Pattering on with Bill Helmes Part 6
About this episode
Bracken Helms chats with his father, Bill Helms, about the nuances between the Porsche 964 and 993 models. They discuss personal experiences, preferences, and the evolution of these iconic cars over the years. Bill shares insights on the 964's underrated status and its mechanical quirks, while expressing a fondness for the aesthetics and reliability of the 993. The conversation also touches on starter Porsches, with recommendations for the 996 and Cayman, and reflections on the differences between air-cooled and water-cooled models. Their engaging banter offers a mix of nostalgia and practical advice for enthusiasts.
In this episode I talk to my dad about:
-964 or 993
-What is an inexpensive starter Porsche today.
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Porsche Cayman
"... today, which, you know, starts with like 996 or Cayman and leads to like getting an old 911 and what it ..."
The Porsche Cayman is a sporty car that has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle really well on the road. It's a fun car to drive and is often seen as a less expensive option compared to the more famous Porsche 911.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car that was first introduced in 2006. It is known for its exceptional handling, balance, and performance, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. The Cayman often serves as a more affordable alternative to the iconic Porsche 911 while still delivering a thrilling driving experience.
Porsche 911
"...e 996 or Cayman and leads to like getting an old 911 and what it takes to like buy an old 911 that you..."
The Porsche 911 is a classic sports car that has been around since the 1960s and is famous for its unique shape and powerful performance. Many people love it for how well it drives and its status as a luxury car.
The Porsche 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history, first introduced in 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 has evolved through multiple generations while maintaining its reputation for performance and luxury. It is often discussed in the context of classic car ownership due to its enduring popularity and investment potential.
oil leaks
"I mean, we all know about the oil leaks, but there were, you know, there were clutch issues."
Oil leaks happen when oil escapes from the engine, which can cause problems if not fixed. It's important to keep an eye on oil levels to avoid engine damage.
Oil leaks refer to the escape of engine oil from its intended containment, often due to worn seals or gaskets. This can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not addressed.
clutch issues
"But you started to have some problems with the car. I mean, we all know about the oil leaks, but there were, you know, there were clutch issues."
Clutch issues are problems with the part that helps you change gears in a car. If the clutch isn't working well, it can make driving difficult.
Clutch issues refer to problems with the vehicle's clutch system, which can affect the ability to shift gears smoothly. Common symptoms include slipping, difficulty engaging gears, or unusual noises.
Fuchs wheels
"But the Fuchs is magic for me. The Fuchs are..."
Fuchs wheels are special wheels made for Porsche cars that are known for being lightweight and stylish. Many people love them for how they look and perform.
Fuchs wheels are a type of lightweight alloy wheel originally designed for Porsche vehicles, known for their distinctive design and performance benefits. They are highly regarded among car enthusiasts.
3.6
"A lot of the hot riders are taking, they want the 3.6."
The '3.6' is a type of engine in some Porsche cars. It's known for being powerful and reliable, which makes it a favorite among car fans.
The '3.6' refers to the 3.6-liter engine found in the Porsche 911 (964). This engine is known for its balance of power and reliability, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and tuners.
hot rodding
"A lot of the hot riders are taking, they want the 3.6. So the 3.6 is nice."
Hot rodding is when people change and improve their cars to make them faster and more fun to drive. This can include making the engine stronger or changing the way the car handles.
Hot rodding refers to the practice of modifying a vehicle to enhance its performance, speed, and overall driving experience. This often involves upgrading the engine, suspension, and other components to achieve better performance.
Porsche 959
"I never been able to drive a 959, but I've read about it. But I hear there's just a little bit of that 33."
The Porsche 959 is a fast sports car made by Porsche in the late '80s and early '90s. It had cool features like all-wheel drive and a powerful engine, making it very special.
The Porsche 959 is a high-performance sports car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was known for its advanced technology, including all-wheel drive and a twin-turbocharged engine, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Porsche 964 Turbo
"But the 964 turbo was an amazing car to drive. If I was going to get one, I would rather have a 964 turbo than a 993 turbo."
The Porsche 964 Turbo is a version of the 911 made between 1990 and 1994. It has a turbocharged engine, which makes it faster and more exciting to drive compared to older models.
The Porsche 964 Turbo is a variant of the 911 produced from 1990 to 1994. It features a turbocharged engine and is known for its distinctive styling and improved performance over earlier models.
Porsche 964 RS
"I was going to buy a 993 or the 964 RS and people were thinking I was crazy."
The Porsche 964 RS is a special, lighter version of the 911 made in the early '90s. It's known for being fun to drive and is popular with car collectors.
The Porsche 964 RS is a lightweight, high-performance version of the 911 produced in the early 1990s. It is celebrated for its driving dynamics and is a sought-after model among collectors.
FD Motorsports
"...I should go talk to Darren about this. Darren Fister. I mean, he lives in the same town I live and we're pretty good friends. But he's liver die. I mean, if you don't know who Darren is, FD Motorsports, Fister Exhaust..."
FD Motorsports is a business that makes and sells parts to make cars go faster or look better, especially for Porsches. They help car enthusiasts customize their vehicles.
FD Motorsports is a company known for specializing in performance parts and modifications for various vehicles, particularly in the Porsche community. They offer products that enhance the performance and aesthetics of cars like the Porsche 911.
Fister Exhaust
"...Darren Fister. I mean, he lives in the same town I live and we're pretty good friends. But he's liver die. I mean, if you don't know who Darren is, FD Motorsports, Fister Exhaust..."
Fister Exhaust is a company that makes special exhaust systems for cars, especially Porsches. These exhausts help the car sound better and can make it perform better too.
Fister Exhaust is a company that specializes in aftermarket exhaust systems for performance vehicles, particularly Porsches. Their products are designed to enhance exhaust flow and sound, improving both performance and driving experience.
Porsche 982
"black on black 982 with the turbo. That's such a beautiful car to walk out. That's I walked up... It was a real car. This was a 982s and I think it had 30,000 miles..."
The Porsche 982 is part of the 718 series, which are sporty cars that handle well and look great. They have engines in the middle of the car, which helps with balance and performance.
The Porsche 982 refers to the generation of the Porsche 718, which includes models like the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. Known for their mid-engine layout and sporty handling, these cars are celebrated for their performance and design.
air cooled
"It's funny you should mention that. I have a coworker and he asked me all these questions about Porsches all the time. You know, oh, well, you know, why the air cooled, why the..."
Air-cooled engines use air to keep them cool instead of water. This was common in older Porsches, making them unique compared to many modern cars that use water for cooling.
Air-cooled engines are a type of engine that relies on air flow to cool the engine components, rather than using a liquid coolant. This design was famously used in older Porsche models, particularly the 911, before the switch to water-cooled engines.
Nissan Skyline
"This question I call like the Nissan Skyline GTR effect. The Nissan GTR will come out and it'll be the fastest car."
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a powerful sports car known for its speed and performance. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is famous for its racing capabilities.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a high-performance version of the Nissan Skyline, known for its advanced technology and racing pedigree. The most famous model is the R32 GT-R, which gained legendary status in motorsports and car culture.
Nissan Gtr
"...n I call like the Nissan Skyline GTR effect. The Nissan GTR will come out and it'll be the fastest car. It wi..."
The Nissan GT-R is a super-fast sports car that is famous for its incredible speed and advanced technology. It's known for being one of the best performance cars you can buy.
The Nissan GT-R, often referred to as the 'Godzilla,' is a high-performance sports car that has gained a legendary status since its introduction in the 1970s. Known for its advanced technology, all-wheel drive system, and powerful turbocharged engine, the GT-R is celebrated for its impressive speed and handling capabilities. It is frequently discussed in the context of performance cars and racing.
GTR effect
"...Porsche will come out with cars now that are we starting to get a little bit of the GTR effect? I think that's fair."
The 'GTR effect' is when cars are designed to be super fast and have lots of technology, sometimes making them less fun to drive for people who enjoy a more hands-on experience.
The 'GTR effect' refers to the influence of high-performance cars, like the Nissan GT-R, on the automotive market, often leading to vehicles that prioritize speed and technology over driver engagement.
Porsche Boxster
"...he great little car for somebody, even the early Boxster, I like the Cayman better because I like that coo..."
The Porsche Boxster is a small convertible sports car that you can drive with the top down. It's known for being fun to drive and is often seen as a more affordable option compared to the 911.
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seat convertible sports car that debuted in 1996, designed to be more accessible than the 911 while still offering an engaging driving experience. It features a mid-engine layout, which contributes to its excellent handling characteristics. The Boxster has become a popular choice for those looking for a fun and stylish open-top car.
rust
"...you can't chase the rust unless, if you want to just drive it, but you can't, it's just too expensive..."
Rust is what happens to metal when it gets wet and starts to break down. It's a big problem for old cars because it can make them unsafe and hard to fix.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or steel reacts with moisture and oxygen, leading to deterioration of the metal. It is a significant concern for classic car restoration, as it can compromise structural integrity.
hot rod scene
"...that's kind of why the whole hot rod scene or, you know, you see guys just show up at Luftkold..."
The hot rod scene is a community of car enthusiasts who love to modify and customize cars to make them faster or look cooler. It's all about personal style and creativity with vehicles.
The hot rod scene refers to a culture centered around modifying and customizing cars, often for performance and aesthetic purposes. It emphasizes creativity and personal expression through automotive design.
abused car
"...when a Porsche has been abused and wrecked. And it's really hard to take the turd out of these old 911s..."
An abused car is one that hasn't been taken care of properly, which can cause a lot of problems and make it less valuable.
An 'abused car' refers to a vehicle that has been poorly maintained or subjected to harsh treatment, leading to significant wear and tear. This can greatly affect its performance and value.
restoration
"...it's hard to put a rough old Porsche back together. It's too expensive and it's hard to get it right..."
Restoration means fixing up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. This can include a lot of work, like painting and fixing parts.
Restoration refers to the process of returning a vehicle to a condition that is as close to its original state as possible. This can involve repairing or replacing parts, repainting, and addressing any mechanical issues.
over-spray
"...get a little bit of over-spray off, maybe if the car's been painted in a couple of spots. I've really enjoyed doing that..."
Over-spray is when paint accidentally gets on parts of the car that weren't supposed to be painted. It can make the car look messy and might need to be cleaned up.
Over-spray refers to paint that unintentionally lands on areas of a vehicle that were not meant to be painted, often occurring during a repainting process. It can affect the car's appearance and may require additional detailing to correct.
driver's car
"...if you're a driver and you want a driver's car, why not just do these little tweaks..."
A driver's car is a type of car that is really fun to drive. It's built for people who enjoy the experience of driving rather than just getting from one place to another.
A 'driver's car' is a term used to describe a vehicle that is designed for an engaging and enjoyable driving experience, often prioritizing performance and handling over luxury or comfort features.
rock chip
"...where am I going to park it? Is a rock chip going to fly out? So you dial everything in and you live kind of live with the paint..."
A rock chip is a tiny damage to your car's paint that happens when a small rock hits it. If you don't fix it, it can cause bigger problems later on.
A rock chip refers to a small chip or scratch in the paint of a car caused by a small rock or debris hitting the surface. These chips can lead to rust and other paint damage if not addressed.
interior
"...some people are fine with an edgy interior. I'm not because that's an easy thing to fix..."
The interior of a car is everything inside it, like the seats and dashboard. It's where you sit and control the car.
In automotive terms, the interior refers to the inside of the vehicle, including the dashboard, seats, and other components that contribute to the comfort and aesthetics of the car's cabin.
tires
"...and you want the right tires on it. There's all these things that you can do that are really, really easy..."
Tires are the rubber parts that go around the wheels of a car. They help the car grip the road and keep it safe to drive.
Tires are rubber coverings that fit around the wheels of a vehicle, providing traction and support. The right tires are crucial for safety, handling, and performance.
paint
"...I mean, I've given up a little bit of the paint because it's a big deal and you worry about the rock chips..."
Paint on a car is the colored coating that makes it look nice and protects the metal underneath from rust and damage. It's important for both looks and protection.
In automotive terms, paint refers to the protective and decorative coating applied to a vehicle's exterior. It not only enhances the car's appearance but also protects the metal underneath from corrosion and environmental damage.
Porsche 944
"...way from everything. I remember I got a brand new 944 and it was when they were really hot. This car w..."
The Porsche 944 is a sporty car that was made in the 1980s and early 1990s. It's known for being fun to drive and is often considered a good option for people who want to own a Porsche without spending too much money.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced from 1982 to 1991, known for its balanced handling and relatively affordable price compared to other Porsche models. It features a front-engine layout and was praised for its performance and practicality, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts during its production years. The 944 is often regarded as a classic and a great entry point into Porsche ownership.
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