I've got the car bug and am trying to decide on either trading up for a 997 turbo or keeping the C4S and adding a 930.

I've always loved the 930's since I was a kid, but don't have any experience with them and would appreciate some direction. I've seen some nice ones from 82 models on up. What are the advantages of one year over another? Are there suspension or engine upgrades that took place from the factory over the years? Any issues I need to be aware of with the euro spec cars?

Thanks in advance

 

I'm no expert, but since I started restoring/building a 1987 930 I've found that parts are separated into pre-1985 and 1986-1989 subsets, so I'd guess there were some upgrades done from 1986 on. Also, the 1989 has a 5-speed tranny while earlier models are 4-speeds. Not much info, but hope it helps some...RC

 

Thanks for the input!!

 

I would go for one with g50 tranny on 89 turbo. I had a 4 speed and that was fun but lacked proper gearing for initial acceleartion.

 

78-79 has euro CIS fuel system. And has economically best.

 

I'd go with the 89, G50 5 speed tranny and last of the torsion bar suspension cars.

 

I would say you have to consider the purpose you would use this type of car for. THey are available in so many conditions and models. Show, Track, Daily... You get the point. If it were me I would look for exclusivity. So I would either want a first year model in showroom condition. Or a slantnose targa turbo for the ultimate garage queen movie star machine.

RAC has a great example of how the 930 cars can differ in their inventory right now. Check out the RUF 930's they have. Same series cars. One has been driven a lot, The other one is a trailer queen. Its all about the purpose. I think the more porsches the merrier so keep the C4S and add a air-cooled to the collection. At least the air-cooled will keep its value. You can always sell it in the future if you change your mind. Just keep in mind that they are a lot more maintenance than the newer cars. You don't get that money back because it is expected to be done. You have a more difficult time trying to sell the car when you know it has an expensive service needed or upcoming.

 

997 vs 930 is a huge difference. I would make sure you really want a 930 before buying one. They cost less initially but the upkeep is an ongoing cost....there will always be something to add or do to it.

If you go for the 930, the next big question is are you going to be happy with it in stock form or will you really get bitten by the 930 bug and start modifying the hell out of it to go faster and handle better? If you are going down the slippery slope of 930 modernization I can tell you from experience, its EXPENSIVE! You'll be approaching the cost of a nicely used 997T fairly quickly, and your resale value is not going to ever show it.

If you stay 100% stock 930, and find one in good shape the expense will be way less than a 997, but a stock 930 can't compete with a stock 997T ....i've driven both, there is no comparison. Granted I still like the 930 better, but it does not out perform a 997Turbo unless you modify the hell out of it - which can be done.

Good luck with your decision. I hope I haven't steered you away from the 930 world....once you have it all sorted out, they are incredibly fun to drive. Was on call last night and just drove back home on the PCH in mine and it continues to put a smile on my face.

BTW - forgot to answer your question: if staying stock go with 89 G50 - if modifying, doesn't matter what year, you'll add whatever it needs.

 

Just get a mint 993 turbo and you will have the perfect median point.

Have you considered that?

 

993 is a good happy medium, but the 930 is so much better looking.

 

After driving my 997S for some years I took the plunge on my long-lusted 930. Noting that you can never purchase 'low mileage' at any cost, I paid a bit more for a 9K (yes, 9K) mile car. It has been a great experience.
As noted by Plexiform, the performance of these cars cannot be the reason for purchase. Not only do they pale in comparison to 997TT's, but they can't compare to my 997S. I can't see why anyone would want to upgrade or mod the car to attain great levels of performance. Better to enjoy the classic and buy a 997 GT3 or TT.
It also is not likely wise to consider it as a DD. Though actually more solidly constructed than modern Porsche's (just gently close the door to hear what I mean) I wouldn't have to watch out for every little of life's challenges when driving it everyday.
Anyway, I'm totally happy with my choice. Best of luck to anyone considering it.

 

Verde: I'm surprised to to hear that the 930 is not impressive when compared to a 997/S. Is your 997/S stock? Have you had a leak down test on the 930? I would expect the 930 to out perform any of the modern normally aspirated (nonGT3) cars...

 

Look, here's what you do. Buy a 4 speed car (89 was the only 5 speed). Buy a 3.3, then add a K29, SC cams, larger intercooler, headers, 1 bar boost spring and you are done. The car will run like a raped ape and you will love the 4 speed - especially if you track it. Note: you can't get more than 400 HP out of one of these motors with the stock CIS injection - so don't try. Stay at 400 and it will be serious fun. The cost to add more fuel is a game of no returns. The CIS will simply not flow enough fuel to support more boost and thus more HP. I learned the hard way. I really miss my 87 930...the sound of that external wastegate was magic.

 

"Raped Ape".....love it! I'm going to have to borrow that term from you.

 

Both cars are reasonably stock. The 997S has had a few mods (exhaust and intake) but they typically make little additional HP. And it's been looked at by a few good techs and is in excellent shape.
And to be fair, when the turbo in the 930 hits, it does have this 'sneaky fast' effect of accelerating rather noiselessly and I'm suddenly going quite a bit faster.
But whether it's the sense of torque or power, the turbo is nice. But modern cars have a lot of power (and torque) and what was a monster in the past is a nice ride in 2011.
It you've driven both extensively, I'd like to hear your experiences in comparing the two.
V