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1990 Porsche C4 purchase

Joined
6 April 2002
Messages
1,095
Location
Wrightsville, Pa
I am trading my Benz for a 1990 Porsche 911 C4, does anyone on this forum own one or has owned one? What are your opinions on the car? It has 70k miles and has recently had a new clutch installed. This is going to be my daily driver. I have the car now and the sport seats are not to comfortable, my lat hits on the corners. Has anyone had this problem and does it get better? Thanks

Rob
 
Hey Rob,
I used to own a 90 C4 before I purchased my NSX. It is a very nice AWD car. It was computer controlled AWD system... technology taken from the 959, although I understand that the viscous coupling of the 993 AWD system was lighter and more responsive.
I did the maintenance myself, although I still can't get used to adding 13 quarts of oil everytime I oil changed it. The car leaked a little oil, but this is supposed to be typical of these 964's and 993's.
I loved the automatic spoiler that pops up at 45mph and descends at 7mph, although the newer ones that operate at 75mph makes more sense. I had the optional turbo seats, so there were great side bolsters. No problems with my lats hitting on corners.
The shifter was the first of the modern 911s that actually didn't resemble a school bus shifter with it coming straight from the floorboard.
The climate controls were still a bit counter-intuitive, and the vents were an improvement over the older 911s but still not nearly as good as the NSX. The first thing I did was to replace the ugly 7-spoke wheels for the newer 993 5-spoke wheels.
I had a problem with the dual mass flywheel and clutch, so that was a large bill of approximately $5000. My turning light wand broke, the window switch was finiky, the Blaupunkt headunit was not very good (too many small buttons that all looked and felt the same), the two rear seats were practically non-functional, and the headlights were not as bright as you would expect, considering how huge those lamphousings are.
I owned it for about 3 or 4 years, and have fond memories of the car, but the NSX is a much better car in so many ways.
I hope this helps,
J.
 
I also agree that the NSX is a better car after only driving it for only a day. Much more comfortable. I bought it as an everyday driver because of the AWD it works out great as we just had our first snow flake last night.
 
Two major problems on the 964s I believe are the dual mass flywheel sucking, and the head gasket leaking. Look into replacing hte stock flywheel and clutch with the RS version and getting the head gasket replaced. I almost bought a 964 RS America last year but got a M3 LTW instead.

------------------
George W
Porsche 996 for sale!
 
I've had a few porsches of that vintage. I currently have an 89 911 25th anniversary cab (last of the 3.2's) and a 94 911 c4 turbo. The 964's all leak oil (at least the few I have had). The clutch can be replaced with a light weight flywheel, though you have to swap the ECU or you will have idling woes. It does seem to allow the NA cars to rev quicker. Converting my c4 to a turbo was a pain but truly worth the effort. They are pretty reliable cars (I'm currently using my 964 as my daily driver). The sport seats look nice, but are not particularly comfortable. Make sure you keep on top of the valve adjustments and maintenance (way more $ than the NSX) and enjoy the ride.

Happy motoring,

Ben
89 911 3.2 cab
94 911 c4 turbo
91 NSX TT
99 Hennessey Venom Viper RT/10
97 Ducati 996 sps
01 Velocity racing turbo hayabusa
 
Make sure the heat shield was removed or else the bottom end could be cooked. Also have a 89 Cab like BBeckert.

Ben, did you ever get the smoke issues settled from you NSX. I read that you had switched to Mitsu turbos and that there was problem with oil breaking through the seals leading to smoking. Also, how is the lag issues and how are you doing the fuel management.

Tim
 
Tim,

Well, we've re-worked the oil return lines and changed the catch can lines and added crank vents. I won't know if it solves the problem until I get it on the track, because on the street, it doesn't smoke......

Lag......there is more lag than with the Aerodynes, clearly. I don't achieve full boost until 4000 rpm. They don't run out of air like the Aerodynes did, though, and at least I can have them serviced if need be. Fuel management is currently sub-par with a Field AFC. I (as seemingly many folks) are anxiously awaiting the release of AEM's EMS. I've actually parked the car until I have the AEM here.

Also, good advice on removing the heat shields (undertrays). I have mine in a box somewhere.

Happy motoring,

Ben
 
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