RoW 911's

[timmy2]

I like my '78 ROW, of course I haven't owned a US one to compare it too.
Both of the 911's I've owned have been ROW's... I know the history and story behind the original owner that brought tis one over.
I have no paperwork, it was lost, but I have his name on the door sill as the importer after he picked it up new in Germany, and can trace the car to him, his grandson and the guy who sold it to me. Makes for a good story if nothing else...

[wgerow]

One more question.
Are there aspects/parts/issues with the Euro cars that make them more difficult/expensive to repair/maintain/enjoy? (in comparison to US cars)
thx

[javadog]

No, not that I have found.

JR

[SpeedracerIndy]

Originally Posted by wgerow

One more question.
Are there aspects/parts/issues with the Euro cars that make them more difficult/expensive to repair/maintain/enjoy? (in comparison to US cars)
thx

I would say yes, but it depends on what year(s) you're talking about. Some euro models are no different than US models. Some euro models have several differences.

I've had a little difficulty with my 930/10 engine euro SC. There are quite a few differences in the engine compared to its US counterpart. If you substitute parts from the US counterpart, you could cause damage. For example the 930/10 uses a rev limiting distributor rotor as opposed to the electronic rev limiter in the US model. If you put a US spec dizzy rotor in it, you have no rev limiter on the motor. The earlier euro SC motors have far less differences, as do the euro Carreras.

Having said that, I have always been able to source the correct parts for my car, it just might be more difficult and/or more expensive.

[wgerow]

Originally Posted by SpeedracerIndy

I would say yes, but it depends on what year(s) you're talking about. Some euro models are no different than US models. Some euro models have several differences.

Primarily talking about the 3.2 cars/engines.
Thanks

[Canada Kev]

The differences between mine other than the engine are mostly limited to lighting and some trim options.

With engine safety in mind, I use pump 91 octane gas where I live at about 3000 feet ASL. I generally don't drive it when it's pushing 95 degree F, so the higher compression might be an issue then, but otherwise there's no problem. I do, however, fill with 94 octane when I may be near the coast. All the parts are readily available as far as I know.

I have only needed one RoW specific part: the plug for the tow hook threaded hole in the rear bumper that's normally covered by the huge US rubber bumper pads. I ordered it from Pelican for about $1.99 or maybe less. There's nothing else really weird. The rear bumper pads come up for sale from time to time, but I don't know if you can buy them new. Lighting is pretty available. My cloth Porsche script fabric is NLA and kind of difficult to come by.

[whiterabbit]

These cars are now 25 years old so condition is what matters. Given the same condition a ROW car is worth more IMHO.

[wgerow]

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

With engine safety in mind, I use pump 91 octane gas where I live at about 3000 feet ASL. I generally don't drive it when it's pushing 95 degree F, so the higher compression might be an issue then, but otherwise there's no problem. I do, however, fill with 94 octane when I may be near the coast. All the parts are readily available as far as I know.

I see ROW owners mention their car is set to take 93 octane......but many areas do not have that anymore. Will 91 damage a euro spec 3.2 engine? What is recommended for a 3.2 euro when you only have 91 available? Additives? Mods?

Thx

[Canada Kev]

I only have 91 available locally. Elevation makes a difference, as does temperature. I won't use 91 at sea level and thankfully we don't often have high temps in the summer.

You might also look into getting different motronic software suited for 91. I suppose that might help me, as well, as I have a Steve Wong chip in mine suitable for the fuel we have here.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

The rear bumper pads come up for sale from time to time, but I don't know if you can buy them new.

Yeah you can still get them new. I have a new pair for sale in the classifieds.

911 parts have decent availability. Those that are not available aren't limited to ROW cars. There are plenty of US parts that are NLA. Trim items are among the first to go which is not surprising if you know how many different styles and colors were offered through the years. There are of hard parts that have become scarce (like a lot of the CIS components for the 2.7 and 3.0 cars) and swapping parts from another engine type often doesn't work, whether it's a US car or a ROW car. So, that problem isn't limited to the ROW cars.

I don't see any particular problems with getting parts for a ROW car. It's not any harder than the equivalent US version.

JR

[Norcalslantnose]

Hello all,

I know this thread is a bit old but I recently took a trip to Japan and saw a 76 911 that I was interested in buying. I live in CA and I know I will have to pass emissions since its after 1975.

I've imported cars from Japan so I know whats involved but never have brought in a Porsche. I've spend a few hours using the search option and I feel people have mixed felling from ROW cars.

Anyone out there suggest me from buying a ROW from Japan?


Thanks

[Norcalslantnose]

Hello all,

I know this thread is a bit old but figure I would post something anyways.

I recently took a trip to Japan and saw a 76 911 that I was thinking about buying. I live in CA which I'm aware the car must pass emissions. The car is over 25 years old so meets all other regulations.

I've imported cars from Japan so I know whats involved. However after searching the forum I'm a bit confused if I should buy a ROW car as it seems there are mixed feelings about these cars.

Odometer reading is low and the car is in good condition.


Any feedback would be great!

[Overlander 80]

Pardon the thread resuscitation.

Couple questions about my German spec '77 Targa, it was sold new in Berlin to a US serviceman and brought to the states in '79 per the import door tag.

Can someone here describe the engine difference between this model and a us spec. I understand the thermal reactors were not required on the German 2.7 but what else? Compression difference? Pistons? Fuel system/injectors? Cam profile?

Any gearing difference in the 915?

Mine FEELS quicker and more nimble than both the '84 3.2 Carrera US and the '90 3.6 C4 US I've recently driven. They are all well sorted and maintained.

I have an 'earlier' S cam (I'm told by mechanic that did the rebuild), SSI heat exchangers, Dansk exhaust, K and N filer and green Bilsteins at euro ride height.

Is this possible or just in my head? My guess is it just seems faster since it's louder and you get more raw feedback driving mine than the newer, more 'insulated' cars.

Has anyone else had this type of experience?

Your time and expertise are appreciated.

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by Overlander 80

Pardon the thread resuscitation.

Couple questions about my German spec '77 Targa, it was sold new in Berlin to a US serviceman and brought to the states in '79 per the import door tag.

Can someone here describe the engine difference between this model and a us spec. I understand the thermal reactors were not required on the German 2.7 but what else? Compression difference? Pistons? Fuel system/injectors? Cam profile?

Any gearing difference in the 915?

Mine FEELS quicker and more nimble than both the '84 3.2 Carrera US and the '90 3.6 C4 US I've recently driven. They are all well sorted and maintained.

I have an 'earlier' S cam (I'm told by mechanic that did the rebuild), SSI heat exchangers, Dansk exhaust, K and N filer and green Bilsteins at euro ride height.

Is this possible or just in my head? My guess is it just seems faster since it's louder and you get more raw feedback driving mine than the newer, more 'insulated' cars.

Has anyone else had this type of experience?

Your time and expertise are appreciated.

This might relate to your situation a little. Over the past weekend I switched out my airbox cover to one that had the front cut off to release some of that induction growl. It likely didn't give me any more power, and in all reality perhaps even cost some.

But it sure sounds like I gained a bunch!!