US Spec

[Peter Moss]

I'm looking for a 964 at the moment, having sold my 3.2. Is there a source for identifying the spec differences between UK (061) and US (553) cars? I know that there will be basic differences on lights mirrors etc, and I read that the gear ratios on 4th and 5th are higher, and there appear to be impact buffers between the side and indicator lamps, but is anyone aware of other differences e.g. suspension settings?
Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

I'm not sure of the significance of the numbers you quote (061 and 553) but, as you say, there are significant differences between the US and what are generally known as ROW (Rest of World) cars. Visually the front bumperettes (as they are called) identify the US cars readily, the fitment of H5 headlights, illuminated side markers and lack of indicator repeater lights are less obvious. The ride height of US cars is a little higher than ROW cars - if they weren't high enough as it is!!

There is something in the back of my mind which suggests that your comment about the gear ratios is true but I have no evidence of it. I believe some European markets also had differences too - like Switzerland particularly.

Adrian Streather's tome on the 964 is probably the best source of information like this - it's called 911 Enthusiasts Companion, Auftragsnummer 964. It's available from the Club Shop or Amazon.

Assuming you are in the UK I'd guess that US cars are relatively rare here - most left hookers are European (i.e. ROW) cars.

Hope that helps.

Dave

 

[Guest]

ORIGINAL: Peter Moss

I'm looking for a 964 at the moment, having sold my 3.2. Is there a source for identifying the spec differences between UK (061) and US (553) cars? I know that there will be basic differences on lights mirrors etc, and I read that the gear ratios on 4th and 5th are higher, and there appear to be impact buffers between the side and indicator lamps, but is anyone aware of other differences e.g. suspension settings?
Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi Peter,

If you're in the market for a 964 C2 I'm selling mine. If you want any information about it drop me an email. It's in fab condition - the car gets better looked after than the husband and children!

Regards,
Tracey []

 

[Peter Moss]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for this help. I'm in the UK not the USA and interested in a US car. I gleaned the information on gear ratios from Peter Morgan's "Original 911" book, and actually the ratios are lower, probably because of the 55 mph speed limit in the US, at which speed the revs are only about 2000 in normal 5th.
Perhaps you could also tell me whether sport seats,as fitted to the UK Carrera 3.2 as standard, were fitted to the UK 964 as well, because both sport and standard seats seem to be available on RHD cars advertised for sale.
Peter

 

[Peter Moss]

Hi Tracey,
Send me the info or forward me the website address where it's advertised and I'll take a look. Unfortunately I am the opposite end of the country to you, but, hey, if it's that good, it must be worth the trip! I'm not sure whether it's normal practice on this forum to release one's private e-mail address, or a mechanism to do it to one recipient only.
Peter

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

ORIGINAL: Peter Moss

Hi Dave,
Thanks for this help. I'm in the UK not the USA and interested in a US car. I gleaned the information on gear ratios from Peter Morgan's "Original 911" book, and actually the ratios are lower, probably because of the 55 mph speed limit in the US, at which speed the revs are only about 2000 in normal 5th.
Perhaps you could also tell me whether sport seats,as fitted to the UK Carrera 3.2 as standard, were fitted to the UK 964 as well, because both sport and standard seats seem to be available on RHD cars advertised for sale.
Peter

Peter,

The bit about gear ratios seems perfectly logical - given the lower speed limits in the US at the time.
AFAIK, the sports seats were an option with the "comfort" seats being the standard fitment. Seats are one of those things which are often customised so it's entirely possible to find all sorts of seats fitted to 964s - most of the Porsche seats will fit, even the latest 996/997 seats will fit with a little bit of ingenuity.

Gordon posted yesterday about a real gem of a car at Northways - unmolested and really low mileage. The thread is here http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=294414.

Good luck in your search.

Regards

Dave