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Scott Gardner Job title Technical director, Bahnsport Porsche experience 15 years
Dear Sir, I’ve recently acquired a manual 964 Carrera 2. It’s done a lot of miles, but is in great condition. I’m new to older Porsche, but have always modified my cars and don’t see why I should change that approach this time! Can you recommend some modifications? Charlie Searle
Congratulations on the purchase of the 964! C2 manuals are becoming rarer to find these days and regardless of how far they’ve travelled, they wear their miles very well. When it comes to modifications there are plenty of options available, and your decision will be dependant on how you’re planning to use the car.
You could take the showy route: switching up the cosmetics for it to look the part. The OEM+ approach involves applying subtle upgrades using components inspired from the RS, for example. Another option is to focus on enhancing the driving experience. The cockpit is a good place to start; consider tackling the various touch points. Short shifters work very well on the 964, as do a plethora of different steering wheel options, which help to improve the dynamics of how the car feels.
Suspension is a key factor of how the car runs on the road and often you’ll see 964s that have uprated coilovers. These enable the ride height and dampening levels to be altered. There are a number of brands available depending on your budget and how much adjustment you want to implement. The exhaust modifications that are available also offer large gains. You could install a silencer bypass, but a 964 fitted with a modified exhaust system sounds superb and this is where I’d begin my modification journey.
To be honest, when it comes to modifications the world really is your oyster. Don’t be afraid to make your car a personal statement and enjoyable to use. After all, most changes can always be reversed. It’s always advisable to keep hold of the original components, should you need to swap them back into place. Good luck and enjoy the modding experience!