor. Not to mention they insisted the 3.2 motor of a carrera was "way more" reliable then that of the early cs's. So I figured if 4 wll KNOWN mechanics told me the same story they must be right.

[89turbocabmike]

Early C2's can be fine if the known issues are sorted out. The C4 drive system is very complicated and heavy compared to the system used in the 993 and doesn't drive as well either.

Check this link out for more info. http://www.porsche964.co.uk/

[Jack Olsen]

Some 90-91 cars had a head gasket (or lack thereof) problem that was fixed under warranty, but is very expensive to fix if it hasn't been done. Other than that, there can be problems with the power steering pump, dual-mass flywheel, venting for the dual-distributor belt, and a couple of other little things I can't think of now.

With a thorough PPI, the 1990-1994 911's can be the best value of the entire 911 line, partly because of knee-jerk fears about reliability, and partly because the exterior styling was less popular than what came before or after.

[Kurt B]

and partly because the exterior styling was less popular than what came before or after

That's a nice way of putting it Jack.

The exterior styling sucks. Musta been doing a lot of blow in the 80s when they came up with the 964 body. I still can't find a viewing angle that compliments the rear bumper.

[Leland Pate]

Holy Sweet Jesus!

KURT B is... A L I V E !

...memories... nothing left but meeeeem ories...

[Kurt B]

Yep, I'm here Pate.
But I wonder where that old ricer is. Although there never was an actual picture, I laugh at the story of you and your buddy in that thing with flight helmets on. Damn, even now, I'm grinning ear to ear just thinking about it.

[Leland Pate]

Pimpster... what pimpster... oh, you mean... "this" PIMPSTER...

[JeremyD]

Good info here:

http://instant-g.com/Products/36Conversion/HeadLeaks.html

[Craig 930 RS]

If I had to do it again, I might get a 964.
Why?

Power
PS
Suspension capability

Many people make many changes just to get near or above the 964 level - when they might have started with one in the first place!

[JeremyD]

I've always said - it's cheaper to remove than to add. I would think it would be cheaper to start with a c2 with all the electronics and start removing the weight and electronics and end up with a capable car with the coil overs/abs/ps/engine/tranny/more aerodynamic/etc

[Kurt B]

Lol! With a 993 in your garage now, those days are long, long gone, Pate.

I apologize for hijacking this thread.
I agree with Jeremy 964--cheaper to delete than to add.

[LongDuckDong]

Well I bought a C2 today. Regardless of what a lot of Porsche purist think about them I kind have always liked the style and the novelty of the rear wing raising is pretty cool too. I really like the "modern-ness" of the interior compared to the early 80's 911s I had been looking at. It goes in for a PPI on Monday and if all goes well I'll get it Wednesday.

The Stats: 90' C2, 5 spd, new top, new wheels and tires, sweet stereo system (owner said he spent $5K on it), original paint (8 out of 10), 2 owner, All service records, 101K miles Got it for $18K

[john walker's workshop]

the price is right. a PPI may turn up the reason for it though. i PPI'd one for $18K and the fix list was getting close to $10K.

[LongDuckDong]

Yea, I went through that earlier in the week on a 83' Cab. Was buying it pretty cheap and it turned out to need about $10K worth of motor and tranny work. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one, I really like this one!

[JeremyD]

At least it was lowered- good luck on your ppi

[Joehand1]

Lovely car, hope ppi works works out.

[LakeCleElum]

LongDong: That's a great price if it checks out. I like the looks...

[89turbocabmike]

Congrats LongDong. Good looking car. Hope everything turns out well. You always have us to lean on!