1990 911

[Tyfaim]

Hi all. I'm new to the site. I'm looking into purchasing a 1990 911 that appears to be in excellent condition. Is there anything I need to be aware with these cars, mechanical or otherwise. I have never owned a Porsche and need some good advice before I make the plunge!

thanks in advance. Rod

[livi]

Welcome !

Being a newbie myself I will let the pros on the forum give you proper advice.

However, a PPI is mandatory.

Regarding that specific model I think there where at least three rather common issues. Most cars would have been rectified by now. First, I believe Porsche left out head gaskets which lead to leakage problems. Second, having dual distributors connected by a rubber belt that snapped and third, something with a 'dubble' clutch not working properly.

Be advised, my only certain recommendation is PPI - the rest will have to be checked by the authorities around here.

Good luck ! They are great cars.

[rattlsnak]

Well, that about covered it!

[911skb]

The double clutch that Livi mentions, is really the dual-mass flywheel (DMF). The stock ones in 90/91/92? (I'm not sure what year they fixed the issue) had a tendency to explode. There was a factory replacement at the time, I believe the it was a LUK DMF that they used as the replacement.

[catnmouse]

Tyfaim, find out why the wheels are not correct for that model, also realize that what you save in the perceived lower cost of that year model may be eaten up in repairs.,, just a thought.

[Quicksilver]

Originally posted by livi
. . .

However, a PPI is mandatory.
. . .

In case you didn't know...
"PPI" means Pre Purchase Inspection. It is standard practice on these cars to have them inspected by an independent shop that specializes in Porsches. You have them look the car over thoroughly. One specific test you will want is a leak down test.

One of the more common laments you will hear here is "I should have had a PPI. I would have saved so much money."

---
Oh, the fix for the "Dual distributer belt problem" that Livi mentioned was they added an air hose to feed fresh air to the distributer. Apparently the distributer would build up a large quantity of ozone that destroyed the belts!

[911skb]

Don't get discouraed or impatient. Do a lot of research. Try forums.rennlist.com as well, there is a larger 964 community there, try the advanced search for "964 issues", "964 dmf" , "964 18 inch wheel" , etc. You will find a lot of good reading.

Things I've learned:

- If an early 964, make sure the DMF has been replaced.

- If pre 92, ask if head gasket has been installed. Some haven't because they didn't develop any leaks, but it is one of those things that very well could get you.

- ask if distributor vent has been installed.

- if a Lightweight flywheel has been installed (gives a nice throttle response) be concerned about stalling issues. If not done right, they habitually stall out during normal street driving. But if done right, they can make the car a blast to drive.

- Check for small paint bubbling spots around the base of the windshield and rear window indicating rust forming.

- watch out for 18" wheels on non-Turbo models. Lot's of debate on Rennlist whether this is a concern or not, so make sure you are satisfied with what you are getting into.

- the C4 is considered a little heavy and some don't like it's driving characteristics. Some concern about higher maintenance costs. Again, this is a personal preference issue, just be aware.

Happy hunting. All 911's have their "quirks" so don't think you are buying a bad car.

[Don Plumley]

Other's have already given you the highlights of what to look for in a 964 - especially the importance of a PPI from an independent Porsche speciality mechanic (not a dealer).

My additional $0.02: Drive a few different model types (SC, Carrera (915 and G50), 964, 993) depending upon your budget range and desired features. A lot of what you are looking for will depend upon your goals for the car. For example, for DIY and a more "raw" feeling, older cars such as SC's and Carrera's are good choices. Daily driver comforts such as working AC and power steering are found in the newer (964, 933) models.

Second bit of advice is to get a copy of Peter Zimmerman's book, The Used 911 Story. I think it is an essential resource for any first time Porsche buyer.

Good luck - and post questions often!

Don

[Gunter]

Rod:
Very good advise given here; most things have been covered.
Is this a C2 or C4? Mileage? Maintenance history?
PPI is a must.

[Tyfaim]

That's great guy's I appreciate the help! I don't know much about the car, although it is priced quite a bit more than others I have been considering, it appears to be in fantastic shape, this is the first one I will be going to see. I'm not sure what model it is?

Rod

[Tyfaim]

[Don Plumley]

I'm pretty sure it is a C4. Knob on the center console is my clue.

[TerryH]

Looks like a great example of the 964. It's not unusual to see drip pans under some of these models because of the aforementioned gaskets missing. It was a serious design flaw and to reseal one of these motors can cost north of $5000, so tread carefully.

If it's low mileage, not leaking, but there's no documentation/evidence of a gasket install.... it would be considered a high risk in my book.

[Gunter]

Rod:
It's easy to get carried away when viewing/driving these vehicles and then make decisions on an emotional basis that will haunt you later on.
Owning a Porsche can be very expensive, use caution and good sense.
A C4 is all-wheel drive and more complicated/expensive to maintain.
A C2 is two-wheel drive and the 964 models ('89-'94) are very nice but have the above-mentioned issues.
Porsche recognized the problem of leaks and added head gaskets in late '92 to the engine. I would not consider a 964 unless the issue of head-gaskets, and the Dual mass flywheel has been fixed.
I suggest that you get some books on Porsches and decide what year/model you want otherwise it'll be confusing.
One pocket book called: "Porsche 911 Red Book" gives you a good overview on various years/models.
Decide what type you want, look for the best one you can afford, a PPI is an absolute must. A "Bargain" usually turns out to be a mistake.
It is not unusual for people to buy a 911 and later get hit with a complete engine rebuild to the tune of $5-8000.-
Have seen this several times; very disappointing because the buyer "saved" himself the inspection fee.

[krauthead]

Look in the owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the lights on the instruments(there are many). Make sure they are ALL working. Lot's of things are covered up by removing warning bulbs. Of course a thorough PPI should cover this.