964 product reviews?

Hi All,
 
I'm looking in to some new ideas for the 964 group. I really really want to get a meet together or a drive but it's just a no go and under the club banner, there is a limit on number (6). It just isn't ideal right now. 
 
What do you want from the club?
 
I am keen to get more traffic through the forum, I have used forums for years and they have saved my arse countless times when troubleshooting issues, looking for parts, what's good, what's bad etc, so I am a big fan. They have been priceless in my time of tinkering with cars. This forum is particularly quiet, which is surprising when the member base is a decent size and the number of 964 registered owners isn't shy either. Other forums have a decent flow so why shouldn't this one?
 
Anyway, one idea I had was to do product reviews, possibly for the mag too but a separate post in a section of the 964 forum (under or within FAQs), I've bought various things, from Porsche or aftermarket and some pictures, descriptions and maybe DIY, just to share thoughts on the items. It is something we can all do if willing and great to get more info out there and shared. 
 
It can be anything such as fog light ducts, where from, how much, what is the quality like.. Brake discs from euro car parts, tyres, anything and everything that can be fitted to a 964, it would all be of help. 
 
Is this a good idea or a waste of time?
 
Cheers,
Mark
 

Hi Mark and All
I think its a good idea to try and get input into the forum. I have been disappointed in the level of input here. Not wishing to be controversial but many owners of more modern models just have them serviced at their chosen OPC. I would have thought that given the age of the 964 more people would be hands on?
I had booked on the Technical Seminar (Swindon) but that was cancelled due to Covid. I was really looking forward to discussing technical issues and techniques.
As an example I have read two different views on oil leaks around the cylinder barrels. Some say you have to replace with the newer style with sealing ring, others have mentioned machining the sealing ring groove into the older style  cylinders? I understood the main issue to be about the amount (or lack of) material at the cylinder top allowing the head to flex and leak?
Cheers Peter

OK, possibly to start some conversation I will state my current thinking on my plans for my 964. It's a 180k miles tired but generally sound car. I did originally think about a backdate project, but since believe it right to keep as a warmed up 964. Paintwork is tired with some fairly minor corrosion (so far). Plan is for a glass out respray in original polar silver. Will fit air ducts in place of fogs.
I have purchased Bilstein B16 coil overs with H & R roll bars complete with some adjustable top mounts. A set of Supaflex bushes have been purchased and am considering the rose jointed spring plates (Tarret / Elephant Racing), any thoughts? Front ball joints / track rod ends will be replaced.
For the engine, I plan a rebuild and would like around 300 bhp at the end. What is the best (and most economic) route to this? Replacement airflow sensor (FVD MAF / Motec), throttle bodies, 3.8 upgrade, ECU chip and / or exhaust? Really like the twin centre outlet look (Singer / GT3 style) but I think most I have seen are hand made? Any experience would be appreciated?
I have not decided about a brake upgrade as yet? The discs are quite new, calipers need painting (was considering orange, a bit different).
Wheels, probably cup 1's, although Design 911 do a nice BBS look alike but they are 18" and I understand the necessary low profile tyres can upset the balance of the car?
Internally, I will replace the linen carpet with blue for practical reasons (seat piping and dash etc are blue). The linen seats will have to be refurbished.
Headlights are an issue, current ones are rusty (and all are like candles vs modern lights). Several companies are doing modern versions, although all are expensive. One I am considering is from the States (9Eleven www.theretrofitsource.com) $1995. Anyone found anything better value?
There will be loads more issues to resolve but these are my initial thoughts.
Peter
 

What do you know about your 180k mile engine already Peter? Had any previous part/full rebuilds at any time? It sounds like there is no one single magic wand of component or equipment that will deliver 300+ hp - more like many or a few coming together all adding to the total. Not sure what budget you're looking at and I guess it's starting with the least expensive components or changes that deliver (per £ spent) the best increase. Very easy to spend £10k-£20k chasing a magic number. Went through the same process early ownership. Talked to a chap who went the 3.8 barrel route who suggested it wasn't worth the £2+k getting this done. Induction and (ECU) management, with high perf injectors is probably the staple diet. Stephen has pointed out one possible route to start with. Then there's PIE and a few others out there. Love BBS LM wheels too but my heart is set on Group 4's - £££
 
With Stephen re the lights. Once I threw away the standard lamps and switched to top of the range (lumens etc) Philips H4's it made a big difference. Failing that a friend went the (not so legal) option with rally 130/90w lamps. Damn they were bright! Full beam not so attractive to oncoming vehicles.. :)

Hi All, and thanks for the input so far.
I will try an cover the points in one go. The engine did have a top end rebuild a few years ago according to the file? Still leaked oil like a grounded tanker though! I will probably end up replacing barrels and pistons given the mileage (while you are in there and all that). As you suggest the premium for 3.8 may not be worth it? I had budgeted around £10k for the full engine rebuild with a hope of seeing around 300 bhp? Talked with Ninemeister as I am North Staffordshire based.
Thanks for reminding me about SCS delta ECU upgrade, I had forgotten about them after reading something about their product only being suitable for the C2 and not the C4 variant, possibly this was incorrect- need to check?
My whole budget is around £25k which leaves me £15k for the body etc. On the headlights, I may look at upgrades to the standard lights, although I need new reflectors at least as mine are very rusty.
My drivers seat needs some leather work around the bolster (usual place) Recommendations for Midlands upholsterers welcomed. Door cards still look a bit 'yellow' after much scrubbing. Nobody seems to do replacement door cards in any other colour than black? 
Thanks 
Peter
 

Thanks for the info on Unit Eleven, I will give them a call to discuss options / budget? I have never spoke with them, always worth trying someone new? I still have to talk with MLR (local to me) as they are run by the co-founder of Ninemeister Marc Clowes.

Hi Stephen, thank for the tip, parts of the door cards and especially the handles look like they have been on 20 a day for life! I will look up the leather paint and give it a go.
Peter

Thanks for all of the contributions guys.
 
I'm not on FB but if there is demand, can certainly start a group on there, no way to validate membership other than asking for numbers and checking them upon request. I'm assuming FB allows for locked down groups where access has to be granted? I got off of it a few years ago. 
 
Discord could be a shout, I wonder how many will engage using that. I use it for finance chat. 
 
Andrew it would be good to know more about the sim championship, I have seen a few races on youtube.
 
For me, it's about getting everyone talking, Rennlist is huge, a lot of UK people on there, no way going to get near those numbers but just somewhere to talk, share, stream etc. There's a great network amoungst us, someone will know the answer to a question you might have or have a part that you may be looking for, it is just a case of joining the dots somewhere central. I know forums are a bit old school now, perhaps FB is the way to go?
 
All points helpful and taken on board, I can't organise any meet ups at the moment, they will be 964 targeted as that's the role I'm in but if others want to pop along, no harm. I am in talks with someone who organises a general meet and tagging on to that is no problem, so when things allow, we should have a good one there. 
 
I'm going to be doing a fair few bits to my 964 now I'm at a good base with it, so I plan to go into some detail on parts I get, DIY guides and reviews, keeps me busy and will hopefully help members out, as pointed out, a fair few don't like getting their hands dirty. I'd like to inspire some confidence there for people to get their hands dirty and see what they're missing out on and what can be achieved, not to mention saving some money and getting big satisfaction. 
 
Cheers!

Best experience here with 17 inch. For use on UK roads, especially B roads, that´s the way to go. Front tyres not wider than 205, the wider front tyres make it somewhat twitchy.  A full wheel alignment is very useful and highly recommended, as the 964 is very sensitive in that respect. Not every garage offering that service is capable of doing it, though.
So, my choice: 205 front, 255 rear, 17 inch and a proper(!) suspension set up. Best tyres for me (road use) Michelin Pilot Sport.
 
Hope that helps,
 
Hacki

Thanks for the input. It confirmed my thoughts that the 17 inch would be best. Michelin is a given (worked for them for 21 years a while ago). Following a full suspension rebuild a visit to Centre Gravity was on my list.
Thanks Peter