I still have my problems with my 1990 C 4 and I like to take the opportunity to warn new buyers to be aware of high costs to get spareparts for an old aircooled 911. For example, I have to buy a whole distributor for $ 900 to replace the hall sender, because that part is not sold seperately, and some parts are not available at all. I have restored old cars for over 15 years, but I never have run in so many problemswith a 911 aircooled Porsche. And there are not so many mechanics out there, who can handle a Porsche. I had never had any fun with my 911 only problems and no way to solve it. My luckiest day is when I got rid ofthat car and I will never touch another Porsche. Think twice before you are going to buy an old aircooled 911 and if you do, make sure you have a mechanic handy who knows these complex cars.

 

Sounds like you got a bad apple, because the 964 line is pretty much bulletproof. Those are cars that just don't come in very often for service needs. They are not hard to work on or that complex once you figure out how the Germans think. I do agree though, the parts are expensive (especially a distributor.....even 900 is a good price for a used one).

 

I had an 89 and never had any problems. The term bullet proof is a common term for this car.

 

I've had MANY, older air cooled Porsches over the years and can't say I 've had a bad one.To the new Porsche buyer I'd say a good inspection, by someone thatreally knows the car is they key to not getting the one in a hundred thats going to give you problems.Sorry for your bad experience. I guess you got the one.

 

I had a 90 targa for 5 yrs. Drove it over 40K miles and never had a problem. It was an awesome car.

 

Thank you for your replies. I don't believe I have a bad apple, the car performed very well over 12.000 mls.after a total restoration incl. a complete prof. rebuild engine. I have checked out all the electric components, relais and plugs and all ground connections, no issue there. I have changed every sensor into a new one, had theECU rebuilt,installed a newGerman rebuild distributor, new belts, new spark plugs and wires, the AMF is totaly confirm with Bosch/Porsche specifications and clean inside, there is nothing which has not been checked out. And still, the car starts right away and run perfect for about 15 min and the DME relais starts to shut of the fuel pump for a few milli seconds and comes back, it feels on the road like the engine has hickups, at the same time, checking with my timing light, it has some missing sparks on both coils. It is not a mechanical problem or something wrong inside the engine, oilpressure is top and no smoke not even at start up.I had Porsche mechanics working on the problem, they have no clue. The car is in showroom condition, with a perfect interieur, a new top with all new trans and motors, showroom paint job, 3rd brake light changed into the arrow type one, complete newDansk stainless exhaust system, new rear bumper. And it is a pitty, I have to sell the car in parts. So, I am offering the car for sale as a parts car. It is a 1990 C 4.

 

Sorry you have had expensive problems with your 1990. There can beexceptions to the rule, butdon't sour on the proven record that Porsche has established over the years. I have had a 1985 = air cooled, bought new that I have driven 160,000 mi's with regular maintenance and few parts failures. I expect to driveit to the 400,000 mi era without major rebuilds per Bruce Anderson's experience. The care and effort advised fromcopentent sources when buying a used Porsche are well documented. If the car is not sound from both complete service records and a compent pre purchase inspection it is best left with the current owner.

Greg

 

This is nice ~