Running Report 1 - November 2001

My First Porsche – 1990 C4 964

Why

I had both hands pressed up against the fence, my eyes staring through the mesh with bursting anticipation. It was 1976. My first Grand Prix! I could hear them coming! The distant sound of metallic galloping horses was getting louder and louder. I could hardly contain myself.

Suddenly, the air split with thunder as the leading pack exploded around the corner. For several frozen moments my ears were filled with that primal howl. The air in my chest vibrated with the intense energy. My eyes tried to catch the action as the cars blurred by. I was so swept up in the moment that my 10-year-old mind hadn’t even remembered to take a breath… and my young soul was lifted by the engines’ song as one by one they rushed by.

And I was hooked!

Since then I have never missed a Grand Prix. I love the driving, the speed and the symphony that fills the air as the lights go green…

After a dual with the grim Reaper in 1995, I set a number of goals. One of them was that when I reach the 5-year mark of being clear of Leukaemia, I would own a Porsche. Not just any one. It had to be the classic shape, the one that I stared at when I was a kid. The one I admired as a teen. And the one that I desired as an adult. It had to be a 911.

When

I didn’t know much about the history of the Porsche range when I first started to look for one. When I walked into the Porsche Centre in Melbourne, I was met by a salesman who, over a coffee, told me all about Porsche: the models, the history and the culture. After I had finished my coffee he took me for a tour of the new and pre-owned cars on the floor, explaining the history and differences of each: the 928, the 944, the 924, several 911’s and then the latest offerings in the 996 and the Boxster.

We returned to the coffee area, and over a fresh brew he turned around and asked, “So, anything strike your fancy?”

To be honest, as I grew up I fell in love with the Lamborghini Countach. I fully expected my first super-car to be one. I volunteered as a marshal at the Kyalami Race track when I was at university, and had the good fortune to be invited to a Ferrari Open Day. There I met a guy who owned a 911 Carrera, a Countach and a Ferrari. I was offered a ride in each around the racetrack…

And so, I looked across the table at the salesmen, and in answer to his question I bought a 1990 911 Carrera 4 :)

Condition of Car when Purchased

I was like the kid against the fence. 4th June 2001. All day at work that feeling of anticipation overwhelmed me. I just couldn’t wait. I left early and caught a cab down to Porsche Centre Melbourne to take delivery of my newly purchased 911 964.

There it was… all polished.

The showroom lights gleamed over the roof, slipped off the window and bounced onto the bonnet. It looked stunning! Porsche had replaced the left cracked vent. They had brought the paintwork back to new. The tyres were brand new standard Bridgestone S02’s. The leather inside looked new despite the odometer reading 116 000 kilometres. The tank was full.

There it stood. Quiet. Patient. Beautiful.

The car is stock. No modifications have been made. Even the older square mirrors are still part of the vehicles sexy looks. The car was fully optioned at the time of purchase, including the electric seats and sunroof.
 

Previous Ownership

The car has had one previous owner. He had taken delivery from Porsche Centre in Melbourne on 29 March 1990. Since then he has serviced it religiously… 4000kms, 9500kms, 20000kms, 29000kms, 42000kms, 50000kms, 60000kms, 70000kms, 88000kms, 107000kms, 113500kms.

Cost

Over a coffee I gladly signed the purchase papers. AUD$72,500. On road costs and sales tax brought the total price to very little change from AUD$80,000. After the formalities the Porsche Centre Melbourne took every care to ensure I was fully versed in all the controls on the dash, how the spare wheel worked, where the engine was (kidding)… and then handed me the keys.

First impressions

I got behind the wheel. I fiddled with the electric seats…up, back, down, tilt… there – just right! I turned the key. Right on queue the engine sprang to life. I checked the back of my mind before driving off… the kid had his face pressed right up against my memory, his eyes bright, his smile telling me I had arrived. Looking into his pleading eyes I smiled, and let the kid take the wheel.

He drove slowly from the showroom floor and out onto the road, left into Victoria Parade, left and left again. All the while the kid in me looked around… “Look at me” he was saying. He turned the radio on. He opened the sunroof. “Look at me…”

A short distance to the highway. Stop at the lights just before the onramp. The kid was happy.

I took back the wheel. I checked the mirrors, turned off the radio, closed the sunroof. A quick look in the mirror of my mind, the kid smiled back at me. Then, in the split moment that the light went from red to green I had dropped the clutch and planted my foot firmly in the corner… the rev gauge swung quickly toward the red and the speedometer leapt off the bottom of the dash and raced toward 60km/h. Change to second. Another awesome rush of power to just over 100km/h. Change to third. In one deep breath I was on the highway and doing 160km/h. My heart was racing. Change to fourth. My foot pressed the accelerator hard against the floor. A quick glance across the lanes… no cars. The needle climbed past 200km/h. Change to fifth. And then I took my second breath…

Part Two

Driving Experiences

Because the car came with a standard three-month warranty I decided to drive it heavily for the first three months and then ease off after that. I’m glad I did…

Within the first week the onboard alarm split the air and the 4WD and ABS lights lit the dash. Admittedly I had been driving spiritedly on the way home, but isn’t that what the car is built for? I took the car to Porsche. It turned out to be something to do with a longitudinal sensor. A week later it was back with the same problem. It was another sensor – this time ordered from Germany. But, alas, a week later it was back again… the same problem. Finally, Porsche figured out it was a problem with pressure, and fixed it. Since then, apart from the dash lights staying on for about 15 seconds on warm up, it has been fine.

It was at this point that I discovered John’s website, and from there his 964 SmartGroup. Suffice it to say that these sources of information were goldmines to a new Porsche 964 owner.

I finally plucked up the courage to take the car for a drive in the country. On the way around the twisty mountain passes, I noticed my odometer was sticky. It would work for a bit, and then stick. So back to Porsche. This didn’t pose a serious problem, but I did wonder how long this had been happening, and therefore whether the kilometre reading was entirely accurate. Anyway, even if it was out, I figured that it would be far off. Porsche again fixed the problem.

To this point Porsche had had the car in their workshop more than I had it in my garage. Even though I was unhappy, I couldn’t fault Porsche Centre. They had done everything right. Problem is, the kid was disappointed. Each time I would get into the car, I would smile at the boy-I-was, and tell him that we would have a great drive. Then a problem occurred, and the kid’s head sank. The fun was just not there. What was the point?

So because of these issues, I started to think I should look at another car - a younger one, like the 993. After some investigation, however, I just couldn’t help but keep falling in love with the 964. I couldn’t get away from those classic 911 lines. Sorry, but in my opinion, the 993 and 996 shapes just don’t cut the mustard. Besides, the boy in me just wouldn’t be happy. So, I persevered.

Some weeks later the car started to stutter when cold. It got worse and worse until I finally took it back to Porsche. Again it was in the workshop. This time it was the O2 sensor. Again Porsche fixed it.

A few weeks later I pulled out from the slow lane on the way home, doing 120km/h in the fast lane and the engine just died. I pulled back into the slow lane and then onto the shoulder as the car chocked to a halt. I was stunned. I figured that this was actually dangerous! So, back on the phone. Back to the workshop. This time, it was the DME. Again Porsche fixed it.

Porsche had fixed all of these problems under the three months warranty. But I was getting more and more despondent. My first Porsche had been tainted by unreliability. This was not what I expected. And the kid no longer had his face against the fence. He seemed more interested in other things. We both felt let down.

Then, on Sunday 11th November 2001, I went on a drive day with three other Porsche owners… two 993 owners and a Boxster owner. And, embarrassingly, I hit my next problem… my clutch.

I had Porsche check when the clutch was last replaced, and it turns out that it had been replaced at 107000 kms. This means that the clutch had only done about 15000 kms, of which I had travelled about 6000 kms!! Although this was not strictly a warranty item, Porsche Centre did agree to replace the clutch without any cost to me. Interestingly, I was told that a new clutch should last about 60-80 thousand kilometres under normal, sometimes spirited, driving conditions.

So, as 2001 closes out, how would I summarise my experience?

Honestly, mixed.

I love the car. I enjoy its looks. I clean it and polish it every week. When I drive it, I can feel the power just waiting to be unleashed. And deep within me, the boy wants to rush to the fence, waiting for the engine to burst into action…

But I am nervous. I can’t help thinking: ‘What if?’

Part Three

It has been some months now, and I have been driving problem free!

My car is now rock solid. I have finally learned to settle into feeling that it won’t break down on me. I am finally enjoying the experience the way I always dreamed I would.

And the kid? Well, the kid is back!

Now, I get up of a morning and find any excuse to take the car in to work. I jump out of bed, grab a coffee, rush to shower and get dressed… and then walk out to the garage. I look into those P-Car eyes. Yes, I know that look. The 964 is looking through my eyes, across the years of my life, at the kid against the fence. And before I notice it, I’m on the highway doing 160 km/h. The kid beside me. Everything is exactly as it should be.

Modifications

I have been toying with the idea of new-look mirrors and wider rims. It really is the only thing I could imagine doing to my car. I went to Dutton’s the other day and saw a C2, same colour as mine, with cup wheels and sloped mirrors. It looked stunning!

Problem is – the cost of doing this seems to be about 7-10% the value of the car!! I just can’t bring myself to spend the cash right now.

I also thought about lowering it, but decided against this when seeing the difference the wider rims made. I also don’t want to stray too far from the original car. Right now it is stock, and I feel that there can’t be too many ‘original’ 964’s around when so many have been modified. Anyway… I’m sure the kid will have something to say about that :)

Next Day Out

I have signed up to go for a Drive day at Philip Island Racetrack with Porsche. Apparently we will get tuition on driving our own car, and then a chance to blast around the track in the afternoon. I have booked the car in to have a pre-track service.

I’ll let you know the outcome!

Running Report 2 - May 2002

Track Day – 13 March 2002

Let’s face it, the opportunity to take a fast car around a racetrack is more than compelling – it is every sane man’s duty to accept graciously. In fact, I am sure it is morally unacceptable in most cultures for a grown man to refuse. :)

Besides, when the kid-in-me heard about it, he just wouldn’t take no for an answer. So I had to give in. ;)

Three of us drove down in the early morning - a Boxster, a 993 S, and me in my C4. The trip to Philip Island takes about two and a half hours from my home in Macedon, so I left very early. I met the other two drivers in the city at 06h30; about the time the rest of the city was waking to go to work.

We arrived at the track at around 08h15, registered, grabbed a coffee and made conversation with the rest of the attendees. All in all there were about 24 cars, ranging from mine (the oldest), a number of Boxter’s, a few 993’s and 996’s, and of course the odd GT3.

After a briefing in the main meeting room, we divided into three groups of about 8 cars each. There were three driving skills to be learned in the morning – braking, cornering and slalom. This was followed by lunch and then the track was opened in the afternoon for lapping.

Now, before I jump feet first into what it was like, allow me to set the scene a little.

If you have read my report so far you will know that I was feeling somewhat reluctant to really push the car, given the issues I had had. But, even so, I was very eager to take the car to its limits and learn how to drive it at high speeds. All morning I kept having this conversation in my head – arguing both sides. What will I do that afternoon – push it, or take it ‘relatively’ easy?

We were the first group to line up in pit lane. I was third in line to exit. I started the engine, and then waited. The minutes ticked by. Outside the officials scurried about getting things ready. Inside the car I could hear myself breathing. I could feel my seatbelt against my chest. I looked in the mirror of my mind. The boy was there. His face pressed up against my thoughts; his eyes wide in expectation. Somewhere in my memory I could hear the sound of those Formula One cars coming around the corner in 1976. I looked ahead of me. The debate was over.

Suddenly my thoughts were focused back on what was happening. The outside noise came rushing in. Two… One… Go! I pushed the accelerator down hard as the car launched forward. I didn’t look at the instruments on the dash. My eyes were fixed on the track ahead. I heard the engine revs get to the limit, and changed to second, then third and fourth. And fifth.

The first sweeping right-hander came up quickly. Brake, down to fourth. Pull the car into the apex. Then a quick spurt of power before braking again, down to third for the left-hander. Accelerate out – fourth, then fifth. Then the fast left-hander before braking hard. Down to fourth, to third, to second. Turn into the tight right-hander. The tyres screaming at the road. The car slides a little. The tail wags a touch. The 4WD does its thing and I’m accelerating hard again. Slight right before another left-hander in third. The track wobbles to the left, then a sweeping turn to the right. Down to fourth for the left-hander. Then the track drops down an incline. Hard on the brakes, third, second, hard right. Up the hill – a brief third then back to second for the left-hander. Accelerate hard through third, to fourth. Hold that speed for the last corner onto the straight. Now, plant it!
 

The engine whines up as, for the first time I take a glance at the speedometer – the needle climbs towards 200km/h. I look ahead, the revs climb further. The car squats down and feels as steady as a rock. Change to fifth. 220km/h.

During the afternoon, we had the opportunity to have one of the five instructors join us in our cars. One of the instructors at the course was Gary Brabham. The next time I went out, Gary sat in the passenger seat! A couple of laps with Gary and I suddenly realised everything I was doing wrong. A few more laps and I couldn’t believe the difference. The car felt better, I was not working as hard, and my speeds around corners and down the straight improved steadily.

By the end of the day I had lapped Philip Island Raceway about forty times. I had gained a much better understanding of the capability of the car. I had gained a much more humble understanding of my capability.

I have a certificate from the day, signed by Gary Brabham. I have the memories to relive again and again. I have the insight to bring to any lively pub discussion. And the kid, well, the kid is still outside hugging the car. ;)
 

Saying Goodbye – May 2002

I had both hands wrapped around the warm cup of coffee I was sipping, as I stared at her now familiar P-car eyes. The garage light did a great job of showing off her curves, but even so, I could not tell whether she was smiling. This was not an easy moment. I looked at the kid-I-was sitting in the driver’s seat. He had both hands on the wheel, and was looking back at me. Funny, I thought, how kids see their toys. When they have them they spend hours playing with them. Then something better comes along and they can’t wait to have it. But go to take the old one away, and they won’t let it go. And here I was, in the same frame of mind.

In an article I read somewhere, the writer suggested that every man should own at least one 911 in his life. Preferably two. I had had the 964 C4 for almost a year, and apart from the initial reliability hurdles, she had been an absolute pleasure.

Some time back, just after I picked up the C4, I posted a question on John’s 964 SmartGroup Forum asking whether it was generally a good idea to modify the car or leave it as it was when it rolled off the production line some twelve years ago. The answers were divided exactly in half. In fact, that was exactly what I had expected. And why not – one’s love life is a very personal thing. :)

I had wanted to upgrade the wheels to 17” rims, and replace the mirrors with teardrops. I had also thought about lowering the car, and maybe – maybe, putting the RS spoiler on the back. But where does it stop? Why not then chip the car, boost the horsepower, reduce understeer, etc? All of this promised to significantly drain my wallet.

About four months ago, two ’91 C2 Turbos came up for sale at Porsche Centre, Melbourne. One was slate grey, like my C4, the other was Zermatt Silver. Both had very low kilometres (around 60000), and both were in stunning condition. The original prices were around AU$125000.

I think it was seeing the slate grey turbo that got me going. There was a car, same colour as mine except it was the turbo – with the wider body, the whale tail, the wider rims, the mirrors… everything looked perfect. All the money that I would put into my C4 to bring it up to the level I wanted, made this turbo look very attractive. So I started to do the sums.

Admittedly I deliberated painfully over whether or not to change. On the one hand I had just got the car to a reliable state. Everything was rock solid. What if I bought the turbo and I hit all the problems again? How would I feel then? Could I live with the looks, and spend the money over time on the modifications? Should I change now and grab this turbo?

The kid-I-was didn’t make life any easier. “Is the turbo faster?” He asked. It was. So what’s to decide! From his perspective, it looks better, goes faster, and has that big, huge wing on the back – where’s the dilemma? Anyway – if you wait to long then someone else will buy it!

A month went by, the prices of the turbos came down to around AU$120000. More deliberation! The kid grew impatient. Another month went by and the prices came down again – now the two of them were around AU$115000. Yet further mayhem in the Ross household’s budgeting. Do I or don’t I? The kid was beside himself.

Part of my deliberation was which colour to choose. I already had the slate grey, so I was leaning toward the Zermatt Silver. In fact, when I saw the silver car for the first time I fell in love with the colour. I personally felt that the lighter colour did wonders for those sexy curves of the turbo body. And anyway, on investigation, I found that the slate grey car had an aerial on the roof for the radio – which meant that this had been done after market. So, if I went ahead, I would go for the silver car.

Then, after thinking about it, sleeping on it, investigating all the options, searching the web for details and stories on the Turbo, and seriously frustrating the kid-in-me, I decided to do it! The next day I was going to go in to PCM and sign up for the silver turbo. The figures added up, the spirit was willing, the mind was decided. I woke the kid-in-me and let him know. We were both very excited. So much so, that all night the kid sat up playing ‘Need for Speed, Porsche 2000’. And I didn’t get any sleep that night.

I arrived at Porsche, and looked for the car… it was gone! I ran up to the salesman who I had now developed a strong relationship with, asking where the turbo was, and he told me it had been sold! The car was being serviced and detailed as I spoke. I couldn’t believe it. I felt the kid banging his head on the back on my mind.

Of course, the Slate Grey turbo was still there. But my heart had been set on the silver one. I was devastated! I walked outside to see the grey turbo again, and to decide on whether I should take that one instead. But I needed to rethink it, and decide on what I wanted to do next.

And the kid? Well, for the first time the kid was furious with me! Why did I wait so long? He crossed him arms and refused to get back into the C4. “Go buy the other one then,” he demanded. But I couldn’t. Something just didn’t feel right.

A few days later, I happened to go past PCM, and decided to drop in, the silver turbo was back on the lot! The kid came rushing up to my thoughts, his eyes wide with excitement. The sale had fallen through! Now I figured it was time to strike. I went in and started my negotiations on the Zermatt Silver Turbo.

In the end, after another three weeks of settling on a price I wanted to pay, and the value of the C4 as trade in, I shook hands with the salesman at PCM – I had purchased the Zermatt Silver, ’91 964 Turbo.

I took the last sip of coffee and got up off the garage step. As I turned off the light I looked back at the C4. The kid still sat in the drivers seat, pretending to race. I hoped that, at some time in the future, another kid-from-the-past would enjoy the same exhilarating feeling mine did the first time I drove the car. Because, right there, in this light, it was obvious to me that somewhere in Germany, there are a bunch of inner-children designing and building sports cars for all the kids-in-us around the world.