993 Transplant or Buy the Whole Car?

[wheatdog]

After doing mucho research on 3.6 transplant into my '86 Carrera, I'm starting to think of just buying a nice '95 Carrera instead. Supposing my present ride is worth approx. $15,000 and I'll probably spend another $15,000 purchasing a nice 993 engine and all necessary transplant parts, what have I got?? A nice '86 Targa with cool 3.6 power plant. Nice, BUT--- is it worth even close to the $30,000 plus dinaro I've got invested?? After looking around at prices for a '95 coupe, I see that I'll probably spend approx the same $30,000 and have a car whose actual value is equal to my outlay. Performance wise, is there a whole lot of difference between the two?? Besides, I kinda like the looks of the '95 model better.
Just thinking out loud here. Anyone see any major flaws in my reasoning?

Mike

'86 Carrera Targa - 3.2 runs great but I want more.

[RickM]

Mike,

Unless you're very attached to the '86 I think you answered your own question. Besides, you'll have the G50 in the 993.

[no substitute]

No flaws in your reasoning. Both are cool cars, but you're spot on about the value thing. The 993 is still very much like it's predecessors with regards to the interior. This and the swoopier lines of the exterior make for a great car.

[no substitute]

In terms of performance the 993 has a very nifty rear suspension set-up. It changes toe passively towards the inside of the corner when you get the tail out of sorts--LSA or something like that.

[Porschekid962]

along with the engine and tranny, you will get better brakes, better suspension, better aerodynamics, all in a stock car. the 993 has always been a personal favorite of mine but i love the older cars as well. if your worried about resale value get the 993. my .02

[beepbeep]

Buy the 993 instead.

[motion]

Your left brain will tell you to get the 993, but your right brain will tell you that you should have kept the '86 and just left the 3.2 alone.

[mede8er]

Since when was owning a Porsche the definition of rational thinking.......

I personally am not looking for a car with power steering, et al.....and I went with the conversion into an 83.......

[Jack Olsen]

If I had an SC or earlier, I'd swap in the big motor. With a Carrera, the cost (relative to gains) is higher. In your shoes, I'd be test driving 993's.

[911teo]

I have an 88 Carrera... I decided on the swap. But the resale value was the last of my worries. The 86 with 3.6 will accelerate better than a 993 (just look at the resulting power to weight ratio). A 993 will corner better unless you spend some $$$ upgrading the suspension set-up on the 86.

It really comes down to what you want. A fantastic, classic, stock sports car that will give you miles and miles of driving pleasure whilst retaining its value.... Or do you want an exotic little rocket which you'll end up spending $$$ on as you will want this and that but which will reward you with a unique experience?
If resale value is a concern I would not even think about a swap. The 993s are great cars!!!!

[PorschePilot]

If you go to all the trouble of an engine upgrade, you will more than likely keep the car. It sounds like you are interested in upgrading the whole car. Buying the 993 is the easy way to go.

[CBRacerX]

Getting upside down is OK as long as you are having lots of fun doing it!

Accountant = 993 choice
Pirate/Artist = 911 w/3.6

Chris
'87 911 with (mostly) 993 powerplant.
'96 993 Cab - (mostly) Stock

[Venetian]

Accountant = 993 choice
Pirate/Artist = 911 w/3.6

Well said!

[tjbrune]

hay wheatdog !

Enjoy the priviledge of even having to make such a decision.
I've got a 95 993 C-4 Cab, funny....I've thought about selling it and getting a nice mid-80's Targa. Would be nice to have both. Got pics of your Targa handy ?

[tjbrune]

oh, updated my stable............

added 12 year old Q horse, and
2005 F-350 diesel 4x4 crewcab dually (this is one big ass truck)

[Craig 930 RS]

Yup what Jack said -

[84porsche]

Originally posted by CBRacerX
Getting upside down is OK as long as you are having lots of fun doing it!

Accountant = 993 choice
Pirate/Artist = 911 w/3.6

Wait I am an accountant or trying to be one, now you tell me I need a 993. Anybody want to buy a Jetta??