Identifying the M491

[westcoast911]

Just wondering what cues there are that identify, and or separate a true 84-88 M491 from a "wide body" Carerra? Did they all have the Turbo brakes? Is there an easy way to tell a real one from a fake. Seems like it was popular to add the turbo flares for the look, but I doubt the value would be the same.

I'm interested in owning one, so want to know what to look for.

[winders]

Real M491 's should have the raised rear pickup points for the front A-arms. Only real 930 and real "Turbo-Look" chassis have that feature.

[westcoast911]

Originally Posted by winders

Real M491 's should have the raised rear pickup points for the front A-arms. Only real 930 and real "Turbo-Look" chassis have that feature.

Does anybody have a picture of that, seems like a pretty tough one to fake. Does the M491 have the turbo brakes also?

[McLovin]

Yes, a real one will have turbo brakes.

That's usually the first and easiest giveaway. Non-turbo brakes = not a M491.

But just because it has turbo brakes doesn't necessarily mean it's a 491. People can add the brakes just like the flares.

One way to check for sure is look at the option sticker under the front trunk lid. It will either show the 491 option code or not. If the sticker isn't there, you can check in the owner's manual, the sticker with the VIN and option codes should be in there too.

[winders]

Originally Posted by westcoast911

Does anybody have a picture of that, seems like a pretty tough one to fake. Does the M491 have the turbo brakes also?

I doubt anyone would fake this. It would require a lot of work for very little gain. Heck, most people don't even know about it.

To be honest, I have never really compared a 930 and a regular 911 from underneath. I think the fuel tank obscures a top down view at the sheet metal where the difference is easy to see.

Once you recognize the difference from below, it should be extremely easy to identify the real deal.

[stan911]

Originally Posted by winders

Real M491 's should have the raised rear pickup points for the front A-arms. Only real 930 and real "Turbo-Look" chassis have that feature.

I have a M491 with the certified option code from Porsche and pickup points are not raised like a turbo. 4 turbo brakes, from turbo hubs and rear trailing arms with original non modified pick up points should be enough to guarantee it is an M491.
Turbos and M491 have 28mm spacers on rear arms.

[Chuck.H]

When I got my TL back in '92 there wasn't much in the way of internet, so I didn't have all these great resources... I did check for the m491 code under the hood, and the brakes and the wheels (didn't know about the trailing arm differences). Then I spent over an hour checking the paint to find any evidence of a respray. When I was confident it was original paint, I bought it (for about $37k at the time, IIRC). It had less than 30k miles.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 388k miles

[RFP]

Originally Posted by westcoast911

<<< snip >>>

I'm interested in owning one, so want to know what to look for.

The best of luck with your M491 search... be careful as it can turn into a full grown quest! Just find the best car you can. You are right, all things being equal (which, of course, they seldom are), a factory turbo look is much more valuable than even a well-done conversion.

Great cars, I hope you find yours!

Rob

[Retro]

Goggle Turbo Look Registry, with Vin#.
Norbert will respond. He is helping me figure out some things now.

Stephen Retrotech: Classic and vintage Porsche cars, accessories and Porsche parts

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by stan911

I have a M491 with the certified option code from Porsche and pickup points are not raised like a turbo. 4 turbo brakes, from turbo hubs and rear trailing arms with original non modified pick up points should be enough to guarantee it is an M491.
Turbos and M491 have 28mm spacers on rear arms.

Must look peculiar from the side, as all 930 and 911M491 from '78 on use the shorter, more robust 930 trailing arm, one would have thought that they would need the same torsion bar mount

930 and M491 911s also used 21mm spacer in front for '78-80, but that is beside the point.

[megerian]

I agree that using the VIN is the best approach. Plus it can be done in advance, if you haven't seen the car yet. This is what I did when I bought my M491, and Norbert was a good resource as mentioned already.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by stan911

<<< snip >>> 4 turbo brakes, from turbo hubs and rear trailing arms with original non modified pick up points should be enough to guarantee it is an M491.
Turbos and M491 have 28mm spacers on rear arms.

Probably a better way to "guarantee" would be to phone PCNA with the VIN and ask. That's what I did and they were very cordial and seemingly eager to help. The lady I spoke with talked about the car I was considering (and bought) like it was one of her kids!

Rob

[bushle]

I recall that my M491 had a mounting bracket for the rear turbo fuel pump, but had no fuel pump. I had a turbo before I had the M491 and it had the pump. I am not an expert and someone with way more knowledge than me can chime in and say if that is a legitimate clue or not. Good luck with your search, they are neat cars and I hope you find a good one.

[tdw28210]

Tread carefully...check the VIN, contact Norbert at the Turbo-look register and expect that most non-turbo 911's are fake M491's. You should do fine.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by tdw28210

tread carefully...check the vin, contact norbert at the turbo-look register and expect that most non-turbo 911's are fake m491's. You should do fine.

+1

[flyenby]

When I bought that one I had ,called Porsche they verified...seemed to remember it had ES in the Vin number. It was a 1984

[Coastr]

This one?

Porsche 911 Super Clean | eBay

[Pelle]

If you really like safe about that question use the following link:

Turbolook-Register - Chassis Number

That guys as access to the information you are looking for. He could give you a confirmation if it's a WTL Werks Turbo Look or not.

[group911@aol.co]

Wow. A non a/c US car.

Originally Posted by Coastr

This one?

Porsche 911 Super Clean | eBay

[Michael T]

Wonder if it is a USA car. Pete Zimmermann's book has AC standard from 1980 on. I looked at a 1984 window sticker on Google, AC standard.