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-   -   Why build this car?? A real one is probably cheaper (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/320259-why-build-car-real-one-probably-cheaper.html)

Hetmann 12-17-2006 03:48 PM

To each his own, but after all that work apparently he didn't like it well enough to want to keep it.

sand_man 12-17-2006 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson
What's the fun in "just buying a 993"? As I said in my book, for the money I spent on my gold-plated SC, I could have bought a brand-new 911. Would have taken me an hour to drive to Nanuet and back, give it an hour at the dealership doing the paperwork...two hours and I'm done. Instead, I had two _years_ of pleasure (and education) getting upside down on a very powerful, fast and fun quarter-century-old car.
Because in this case, that's what would have made sense. I'm not familiar with your book or your car, but did you attempt to make your SC look like a "new(er)" model down to some serious minutia? If you did, well then, yeah, maybe you shoulda' just bought the new car. Adding HP and other bits and pieces is a little different. This car has been transformed. This person actually took a 930 and attempted to painstakingly transform it into a real deal 993TT down to some very serious details. And in my opinion it falls short in that it misses the the real "meat and taters": the TT mechanicals!

As others have already said...to each his own.

AvonGil 12-17-2006 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Noah
What?

Are you saying that the 993 suspension design is inferior to the torsion bar suspension that was designed almost 45 years ago?

And how do you know that "most people" prefer torsion bar suspensions over modern multi-link and coilover suspensions? Did you do a poll or something?

There are quite a few people that prefer the pre 993 suspension setup. They claim they are much more predictable at 8/10+

To each his own, but there are plenty of people out there that would claim this car has the best of every year. 993 body and interior, 911 suspension, single turbo, G50 trans. More modern aerodynamics with arguably easier to maintain and play with suspension and drive train.

You can verify this by going here, a few people have posted about the 993 twitchyness issue with the stock suspension:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=264762&highlight=993+un predictable

Pete000 12-17-2006 05:21 PM

HOW IN THE HECK DOES THAT THING PASS SMOG HERE IN LA???

sfoster13 12-17-2006 05:34 PM

How is it that none of the California Pelicans know this car?

onefstm 12-17-2006 06:13 PM

I read this ad a few night ago and seem to remember that the seller posted the reason for building the car...

10 year ago, when the 993 tt was first introduced he wanted one but could not afford the $100k + price tag and also mentioned that most dealers were on a waiting list.

Based on his desire for the car, he set out to build one for himself with a budget of $50k. He did say that he went over budget.

At the time, I would say that his approx $50k investment would have been a bargain for the then $100k 993tt. In 97 or 98 would a "real" 993tt be worth twice as much?

Also, I will have to say that some people enjoy the project more than driving the finished product. I have many friends that fall into this camp.

limble 12-17-2006 06:21 PM

That's nothin' I once heard of a 1973 911S 2.4 that would do 165 MPH.
Does that guy live in Malibu? How come no one has challenged him to prove his claims at Willow?

onefstm 12-17-2006 06:22 PM

As a new owner of a 993 with many suspension mods, I will have to say that my old 2500lb Carerra with Bilstein Sports was more confidence inspiring on the back roads.

Dont get me wrong, I absolutely love the 993 but it will take some getting used to. I can see why some people prefer the older lighter cars with torsion bars.

Formerly Steve Wilkinson 12-17-2006 06:56 PM

Ultimately, you know what? It's none of our friggin' business. The man can do whatever he wants and sell it for $1.98 or ask $2 million for it. There are people who engrave The Last Supper on gunstocks and people who build 1:24 models of Bugattis with 60,000 parts, people who carve full-size Learjets out of oak and people who build VW Beetles from pig iron. I admire them all.

htron435 12-17-2006 08:08 PM

Thank you, Formally Steve. I feel that on some level that I am understood. Did I mention that I'm currently building a lifesize replica of the Washington Monument out orange-flavored TUMS in my living room?

Gogar 12-18-2006 12:31 AM

As said above, sometimes it's more about the journey than the destination.

msterling 12-18-2006 03:32 AM

Beautiful car!

But... 15346 words to describe it is CRAZY. Not to mention the 91 annotated photos (with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back?)

I know many of us on the forum are kinda crazy about our rear engined cars but this guy is Bozo the Clown, Barkin' at the Moon nutto.

Fair warning: If you tried to buy this car from this guy your life would expire as explained all the details to you.

P.S. No, I didn't read the whole thing.

AvonGil 12-18-2006 05:00 AM

Thats how you sell a car on ebay. This will go for top dollar. Why so many complaints? Looks like a great project and a superb auction. I'm sure a prospective buyer is going to read every last work of this auction.

defcon65 12-18-2006 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by htron435
Thank you, Formally Steve. I feel that on some level that I am understood. Did I mention that I'm currently building a lifesize replica of the Washington Monument out orange-flavored TUMS in my living room?
Thank you for that. I always wanted to know what a chewed bite of egg mcmuffin would look like on my computer screen.

Regards,

Kemo 12-18-2006 07:02 AM

I think I would really feel bad thrashing a real Turbo 993 since those cars will most likely be super sought after as the years wear on. Seems like you could pick up this 993 repli-turbo and beat the crap out of it and when you are done, clean it up and post the same ad from ebay. Who knows, the 993 Turbo might be "the next big thing" in clones as the numbers dwindle. So how much would a 73 RSR clone be worth right now if it were built back in 73 on a T-Tub? Probably about the same as if it were built last year, I imagine... especially if it were built with as much attention to detail as this one for sale. Plus, in some states like Texas, I think an 80' is smog exempt.

If I had the money, I would have a 993TT and a real RS in the garage. Since I dont have the money, Ill probably end up with a 964 driver and an RSR Clone to occupy my time :)

Perhaps this guy is a real craftsman with more time than money with the ability to source parts from heavy footed drivers. Not a bad thing. If he had built this car up under the eyes of this forum, posting everyday his progress, he might be considered a hero with no less than 20 people attesting to the quality of the build. I've seen people go way out on a limb going places no man has gone before with projects, right here on this site.

Quite honestly, I salute the guy. I just hope he posts his next project here on the board. Its projects like his that keep me coming back on a daily basis.

2002M3Drew 12-18-2006 10:00 AM

From a pure practical standpoint, that car is currently going for $35,000...assumig it sells for close to that, it's a bargain for someone. I mean, probably at least 60% of Porsche buyers are buying for the looks of the car, to drive it around town, out to dinner, to the club, etc...not around a racetrack. For that purpose, this is all those owners would need, and then some. Heck, it may even be better having an older chassis with all of the great feel and reflexes married to that gorgeous 993TT body and interior. A real TT like this, in this kind of shape, is easily a $60,000 car.

On the note of "the journey," I agree with Mr. Wilkinson. Loved reading, "The Gold Plated Porsche!" Nice to see celebrities reading these boards!

Formerly Steve Wilkinson 12-18-2006 10:11 AM

Ohmygod...Steve Weiner's "a celebrity," I'm just a writer.

AvonGil 12-18-2006 10:12 AM

Some might even argue that this is a better track car. Call me crazy, I like it.

PatrickB 12-18-2006 10:44 AM

Take it for what it is...

For $35k, it might make a "fun" track car?
Coil over suspension, big wheels.... wait... HUGE wheels, early 930 Euro motor with low miles, G50 tranny, big reds, 993 oil cooler... What does a half way decent early 930 go for anyway?

Often the best deals to be found, are buying someone else's finished project that they could NEVER get all the money they put into it... Me thinks this car would be mucho fun to tear around in on Open Track Days at Willow!!

niner11 12-18-2006 11:25 AM

Hey, how much is a similar, I mean real 993 turbo worth these days? Two entirely different cars, the real and the imposter but I'd take the ebay one for 23 ish. Is that a fair value?

SlantnoseSD 12-18-2006 11:30 AM

According to Ebay you could get a nice one between $60k-70k

azasadny 12-18-2006 11:41 AM

+1 here!
 
Quote:

Originally posted by 2002M3Drew
From a pure practical standpoint, that car is currently going for $35,000...assumig it sells for close to that, it's a bargain for someone. I mean, probably at least 60% of Porsche buyers are buying for the looks of the car, to drive it around town, out to dinner, to the club, etc...not around a racetrack. For that purpose, this is all those owners would need, and then some. Heck, it may even be better having an older chassis with all of the great feel and reflexes married to that gorgeous 993TT body and interior. A real TT like this, in this kind of shape, is easily a $60,000 car.

On the note of "the journey," I agree with Mr. Wilkinson. Loved reading, "The Gold Plated Porsche!" Nice to see celebrities reading these boards!

+1 here!

MRM 12-18-2006 12:46 PM

As has been pointed out above, there is good and bad with this car. The good is that it does appear to be very well done and is probably an absolute animal. It would not make sense to replicate this car today, but when the 993 was new, it made at least some sense to replicate it for maybe half the cost of a real 993TT.

That being said, it seems more accurate to describe this as an 1980 SC converted to a 930 clone with a 993 TT body kit.

Nice 930s are in the high twenties to low thirties. Pristine examples higher, tired ones lower. Well modified cars increase in value, poorly done jobs with not much more than a 1 bar boost spring reduce the value.

So considering the modifications on this, it's probably a good buy in the mid $30,000 range. It wouldn't appeal to someone who is bothered that it looks like something it's not, but it would appeal to someone who doesn't mind saying I can't afford a a real 993 TT but I don't mind driving an SC/930 clone that looks like one.

911SCto993Turbo 12-18-2006 01:33 PM

<br><br>Hi, one of you guys brought this thread about my 993 Turbo conversion on ebay to my attention so hear I am: <br>
I actually enjoyed reading the thread and had a few good laughs in between.
Really, "to each its own" but I can't even inmagine what you guys would say to something like this car:<br>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-Widebody-993-Conversion_W0QQitemZ330063108160QQihZ014QQcategory Z10156QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
<br>
tasteful or not it probably took a lot of time and money to build as well:

<br>
All jokes aside I consider this a positive thread all good and bad comments considered. Without being a serious buyer or without having read my complete description it is easy to jump to conclusions and to consider my project and ebay listing excessive. If most people would have read it though, I am pretty sure 99% of everyone's questions in this thread would have been answered. I really tried to cover all ends including describing what drove me to do this.
Being that people in this thread are probably not potential buyers I don't blame them for not lasting through the description. I as a by stander would probably not have had the patience to go through all of it either but not knowing all the details surely leaves alot of room for discussion, speculation and pokeing a joke here and there. Couple of the people in the thread actually got it right. I built this car when the real 993 turbo had just come out (1996). For one it was out of reach for me financially but on the other hand I really preferred the simplicity of the older cars mechanics, its cheaper and managable up keep and it was a fun challenge to take on. At that time all conversion/body shops were upset at Porsche changing the body lines so much. Most people said it could not be done any more or at least it would not be cost effective. Doing all this made sence for me back then but probably would not make sense to take on today. But then again I am not asking to get back what I put into it so it is what it is at the price that I am asking. In retrospect it was an amazing experience and I would take on a similar project again in a heartbeat. What this boils down to is this: <br>
If seriously interested in this car one would and surely should want to know as much as possible about its transformation. There are simply too many badly built and even unsafe conversions out there. So I started writing and with all the things I had done, it turned into what you see in my ebay ad today. Long or not, if I was a potential buyer of any older car especially a conversion I would want to know and see every little bit about it. Only then would I feel comfortable and confident enough to shell out $35000 or more for an older car like this especially site unseen. The overwhelming positive response I have received (emails, comments and bids) is perfect prove that all this information is well received and many people stated that being able to see and hear the car perform in the included video was another great and important feature making their decision much easier. Further more my reserve was met on the second day of my 10 day auction and I have had plenty of Buy It Now offers (very unusual for ebay). I don't think my auction would have had the same response if I would have used a short 5 line description and a few measly pictures as most people do. All in all I am very happy with the response including this thread here on this amazing website. I think it was well worth the effort. <br>
Thanks everyone, enjoy your cars and happy holidays, <br>Andy<br>

SlantnoseSD 12-18-2006 01:42 PM

911Scto993TURBO

How long did it take you to build that car? It is sick as hell but I just can't wrap my mind around the time and expense it must have been to build it and not just buy one.

Curious (only because I coud not afford it:) Does it have any rattles or noises or is it really solid? Have you driven a real 993TT and if so how does it relate?

911SCto993Turbo 12-18-2006 01:53 PM

Hi "SlantnoseSD",
The whole thing took me a bout a year to finish but I have made some improvments over the course of the years.
I am sort of running out of time today but will try to respond to any questions later on ...
<br>
Before anyone asks any further detailed questions though,
it really is all in my auction description ... <br>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200059440478

you might have to read it after all :)

SlantnoseSD 12-18-2006 02:08 PM

I would have to come up with a second lifetime to be able to read all of that. I did look at the pictures and video though.

limble 12-18-2006 02:31 PM

911SCto993Turbo,
I hope you have thick skin.
You think a guy who builds WWII Jeeps out of nose hairs is passionate about his work, that's nothin', keep reading this board if you want fanaticism.
I'm with Steve W on this one, your car looks great. Good work!

DARISC 12-18-2006 02:33 PM

911SCto993Turbo

Prolly a lotta people think I'm nuts because I bought my 82 SC for 13.5k then proceeded to invest a total of 46k (I know better than to work on my own cars) to "make her like new" and keep her forever (daily driver).

I gotta admit, I'd have looked hard and close at this car if it'd been on the market when I was shopping for mine.

But then, I'm no purist.

But then, who cares; it's my money.

lateapex911 12-18-2006 04:53 PM

Welcome to the board, Andy...

Seems like you have a good attitude. And if the ad and the time it took is any indication of the level of detail of the car, it bodes well.

THe car DOES look good.

And I bet it really goes! (Both of which I can't really say for mine, LOL)

It's a unique creature, and has it's merits. I am sure it will find a well heeled buyer. Hope it all ends happily for everyone involved. Good luck!

Sweeny Todd 12-18-2006 04:59 PM

OMG. I'll buy it if he'll just shut up and stop writing about it....

Man, did you see how much he wrote? This isn't exactly a "no stories" car, is it?

H

Formerly Steve Wilkinson 12-18-2006 05:13 PM

And that from somebody who has a 60-word "signature..."

lateapex911 12-18-2006 05:19 PM

Touche'

LOL
;)

randywebb 12-18-2006 05:54 PM

compare Andy's comments to those made by X-echMal-i-boo on his 165 mph 8500 stock early S...

CBRacerX 12-18-2006 06:54 PM

I read the whole thing and for the most part I was darned impressed with the determination and attention to detail. Best of luck with the sale, someone is getting an interesting car!

hatpix 12-18-2006 07:15 PM

Andy, welcome to the board, you've built a beautiful car. Would love to read the entire listing, but too busy trying to read Gravity's Rainbow.

Good luck,

Ken

Sweeny Todd 12-18-2006 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Formerly Steve Wilkinson
And that from somebody who has a 60-word "signature..."
You counted?

911SCto993Turbo 12-19-2006 02:57 AM

I have to admit this online thread thing is all new to me …<br>
It is a pretty interesting way of sharing interests and comparing notes etc. <br>
When ever I can make the time I’ll definitely be snooping around here more often .<br>
Thanks again for the thumbs up and words of encouragement!

Sweeny Todd 12-19-2006 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 911pcars
The,
I agree. Some of the folks who aren't speaking up are those with larger invoice folders.

Maybe Pelican should create a new forum called "911 Owner Criticism". Every forum contributor must submit pics and invoices for their own car - call it the cost of participation.

Sherwood

As someone who is already over their budget for the entire project and only 70% through, I feel I have earned the right to laugh at others when they try to recover the full cost of their project on eBay.

I think Blake said: "The fool who persists in his folly will become wise."


H

lateapex911 12-19-2006 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sweeny Todd
As someone who is already over their budget for the entire project and only 70% through, I feel I have earned the right to laugh at others when they try to recover the full cost of their project on eBay.

I think Blake said: "The fool who persists in his folly will become wise."


H

yes, but i don't think Andy is...he's just trying to do the best he can with what he's got, and he's driven it for years, so he's got some driving value from it as well.

(I'm guessing he's go over 70K in it, plus untold hours, and he's not getting that...yet.)

(maybe I misread your comment...if so, sorry!)


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