C o m p l e t e 9 6 4
REGISTRY 14
VIN NO:
- WP0ZZZ96ZKS401649
OWNER:
- Andrew Wright
DETAILS:
- 1989 964 Carrera 4
- LHD
- Slate Grey on white leather interior
- Options 425 494 567 650 +++ 04241
- Reg. Nos: G450 NMR from August 1989 to Jan 1991; A16 JFM to February 1998; G843 WKJ to July 2001; C4 PKY from July 2001
- Maint History: OPC entirely until October 1996. Two independents until Feb 1998. OPC for inspection report in February 1998 Various independents until August 2000.
- No major work undertaken up to that point just straightforward service & replacement of standard items.
- Current Owner:I bought the car in July 2000 with 129K miles on the clock - it was in a very distressed state. The idea was that I would buy a car which was essentially straight (i.e.: no crashes) and run it as a daily car whilst undertaking a running restoration. I would then NOT have to deal with anyone else's idea of a restoration - it would all be mine and I would know precisely what had been done & why. This car fitted the bill because it was straight but run down, with no mods at all at that time.
- Problems on acquisition: Engine leaking oil from everywhere, including the cylinder heads. Suspension completely shot; the springs/shocks needed replacement AND set up was dangerous.
- Body was/is in poor shape - masses of stone chips, both bumpers "starred" from bump parking. Wheels badly curbed & scraped Interior (white leather seats and trim, with white carpet) absolutely terrible.
- The soundproofing is saturated with water
- Modifications/Improvements since purchase: NOTE that the point of this exercise was initially simply to take a cheap 964 which was straight and then bring up to standard. That has turned into more of a "project" simply because there is actually little resale value in the car, once brought up to standard, because the mileage is so high. The overall objective is now to turn it into a personal version of a "964 RSC4" ...
- Modifications: 17 August 2000 - Full top-end overhaul + new rear exhaust + cat-bypass pipe + g-pipe + new steering gaitors + new front discs + new pads. RESULT = it stops and goes as it should 20 Sept 2000 - First service after rebuild (1676 miles) plus full Roock Sportsystem suspension fitted, as per RS but slightly softer ... Roock systems are H&R based. Air box "holed" with a series of small holes to help air flow. RESULT = it handles extremely well and is more of a go-kart than a luxury GT!
- 11 January 2001 - Water leaks tackled - rear screen refitted and water leaks ceased 17 April 2001 - Service + Upgrade chip + K&N filter fitted ... RESULT (with reasonably run in engine at 7,400 miles after rebuild) are full power engine with extremely smooth pick up and seemingly more torque everywhere. Great noises from rear-end BUT too n noisy for track days! 19 July 2001 - Replaced interior ...
- ALL the soundproofing (apart from drivers footwell) taken out, carpet replaced with RS carpet, door panels replaced with RS door panels + Category 1 Toad alarm fitted + Sony CD/Radio fitted.
- Currently still using the original seats but they are being replaced with custom build seats similar to RS Recaros but built for me by Bob Ridgard, who used to build most of the racing seats for the UK racing scene. RESULT ... extremely noisy internally but OK for me ... pick up and braking appear to be slightly better through weight loss. Internal appearance now smart and functional.
- 1 August 2001 - installed Porsche alloy strut brace. RESULT .... palpably neater turn in ability; can feel the difference at speed anywhere.
- Modifications planned: Next1: Upgrade brakes and brake hoses; probably with 993 callipers and turbo discs - thus giving turbo-like upgrade to the brakes without the extra weight. This is a low-cost option because I can get callipers from a car that has a "Big Red" upgrade. If that does not happen, then a big red upgrade will take happen, at the expense of extra unsprung weight but with the maximum possible braking power. Will also replace the rear sway bar with a 1991 C2 spec item for maximum turn in ability. EXPECTED RESULT ... stop on a sixpence (dime) + little or no brake fade + even better turn in.
- Next 2: Probably 3.8ltr rebuild in 2002. This will give 310-320bhp reliably with tremendous torque and usability. This, in combination with the lightest internal trim possible, bigger brakes and the RS suspension will take the car to a different level of performance, probably out doing all 993s & most 996s. EXPECTED RESULT ... power, power, power!
- Next 3: Attack the looks of the car - probably a full repaint job, including new fore and aft bumpers, tear drop mirrors etc. EXPECTED RESULT ... look new! The objective now is to create a really useable air-cooled 911 that is quicker and more tractable than a modern car, whilst spending no more than I would lose each year on depreciation on an newer car!!
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