Air cooled 911 as a daily runner
Discussion
It will be fine.
Look at the external temperature, then look at the operating temperature. Despite the heat, the engine is still being cooled when driving.
Check the fan carefully, and check the blowers for the air con too- they are getting expensive if they fail, although it's usually only a failed bearing so could be rebuilt.
There is a great 964 in al hai -or was- dark blue, great condition, fantastic other than design 90 rims - although that is just a personal thing, the 90 is lighter wheel than the cup. Oh, it doesn't have teardrop mirrors either, but that's a detail, overall it is a very tidy car.
Personally, I wouldn't want a 930 as an everyday car, just because they are quite old fashioned, not in ability, but delivery. A 964 turbo however....
Whilst everyone will say avoid the tiptronic, the truth is that the main limitation is that it only has 4 ratios. It changes quickly, when you want it to, and functions fine as an auto so actually suits driving around here. I would of course still choose a manual though...
Look at the external temperature, then look at the operating temperature. Despite the heat, the engine is still being cooled when driving.
Check the fan carefully, and check the blowers for the air con too- they are getting expensive if they fail, although it's usually only a failed bearing so could be rebuilt.
There is a great 964 in al hai -or was- dark blue, great condition, fantastic other than design 90 rims - although that is just a personal thing, the 90 is lighter wheel than the cup. Oh, it doesn't have teardrop mirrors either, but that's a detail, overall it is a very tidy car.
Personally, I wouldn't want a 930 as an everyday car, just because they are quite old fashioned, not in ability, but delivery. A 964 turbo however....
Whilst everyone will say avoid the tiptronic, the truth is that the main limitation is that it only has 4 ratios. It changes quickly, when you want it to, and functions fine as an auto so actually suits driving around here. I would of course still choose a manual though...
I had a 930 here and in short, the Air Con sucked. It does on all the Air Cooled 911's. Aftermarket ones are much better but the late 90's ones are better than most. In all honesty, I dont believe they got it right till the 996's.
I used my 73RS Replica (Based on an 83 model) 2-3 times a week, every week of the year apart from mid summer. It was excellent fun. I did however spend the best part of 10,000 USD on getting everything done of the engine and general mechanics of the car to get it tip top. I have to say, it didnt miss a beat in over a year and half. They are simple cars which is what makes them so easy to work on.
Do you homework and get one either from a reputable dealer or get one privately and send it to the experts and get it done bumper to bumper mechanically.
By the way, I saw Phil last night. Apparently he is selling one of his RS's. Of course, thats some serious monkey, but hey, depends what you are looking for. Air Cooled 911's are awesome and whats a little heat eh.
I used my 73RS Replica (Based on an 83 model) 2-3 times a week, every week of the year apart from mid summer. It was excellent fun. I did however spend the best part of 10,000 USD on getting everything done of the engine and general mechanics of the car to get it tip top. I have to say, it didnt miss a beat in over a year and half. They are simple cars which is what makes them so easy to work on.
Do you homework and get one either from a reputable dealer or get one privately and send it to the experts and get it done bumper to bumper mechanically.
By the way, I saw Phil last night. Apparently he is selling one of his RS's. Of course, thats some serious monkey, but hey, depends what you are looking for. Air Cooled 911's are awesome and whats a little heat eh.
TNW said:
Thanks guys, appreciate the detailed info. More options to stick on the list!
After nearly 8 years of running air-cooled cars in the region, I've had no issues other than those generated by the service support offered. The 964 doesn't have a/c so only sees early morning bursts in the summer, however the 993 gets rolled out all the time. Even my 1957 vw sees service in the summer and all good.
I'm not sure where the believe of ill running in the heat comes from. The only reason they switched to water-cooled was due to noise regulations. I've been driving air-cooled cars for over 17 years and never once suffered any mechanical issue due to heat.
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