diabolos88

did Porsche make the 89 model year a ABS model?

tchanson

The '89 964 C4's came with ABS.

Tim

diabolos88

so only the 89 964 is? not the normal '89 911 or '89 930?

diabolos88

what about a '89 911 cab conversion to 3.3l turbo engine?

these 930 engines are fetching $4-6k. It would be pretty economical to pick up a high mile 89 911 cab between $15-19k and then drop in a turbo engine.
Anyone out there ever do one?

tchanson

No ABS on '89 Carrera's or 930's.

Tim

Jay H

Let's do some numbers for fun:

Good cosmetic, poor mechanical, high mileage 1989 3.2 Cabrio:
$16,000

Low mileage, complete 930 engine:
$6,000 (per your numbers above)

Brake and suspension upgrade needed due to increased performance of 930 motor and high mileage of donor car (calipers, rotors, pads, bushings, performance shocks, torsion bars, Turbo tie rod ends, ball joints, etc):
$3,000 (probably conservative number)

Turbo tail (and front spoiler too) for intercooler (Carrera tail probably won't clearance the intercooler) with paint prep and spray so it matches:
$500 (used off ebay?)

Labor to install engine, suspension, intercooler, additional electronics, and spoilers (if you can't do all of it DIY style):
$3,000 (estimate - could be less or much more)

While You're In There Costs:
$1,000

9" wide Fuch's rims for the rear with new 245/55 16's (gotta put the power down somehow):
$800

Total Costs: $30,300 (could be more too if things go wrong).

Resale value of a non stock, high mileage '89 3.2 Cabrio with a 930 motor:
$20,000

Loss on project: $10,300

That's with no bodywork to add Turbo flares and / or interior refreshening and no transmission work to the stock G-50. If you're spending all that cash upgrading this car, then the interior and cosmetics should be decent too.

Could be a fun project if you have the time, talent, space, finances and tools. If you don't have all of the above, save your money and buy an actual 930 Turbo Cabrio if you ever intend to sell the car. You'll be way ahead on dollars and time.

Just my $.02

Jay
90 964

diabolos88

I know what you're saying, that a b@stardized 911 Cab with a 930 engine wont get me a dime in resale. But I intend to keep it for a long time.
The car I am looking at buying is a '85 factory turbo bodied cabriolet, with 60k certified miles, currently owned by a prominent wealthy land developer in Arizona, hardly ever drove it. Takes it out couple times a month basically just to keep internals running clean. A 930 engine should just drop right in without clearance issues. The owner also had the trans and brakes upgraded to the G50 and 993 BigReds for improved safety. The paint, interior are museum. No stories '85 Cab.
All for only $17,500.
If I do decide to swap for a 930 engine, it can always be swapped back for resale purposes.

diabolos88

BTW, current owner had installed 3.6 Turbo Cup wheels with super duper wide rubber. They are so wide it's hard to imagine them not rubbing. He says they don't at all. In addition he lowered and stiffened the car up. I have seen all his other cars and he does the same thing to them all. Every vehicle is tweeked out even his wifes Lexus SUV.

Jay H

You have a different situation with the above mentioned car verses the first example of using a high mileage 1989 narrow body Cabrio as the donor car for the 930 motor transplant.

diabolos88

JayH, well after thinking about it I figured that if I would sell the car later it would need to be maketable as a low mileage clean car. I'm not totally decided on swapping for a 930 engine, but this '85 is so great looking it would be a disaster to pass it up. The '89 car has been beat up, needs alot of TLC.

Jay H

O.K., thanks for the clarification that there are two cars you are looking at. Makes sense now.

There have been posts here over the years how the 491 (factory Turbo Look option code for the folks following along at home) cars are really holding value and could be (or will be) appreciating over time. So, that's probably good thinking to keep this '85 pretty close to how it is now, should you purchase it.

That price point is very appealing for a true 491 car and you could potentially drive the car for a few years, maintain it well and not loose a nickle on it if you had to resell it.

I personally wouldn't have done Big Reds on a Turbo look (Turbo looks have the 930 brakes already from the factory which should be more than adequate), but those mods, including the G-50 swap (if done correctly), shouldn't detract much, if any, value from the car. To some people, the G-50 and big brakes may add value to the car. Purists would not find this appealing.

The '89 cabrio sounds like a loosing proposition if it's a beat up car in all areas. Restoring these cars are just not cost effective at this age.

Good luck,

Jay
90 964

diabolos88

JayH,
I just got off the phone with the owner after reading your post.
He is including all original parts with the car, trans, brakes etc. so it will be complete.
if I ever want to sell, it would be no problem.
thanks for help

Jay H

Original parts makes the deal even sweeter. Good Luck!