RE: 968: The Perfect F/R Porsche?
Discussion
Great memories of my speed yellow 968CS come to mind - recaros, front splitter and "Turbo S" split rim speedlines. Amazing handler, lusty engine and I miss it. Lack of a/c was pain in summer and she cost me fortune to replace the corroded fuel lines (they go inside the inner wings front - rear) but a lovely drive. Always a paradox that it was subtle and sensitive as a drivers car but was to the outside world loud, yellow and has "Club Sport" dawbed down its flanks. In my exacting search for another I am still looking for a rhd Riviera Blue MO30 car....
I owned one for about 6 months, it was one of the worse cars I've ever owned (36k miles). It simply fell to bits on me, in the short period I owned it:
The ABS failed. (Porsche could not fix it, it was to basic for computer diagnosis). Turned out to be a burnt out relay after half a day with a test meter and a stripped out ABS unit.
The thermostat stuck shut and cooked the engine (no lasting damage luckily).
One headlight lifter motor failed on the shortest day of the year, so no lights at all (it wont run just one, both have to lift).
The glove box lid fell off (not even a hinge, just a nasty plastic bit).
The dash instruments misread when a regulator or connector failed (cant remember now). The electrics where pretty shoddy generally.
Bits of trim used to drop off on a regular basis.
And finally to crown it all, the output bearings in the diff / gearbox failed. It was a known design fault at around 40k, and Porsche wanted around 3.5k to fix it. An Indie did it in the end for £1200. This was on top of the £1.5 k I spent having the belts and tensioners replaced and general service
As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers.
One must not forget that when these cars where made, Porsche had money troubles and it showed with the build quality. Of course part of being a Porsche owner, is never being allowed to say the car is actually rubbish, so it keeps up the illusion that its highly desirable. After that I went back to bullet proof Japanese performance cars, and never looked back!
The ABS failed. (Porsche could not fix it, it was to basic for computer diagnosis). Turned out to be a burnt out relay after half a day with a test meter and a stripped out ABS unit.
The thermostat stuck shut and cooked the engine (no lasting damage luckily).
One headlight lifter motor failed on the shortest day of the year, so no lights at all (it wont run just one, both have to lift).
The glove box lid fell off (not even a hinge, just a nasty plastic bit).
The dash instruments misread when a regulator or connector failed (cant remember now). The electrics where pretty shoddy generally.
Bits of trim used to drop off on a regular basis.
And finally to crown it all, the output bearings in the diff / gearbox failed. It was a known design fault at around 40k, and Porsche wanted around 3.5k to fix it. An Indie did it in the end for £1200. This was on top of the £1.5 k I spent having the belts and tensioners replaced and general service
As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers.
One must not forget that when these cars where made, Porsche had money troubles and it showed with the build quality. Of course part of being a Porsche owner, is never being allowed to say the car is actually rubbish, so it keeps up the illusion that its highly desirable. After that I went back to bullet proof Japanese performance cars, and never looked back!
Very strange report, either your car had been damaged and repaired or was a lemon. And as for the comment below thats equally strange it should be the complete opposite - ie soft and compliant but still with excellent grip/poise.
quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
rallycross said:
Very strange report, either your car had been damaged and repaired or was a lemon. And as for the comment below thats equally strange it should be the complete opposite - ie soft and compliant but still with excellent grip/poise.
quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
Definitely. I owned 2 944's over a period of 7 years, and never had any issues with either of them. Trick is to buy a good one in the first place. The cherished cars are holding their value well, but cherished means spending £££ on keeping them good, which is why there is so many complete nails for sale. quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
Look after it properly,(not just the bare minimum), and you shouldn't lose anything come resale, well I didn't anyway
Still miss not owning one, but always preferred my early dash 2.5 to the S2. The S2 lost a little of the sweet handling of the early cars, not surprising as they are a chunk heavier. Always thought a lightweight pre '84 car with 944 Turbo performance would be a lovely thing, which is why I really want a 924CGT at some point.
NJH said:
If it wasn't for mrs NJH loving the tiptronic gearbox in ours (I can't stand it), I think I would probably settle for a minty 968 coupe with working aircon, M030 anti roll bars, CS lowering springs and 17" wheels. All the car you need.
Now that does sound sweet. Where would I find a car specced like that?Nick
HAB said:
rallycross said:
Very strange report, either your car had been damaged and repaired or was a lemon. And as for the comment below thats equally strange it should be the complete opposite - ie soft and compliant but still with excellent grip/poise.
quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
Definitely. I owned 2 944's over a period of 7 years, and never had any issues with either of them. Trick is to buy a good one in the first place. The cherished cars are holding their value well, but cherished means spending £££ on keeping them good, which is why there is so many complete nails for sale. quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
Look after it properly,(not just the bare minimum), and you shouldn't lose anything come resale, well I didn't anyway
Still miss not owning one, but always preferred my early dash 2.5 to the S2. The S2 lost a little of the sweet handling of the early cars, not surprising as they are a chunk heavier. Always thought a lightweight pre '84 car with 944 Turbo performance would be a lovely thing, which is why I really want a 924CGT at some point.
If you like watching videos, see what Derek Bell arrives in to test a selection of Porsches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WAeB6oL0qw
The bit at 7:58 on makes me smile as well
HAB said:
Always thought a lightweight pre '84 car with 944 Turbo performance would be a lovely thing,
Close enough? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2577697.htmSS7
rallycross said:
Very strange report, either your car had been damaged and repaired or was a lemon. And as for the comment below thats equally strange it should be the complete opposite - ie soft and compliant but still with excellent grip/poise.
quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
I would expect to agree with you, but none of the bits that failed where due to an previous artfull bodging, I would have spotted that when I repaired it. Its possible the springs had been changed however, but just do a google search on porsche 968 pinion bearings and see what happens.quote
"As for the handling, yes its great if you don't mind bricks in place of springs and dampers."
blitzracing said:
One must not forget that when these cars where made, Porsche had money troubles and it showed with the build quality. Of course part of being a Porsche owner, is never being allowed to say the car is actually rubbish, so it keeps up the illusion that its highly desirable. After that I went back to bullet proof Japanese performance cars, and never looked back!
Really?! Just shows how different personal experiences can be! In my group of friends every Japenese car I've known has either done a big end (Honda Civic, Prelude, Subaru STi v3, Nissan 200sx s14), Gearbox (Mk2 Mr2) or has been plagued by other faults (Supra, GTR).I've always laughed when people talk about Japenese reliability over German as the only troublesome German car I've owned was one Audi. My Porsche experiences (and I have had many) have all been almost immpossible to break!
Two very different perspectives. On probably the same cars.
f1colin said:
Great memories of my speed yellow 968CS come to mind - recaros, front splitter and "Turbo S" split rim speedlines. Amazing handler, lusty engine and I miss it. Lack of a/c was pain in summer and she cost me fortune to replace the corroded fuel lines (they go inside the inner wings front - rear) but a lovely drive. Always a paradox that it was subtle and sensitive as a drivers car but was to the outside world loud, yellow and has "Club Sport" dawbed down its flanks. In my exacting search for another I am still looking for a rhd Riviera Blue MO30 car....
f1colin - I have a Riviera Blue 968 Sport with Cup suspension, roll cage and buckets seats. Never had a car that attracts so much attention, get chatting to people about it everywhere I go. About to start the trackday season in her but then might be selling in the Autumn. Might not be your cup of tea but I thoroughly recommend your choice, good luck with the search. 
silversixx said:
We're always happy to clear-up any errors - which facts were incorrect? Good looking car by the way...
A couple of errors I noticed: - which facts were incorrect? Good looking car by the way...- Not all 968s came with a driver's airbag. In fact, the Club Sports and Sports (and early Coupes) have a very nice three-spoke non-airbag wheel.
- "For the last year of production, Porsche GB created the 968 Sport, which was a 968 Coupe loaded with options including the Club Sport suspension." This isn't right. In fact the Porsche GB 968 Sport is a Club Sport (same chassis number format) with extra spec. It's much closer in spec to a Club Sport than a Coupe. The Sport is a fairly spartan spec, but adds "comfort seats", electric windows, sunroof, rear seats. See http://www.porsche968uk.co.uk/968-model-difference... for a comprehensive explanation of (and a great group of 968 drivers).
The 968 is one of very few Porkers that I actually like. And i love them.
I know that image isn't everything, but for me they are so much more of a credible 'baby' Porsche than the boxster (and even Cayman) are.
I like the fact there is a point of difference between them and the 911 - it's not like they're a 'junior' 911 for people that can't afford a 911 but more an entirely own car.
Characterful engine, practical, good looking in a 'handsome' kind of way and sublime handling. Plus you've got a boot and space in the back to bung a mate for a very short journey!
I know that image isn't everything, but for me they are so much more of a credible 'baby' Porsche than the boxster (and even Cayman) are.
I like the fact there is a point of difference between them and the 911 - it's not like they're a 'junior' 911 for people that can't afford a 911 but more an entirely own car.
Characterful engine, practical, good looking in a 'handsome' kind of way and sublime handling. Plus you've got a boot and space in the back to bung a mate for a very short journey!
Domingo Bash III said:
Plus you've got a boot and space in the back to bung a mate for a very short journey!
Not to mention doing the tip run (although you do get funny looks) and being able to fit a mountain bike inside by just whipping off the front wheel!The 968 is a Porsche you own on Purpose, not just because it is a Cheap Porsche
B Huey said:
The 928 isn't perfect in the looks dept. I'd say the 944 was one of the best looking cars ever made, great from any angle.
The 968 is a bit odd.
The 928 was a hugely capable car, and a little of an aquired taste. When I had mine I wanted to be inside getting the buzz driving it and watching it from the outside go by. Personally the 928 well and truely outclassed the several 944 turbo's and the 968 club sport I've driven!The 968 is a bit odd.
Near perfect 50/50 weight distribution it possibly even outshone the 911's of the same era with the neutral weight balance and superior power. Out off all engines, in my opinion there is nothing that sounds finer than a good old V8.
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