Finally…

The distributor belt was checked - a vent kit was retrofitted before I bought the car. I’ll get it replaced next service, but it seems in good condition.

If the car had come with an original radio I might have left that, but the glitzy Pioneer unit that was in place was an eyesore. I went the PCCM route for aesthetics and for the Apple Car Play. If this ever becomes a show car I’d definitely do what you did, but I think at this point I’m done with preserving cars for the next guy. I plan to drive this till the engine gives up and then rebuild it. That said, the original flavor of the 964 was spot on, so I’ll keep it original as much as possible.

By the way, a new windshield made it feel like a new car. Amazing.


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Driving impressions …

Is there anyone here who really needs a classic 911 review? I’ve been driving the 964 around town and it’s quite liberating to actually be driving again after a nearly six year hiatus. Scary, but good.

First thing you notice is you feel beautifully ensconced in the cockpit. The huge gauges are immediately in front of you, and the door pocket almost touches your hip. The giant in-your-face tachometer dominates your view down, and the windscreen is almost equally close: It also dominates your consciousness, creating a mindset genuinely different than in other road cars. It all feels vivid. You kind of wear the car, something I didn’t feel in the 991. You sit low, but I can get in and out without looking overly helpless.

This is a Tiptronic, and it is a far cry from a PDK. Put it into D and it finds 4th gear far too quickly. I need an automatic, so I’m grateful to have it - quite smooth and keeps my right (only) hand on the spinner knob, steering wheel, or turn signal crossover lever. Left to its own program, the gearbox makes the car quieter than I’d like.

But not too quiet. It’s still the mechanical symphony I remember, much angrier than the diminutive 1600 in my previous Porsche. You never forget the flat six behind you, and you watch the old VDO gauges like you’re running an endurance race.

At speed, the steering is light and precise, and the ride is very firm. The brakes are fully as good as average modern cars, which suggests they were phenomenal in 1993. I’m not yet confident enough to really push this car, but once I’m acclimated to the controls I’ll take it for drives more interesting than the DMV, Castellis (great food), and errands.

I don’t have the confidence I did prior to 2016. If I’m honest, something like a new Mini Cooper would have sufficed. But there’s a genuine rush opening the door to the garage and having something iconic and inspired waiting. It’s special. Not sure I could ask for a better ride.


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I only wish I could steer it with two hands instead of the spinner knob. I know I'm missing out on 90 percent of the car's capabilities. Just enjoying the sounds and the feel. But the thick wheel and unobtrusive power assist steering are a treat. But I can't trust my left arm/hand in driving situations...

Also it's a seriously handsome car to walk back to when parked. We went out for Christmas dinner, parked up close next to a newer Mercedes SL and Maserati Granturismo and I was never more certain the 911 was the pick of the lot -- tiny in comparison, almost exotic in its proportions.

 

Fuel economy is pretty bad, but I think you're right. D3 is better except on the freeway. I can't do manual mode at this point, so I'm really using it as an automatic. Less engaging, but keeps my only hand on the wheel...

 

Thanks Scott. My brother had a '90 964 Targa, which had a lot of engine seal issues. I've heard the '93 cars were better, but regardless I did have the local Porsche Classic service center go over the car after I got it here. All good except the sunroof belts need a proper greasing.

And yes, it wears slate grey and cup one wheels really well. Credit the first owner for special ordering it... I can see why he kept it for 28 years.

 

The 17 inch wheels are a huge help - I love classic cars, but the typical small wheels and balloon tires aren’t the best. I like keeping the original wheels, and in this instance you can run modern tires. Essential option, IMHO.

Next project is paint protection film up front so I can try some mountain driving.



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The Tiptronic apparently requires an aggressive right foot to wake it up. D3 is absolutely better around town, but the difference between a leisurely start and really pushing it is night and day.

Part of the problem was in the driver's seat -- all my previous driving confidence was diminished over 5 years of not driving. I'm cautious now, probably to the point where the gearbox went into Old Lady mode. This past week I built more confidence, and a firm foot in D3 turned into the 911 I remember. Loud, quick, begging for more.

I did take it back to the dealer yesterday for minor items: Sunroof cables badly need greasing; fuel gauge face has some delamination, so sending that to North Hollywood Speedometer for refinishing (new gauge would have been $1295... no thank you); replacing some aged aluminum rear quarter window trim. Normal stuff for a 29 year old Porsche. But it is daily-driver capable and has been great around town.

The Porsche Classic tech at Porsche Palm Springs is terrific, by the way. In his off hours, he's rebuilding the gearbox on his '78 911 SC. I don't really like paying dealer shop rates, but John is worth the price.

 

And a gratuitous photo when I dropped her off... the plates are temporary: I ordered a new set of California black plates.

 

We attended the PCA Parade Concours in La Quinta (Palm Springs area). The quality of the cars was incredible— parked next to a 1989 911 that was impossibly black, 10,000 miles. We took a 2nd in Preservation class.

My first Parade. The judging is tough, but Nathan Merz was one of them and he’s a virtual 911 encyclopedia. Great crew.

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Two years of ownership coming up, and with any 30-year old car it’s not all trophies and champagne. So far the 911 has been reliable - starts every time, runs cool even in our triple digit summer temperatures. But, I’ve started to sort through some bits that need attention due to age.

First up were the fuel lines - no leaks but I always get these replaced in older cars. For anyone thinking Porsche is the “economical” alternative to Ferrari, know that the engine must be dropped to get at the long line. Then there’s the while-you’re-in-there items, in this case spring plate bushings that were shot. In this case, Porsche does not sell the bushings as individual parts, so my tech sourced some racing grade replacements from Elephant Racing and used the press to install them.

He also replaced the rubber lines from the oil tank — one had developed a split and a messy drip. Not expensive on a parts basis, but it’s quite a job to drop the engine.

That said, I actually enjoy refurbishing these older cars. Not cheap, but I feel like we’re replacing items that make sense mechanically, and not replacing black boxes in response to OBD codes. Satisfying to see, if not to pay for.

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Pics didn’t post so trying again…

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