Hong Kong imports?

[BST 139B]

Please excuse me if I am posting in the incorrect place?

...I am currently looking at purchasing a 1988 911 (although 930 turbo cab not 3.2 carrera) that was originally a Hong Kong car and imported approx. 10k miles ago.

I simply wondered if this was an issue, or something to avoid from a purchase point of view?

The car has had new clocks (mph) and the old (kph) is avalible with car.

Thanks in advance,

Ben (North West)

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Yep, wrong forum, you needed the 911 turbo section.

One problem with a imported car is the fact that you cannot HPI check the car. Well, you can HPI check it but it will not tell you what has happened to the car so it is useless. This would be a concern to me although if it is a very special car it may be worth it.

Second problem may be insuring it. Most insurance companies charge a lot more for imports. They will also value the car less if it is written off or stolen/recovered.

Is it an exotic car?

Turbo Jonny has a '94 964T 3.6, possibly an S but it definitely has the X88 option.
Miles 965 has a '94 964T 3.6 that has been modified including 4WD & 6 speed with approx 450bhp.
They imported their cars and I understand why as they are unusual cars, not readily available in UK.

 

[BST 139B]

Thanks nathan,

Correct forum noted (Turbo seemed too general - wanted to ask pre 89 owners) so thanks for your response.

Dont believe its anything that special, seems same spec as uk car, had not concidered insurance issues (thanks) at first was more concerned about pre treatments for different country conditions (climates) but guess as all from same factory should all be weather protected the same!?!

Thanks again,

Ben.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

I believe the HK cars will have more emission equipment and therefore may be down on power. However this should be all easily reversed. The only thing that will not be easy is the compression ratio, I am guessing this would cost thousands to change if you had to pay to have it done. I am pretty certain the USA cars are lower compression. A lot of the americans turbo or supercharge their cars as they are approx 9:1 instead of approx 10:1 CR.

 

[BST 139B]

Nathan,

Plz excuse my ignorance but why would I wish to change the compression ratio.. to increase power back up to UK spec????

If thats the case day to day running would not be affected.. in fact MOT emission tests should be a walk in the park! lol

Plz correct me if I'm wrong, and 'thanks again' for your input... realy like the car but HK part is bugging me!?

B.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

It should only affect power, drivability (throttle response) & fuel economy. The fuel economy can be compensated by using cheaper fuel (95ron) with no power loss instead of 98ron.

For me the reduced throttle response would be a downer. The 3.2 carrera is all about razor sharp throttle response and is why I cannot bear to part with it although I have a 930.
The 930 has approx 7.5:1CR but it is a 3.3. The 930 has no sparkle at all... until the boost kicks in []

 

[calisa]

I have a US import (3.2 carrera, not a turbo). No issue with insurance except the LHD loading. Compression ratio difference turns out to be a change in valve timing rather than a different stroke from the non US cars. As long as you are clear about the provenance and believe that it gives good value when compared to a standard UK car then there is nosignificant reason to shy away from it.

 

[Gary C]

As HK is right hand drive, then it is prob a ROW spec and not US spec.

Not familiar with Porsche imports but Jap imports often don't have the same levels of rust protection that UK cars have. So would be worth a check. As its UK registered then model reports are not a problem. Insurance can be fun with imports but as its an old specialist car anyway, you will be dealing with people who tend to assess the individual risk.

Just flew in from HK this morning, and boy does it rain there !