Marshy

Thought it might be relevant to post this. Apologies in advance if it's old news to those in the know.

I got an email from Mark Plummer with RAC in Dallas today after several attempts to call them in the last month regarding an R conversion. Apparently "everything for the 993 turbo has been discontinued from RUF". I guess this means no more R conversions.

I'm not sure if this is a North American stalemate or applies to the factory back in Pfaffenhausen as well. Perhaps Viggo could shed some light on this from the European perspective. The email is below.



Geoff,

Thank you for the email. Everything for the 993 Turbo has been discontinued from RUF. We are able to offer a kit we help developed here in the states as a replacement package, offering the same power as the Turbo R. The kit is $3,000 cheaper than the RUF package, and we can sell you the parts alone for your technician to install if you'd like. Let me know if I can help answer any further questions. Thanks!

--
Mark Plummer
RAC Performance
(p) 214.269.1573
(f) 972.248.9026

No HTwo O

I had wondered about this the past several months, ever since the RUF web-site transfered me to the RAC web-site. This makes sense now.

parsonii

i think it's about putting their name and warranty on these packages -- ruf in the us is backing away. for their 996tt packages, their exhaust is gmg and i believe their tune is fvd. hate to say it but here in the us, you get the sense, they're glorified installers. not wanting to start a flame war but wondering what patrick or brian think about ruf in the US and whether there is more hype than substance with the tuning packages they now offer.

Kevin

There are "always" other options.

Texas993

This surprises me a bit too. As Viggo is getting a conversion done in Germany right now.

RUF Dallas broadened its its products and services for one reason (that I can think of): there wasn't enough demand for RUF- only upgrades and conversions in this market. RUF stuff is expensive, especially for the 997 and water cooled cars. Not everyone wants to spend $30k+ to upgrade, some want $5k upgrades.

The economy has changed the tuning business for all car types. Many of the muscle car guys have gone bust.

It is a shame, because the Turbo R is an amazing car. But I will admit that an Andial twin plug 3.8 is amazing too. And there must be others!

bbs993tt

I'll second what Patrick says.

It's definitely a shame because it is truly an awesome conversion. If I had one already, I'd for sure hang on to it. Wouldn't be surprised to see their values do really well.

Texas993

BTW, Brian and I agree - no one but RUF will touch our cars! They are the best shop around and definitely know their way around a 993.

TT Surgeon

Ruf is one of a kind, only the economy f'd them up. A lot of companies went belly up in short order..IA
c

mausone46

German tuner Gemballa is going out of business in 2010!

DRPM

AFAIK, RUF Germany still offer the R conversion. Most recently I had been negotiating a potential arrangement with RUF Germany to have them perform the R conversion on my car in Quebec Canada. They would ship over the parts and then have their tech travel here and do it in a local garage of my choice. It was a very difficult decision as the RUF package is well known and respected however in the end the total cost was prohibitive when you look at a similar perfromance package one can purchase in North America from other well known tuners such as Protomotive.
IMO the RUF R conversion is a solid package that was conceived in the late 90'. Today we have other options that are just as good and perhaps a bit more up to date/refined.
Just my 0.02...

PS to Viggo, I should have the TT with Protomotive conversion back on May 14....we'll have to compare notes.

HHANS951

It was either diversify (Manthey, GMG, etc) or close our Doors, it has been very difficult to say the least, but RUF Germany has not been flexible on pricing - add cost of Imports and the Exchange Rate and all our Business was going elsewhere, there are other reasons as well
Example a RUF 550 Conversion for 996tt $33000 installed, everyone incl Manthey,FVD,GMG, offers this Conversion for approxm $10k

Tour18

Nobody but RAC is touching my Porsches. Period.

Texas993

Thanks for your comments Hans. (My assumption was right.)

For those of you who may not know, Hans is a partner of RUF Dallas. He is the guy that ensures that my Turbo R is in top mechanical form. Well, actually he just bosses the guys who know how to fix cars around.

Additionally, Hans is the proud owner of a 993TT Andial twin plug. Amazing car.

HHANS951

Thanks Patrick, since i am the one that opened the Dealership under the RUF Banner, i can truly say that i am extremely sad about these Developments, however one better be flexible in this Economy or suffer the Consequences, also as stated earlier there are other Issues,
all i can say i believe in doing honest Business, work hard and do the best we can !

parsonii

hans your forthrightness is appreciated. btw 10 yrs ago were you a service adviser at the porsche store in plano? if so you helped me many a time