964 C4 - Restomod, Restore or Update

[964Boy]

Hi All
i am looking for your advice for a very first world problem! I have a 1990 964 C4 with 131,000 on the clock and UK based. The car had a respray (cheap with some overspray) before i bought it so will needs new rubbers and black trims.
Since my ownership I have undertaken some works mostly to the exhaust (removed the Cat's, had a straight pipe) and a Steve Wong chip. I love the car however it now needs an engine rebuild (the leaks have got worse) and so if it s in the garage what else do i do? I have the following thoughts:
a. Restore (Porsche Classic type work)
b. Amend to an RS spec
c. Update to a wide arched 3.6 Turbo style
d. Restomod (Theon/Singer type)
Value of the end car is a consideration too, what will keep its value, what will increase, will I destroy the value but look cool driving it?
I welcome your advice and comments.

[g7jhp]

Looks fantastic as is. I'd keep it looking stock and look to add value to the overall package.

Wheels
I like Cups so would stick with those

Seats
Have you got sports seats with bolsters or seats without. If they aren't sport seats you may want to add Recaro Pole Positions.

Door Cards
I like the originals but they are heavier than RS items.

Engine
You're getting it rebuilt lots of options

I'd make mods which add value to the driving experience, but are reversible.

So no to:

Update to a wide arched 3.6 Turbo style - the narrow body looks lovely.

Restomod (Theon/Singer type) - hard to justify on a nice 964 as they're a personal taste and usually devalue the car.

Better to have an original looking car with some choice mods you can drive.

Worth reading Steve Rance's 964 Project thread

[TDT]

g7jhp said:

Looks fantastic as is. I'd keep it looking stock and look to add value to the overall package.

Wheels
I like Cups so would stick with those

Seats
Have you got sports seats with bolsters or seats without. If they aren't sport seats you may want to add Recaro Pole Positions.

Door Cards
I like the originals but they are heavier than RS items.

Engine
You're getting it rebuilt lots of options

I'd make mods which add value to the driving experience, but are reversible.

So no to:

Update to a wide arched 3.6 Turbo style - the narrow body looks lovely.

Restomod (Theon/Singer type) - hard to justify on a nice 964 as they're a personal taste and usually devalue the car.

Better to have an original looking car with some choice mods you can drive.

Worth reading Steve Rance's 964 Project thread

Yep.

Subject Closed... Mods please closed this thread, unless OP will continue to use it to document this journey, lol.

[964Boy]

Thanks for the feedback and support that it is a nice car. Think that was what I was after. Interior is stock as well with a change of steering wheel. What do you think about a change of peddle box?

[g7jhp]

Sports seats are same as my old 3.2 Carrera with the bigger side bolsters, very comfortable.

I added the same steering wheel as well which is smaller than the 'bus sized' original.

Personally I would keep it stock and work on how it drives.

1) Suspension
2) Front strut brace
3) Exhaust
4) Brakes
5) Chip

And then add Recaros if you want it more focused.

[Paynewright]

I think it looks fantastic as it is. I do like a nice momo steering wheel.

I think I would just get it to the best useable condition it can be - robust and reliable mechanicals and bodywork checked out for longevity then just use it. I would invest in preventative maintenance too - stripping, checking and reconditioning components eg clean and regrease (correct spec) driveshafts joints and fit new boots. Etc

[uremaw]

964Boy said:

Hi All
I have the following thoughts:
a. Restore (Porsche Classic type work)
b. Amend to an RS spec
c. Update to a wide arched 3.6 Turbo style
d. Restomod (Theon/Singer type)
Value of the end car is a consideration too, what will keep its value, what will increase, will I destroy the value but look cool driving it?
I welcome your advice and comments.

I'm in an almost identical situation - same year, bodystyle, miles and colour but a C2 - and have considered the same options. I change my mind on a daily basis, largely because the allure of wide arches, duck tails and the whole Singer vibe is so strong, but aside from the not inconsiderable expense (and potential adverse effect on the value), if i had a car that looks as good as a Singer, I'd be too scared to leave it anywhere. Similarly I like the idea of a 200kg lighter RS-alike car, but my worry about stripping too much out is it'll sacrifice it's everyday usability. Plus it has to be said, there's something inherently right with a narrowbody guards red 964 on cups.

Mine already has all the suspension sorted (KW and RS ARB) and the engine rebuild, so I'm instead focussing on the interior. I find the interior a bit dark and oppressive, so am planning to brighten it up a bit with some retro touches. There are loads of great interior ideas from the various restomod specialists (especially Singer) so it's giving me an outlet for my 'creativity' (i.e. desperate need to tinker!). As others have said, as long as the modifications are reversible, theres no downside.

Good luck with yours. It's a great problem to have!