Tell me about the 964

I have owned a 1989 C4 since new and it has been a great car. It now has ~95K miles and I have had very little trouble with it, after the first year. Right after purchasing it, it seemed that every single "black box" and ECU in the car required replacement. I think I ran into the issue of buying the first year of a brand new model and paid the price for Porsche not having quite worked out all the bugs. Since then it has been very reliable. I had the clutch replaced at ~70K miles and also had the engine "resealed" to deal with oil leaks caused by the design of the early engines and it now is leak-free. Otherwise, I have had no complaints and plan on keeping it forever (I don't think I would ever be able to afford another air-cooled 911!).

Some have suggested that a C2 is simpler and lighter, which is true, but I really like the AWD aspect of the C4, even though that feature is rarely needed in CA. The car is incredibly well-built; the interior still looks new (Porsche does not believe in sticky knobs or shrinking leather!) and the car has no rattles or squeaks and has never stranded me.

I hope these thoughts are helpful. Good luck.

 

Stay away from the 964 C4... it has issues. New system with teething probs.

 

I'm a huge 964 fan! I've had my '89 964 C4 for about three years. It's a one owner very original car with about 134,000 miles on it. It came with every piece of paper including window sticker, orig keys, manuals, tools etc. It runs like a Swiss watch! Utterly reliable including the 4WD system. Doesn't leak a drop of oil. I bought it when people were really talking the 964 down. I have other air-cooled Porsches from different eras that I love to drive but the 964 is incredible and the most capable! When looking for a 964, I would look for a well documented, well serviced honest example. C2, C4 any year if it's priced right and is what you're looking for in colors, equipment etc.. For me, I love that my '89 964 is pre-airbag and has the original glovebox and kneebar.


I can see why Singer and others have chosen the 964 as the foundation for their creations. I "hear" they're buying up as many well priced manual coupes that they can find (all years, C2, C4). I'd love to chime in on this thread and share my experiences.

Freeman
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Stock interior that's never seen Armor All

Freeman
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Jack,

Both are fantastic in their own way. That's why I have both The 964 is by far, in my opinion, the more capable car while still being incredibly engaging. You can build a 964 to as extreme as you like. All the way to 4.1 liter with over 350hp NA. There are some great suspension set ups with coil over choices such as KW. With a 964 you get a car that a good driver can drive great. With an early 911, of course you can build it to over 350hp (with a 964/993 motor) but the base chassis is still basically the same from 1964. The 964 also gives you a more modern crash structure, ABS, optional AWD, great A/C, advanced aerodynamics etc. believe it or not, you can backdate a 964 to where it would be difficult to visually tell the difference between 70's long hood and a 964. Basic 964's are still affordable.

Freeman
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Have owned this car since July of '92. Replaced heater fan, alternator, battery and a sensing switch for the top. That is all the major issues we have had. ~63K miles. Delightful to drive in any weather. C2. Currently riding on Conti DWS tires. Love them. This car took first place during the 2014 Porsche Parade in the Preservation Class. (89-98 MY)
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Manual.

 

They are great cars. I have had my 91 C2 stick 55k miles for 6yrs. It is a keeper. I have had several Porsches, but this one is still my favorite. You won’t regret buying one.
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Love 964's. I can't remember the last time I saw a C2, Coupe, manual for sale. Perhaps Singer has hoarded them all?

 

Is that a picture of a back dated 964 you posted?

 

No, It's my '72 coupe.


There are some amazing backdate 964's being done. I'm really inspired by this one done by 911 Rennsport in the UK based on a C4: Porsche 1970 911S Rennsport 3.6 964 Carrera 4 Evolution 1993 | eBay

Imagine what looks like an early 911 that can do this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lMCCge7XWNw

Or this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TVWHLM-U91g

Freeman

 

Tom,

Singer is hoarding ANY affordable good 964 coupe (C2, C4, manual, Tip) because the base is the same and you can use any of the 964/993 parts bin.

Freeman

 

Only the '72 had the side oil filler door.

 

And....C4 Lightweight and 959 ;-)

 

very similar to a 993, and a lot less $. Great bang for the buck

 

As 'fourcamgt' mentioned that is not true for factory built cars and individual owners who modify cars, such as people who back date cars might want to add the 72 oil tank.

I know I have sold a 72 oil tank, fender, and oil filter counsel to some one with that idea.

I asked the question because fourcamgt described the merits of a 964 and back dating 964's and attached a picture to his post, I found it hard to belive it was a back dated 964, so I asked.

 

The great thing about the 964 if you want to add the side oil door, it already has the oil tank located there. That's why the factory 964 C4 lightweight has the oil door.

Freeman

 

I did not know that, My Porsche knowledge is pretty much limited to 911's.
964's I always thought of as new fangled cool cars that I might own one day. I still like them but have yet to own one, I enjoy learning about them for the future.
I finially bought a 356 for the first time, after 40 years of thinking about it!

 

Now that is where my passion is.
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