1983 930

Volkovich · 02:38 AM

A guy at work just showed up with a 1983 930. It is a very clean looking car but I was wondering if there are problems owning a 1980-1985 turbo in the US. I heard that these weren't even available in the US during that time because of emissions issues. I read somewhere that these were considered "gray market" cars because they are only sort of legal.

I want to buy this car from him when he is ready to sell but I was wondering if there are any legal issues with owning one of these. Fortunately MI doesn't have any emissions testing, does that help?

If these are still considered desirable cars what price range do they fall into?

930Chas · 930Chas's Garage

The 930 was not imported to the US from 80-85, so that 83 is an row car, (rest of world). The average price for one of these is $20k-$26k, it just depends on condition, mileage, documentation, etc. They don't have and will not the resale value of the US cars, but do have a better fuel system (the US fuel system is capable up to 450hp) and a less restrictive exhaust. They produce 300hp, as compared to the 286hp from US cars. As long as that car has all the paperwork, there shouldn't be any problem registering it. Do a search on this board, rennlist.com and 911turbo.com for more info on that.

briankeithsmith · 10-10-2002, 10:31 AM

I have a 1983 930 as well.

I love it. Wouldn't give anything for it. The toughest problem I have is passing emissions each year, but then again, I have my car running rich for the track.

BrianMy 930 Pics

Jgordon · 10-10-2002, 11:04 AM

Brian, your paint looks like glass! what do you use on it?

Jared

MRM · 10-10-2002, 11:55 AM

Bruce Anderson talks a little bit about pre-1986 ROW turbos in his book. I highly recommend it. It is edited a little strangely but still makes a great read and is a great resource. It's call the 911 Performance Handbook. Wayne sells it or you can get an autographed copy from Bruce Anderson's web site.

Anyway, he says that ROW turbos tend to have problems converting to US emissions specs. They either run well or they pass US emissions. They don't do both at the same time. But this isn't a problem because Euro turbo exhausts are readiy available and solve the problem. So as long as you retrofit back to the Euro exhaust, the ROW turbo should run great and last as long as any US car.

There are no real legal problems owning or licensing a ROW car. The real issue is getting them here and then retaining the EPA and DOT documents proving the car did pass all federal requirements. Your state might require these documents to title the car. If you lose them, you will have to go back to the feds and get copies or get the car inspected or re-done by a certified shop. Either way, it's a pain. Just make sure you have all the documents and can prove the documents are both original and accurate in stating that the US conversion was done correctly and you'll be ok.

As far as running with the Euro exhaust goes, that is no more of an issue than NA guys running SSIs. Just be sure to keep the US stuff in case you need to convert back.

Amac · Amac's Garage

You should be ok with this car if It's in good shape.
The emissions added at port of entry.
The seller should have paperwork showing that.
These cars run great, plus you get the German
gauges,controll markings. Seems more
German than the US cars.