1984 RUF 911 RSR Proves To be a Handful
The older RUF Porsche has plenty of power on tap, but controlling it is completely up to the driver.
Spirited Spin
RUF is one of the oldest names in Porsche tuning, having been building stylish and powerful versions of the German automaker's offerings for decades now. But as is the case with most modern cars, we've come a long way over the years in terms of taming all that power. Car & Driver recently discovered just how far when it was able to take a 1984 RUF 911 RSR out for a very spirited spin.
Photos: Car & Driver
Cool Conversion
This particular RUF started life as a paint-to-sample Tornado Red Carrera 3.2 that was purchased in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and shipped to RUF's facility in Long Beach, California for the conversion. That process began with the installation of a twin-plug, turbocharged 3.4-liter flat-six that churns out 400 horsepower.
Photos: Car & Driver
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935 Inspired
Other additions include a fortified RUF 5-speed manual transmission, an X-brace, Recaro seats with harnesses, a RUF steering wheel, and gauges, and RUF's own five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Meanwhile, Alan Johnson Racing was entrusted with installing the roll cage and the car's aluminum 935-style, slant nose conversion.
Photos: Car & Driver
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Track Mishap
The original owner got his freshly revised ride back and proceeded to drive it on both the street and the track, adding roughly 2,000 miles to the odometer. The car also received a few more upgrades over the years, including 964 mirrors and RUF's new 3.5-liter powerplant. Unfortunately, that motor blew up at a subsequent track day, and the car then sat for two decades.
Photos: Car & Driver
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Resurrection
The current owner took possession and immediately set out to make the car road-worthy again, sending it to Perfect Power for another transplant. This time, the car was treated to a larger flat-six from a 993 Turbo, which maxes out at a lofty 780 horsepower on full boost and race gas.
Photos: Car & Driver
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Beastly Power
That much power in this sort of car makes for one heck of a fun experience, as C&D immediately discovered. "Nail it from a roll in first gear and it incinerates its big 335/35R-17 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sports like a nitro funny car, spiking its tachometer before you can grab the next gear. This thing is a beast. Gulping 11.6 psi of boost pressure, the air-cooled 3.8-liter flat-six goes off like a small nuclear device above 4,000 rpm, revving quickly and pulling hard to 7,000."
Photos: Car & Driver
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Up For Grabs, Again
Since its resurrection, this RUF 911 has been driven quite frequently and displays some agreeable road manners, so long as you're careful with the throttle. Soon, it will change owners again via Strata Auctions, and we imagine that the person that ultimately takes it home won't be disappointed.
Photos: Car & Driver
>>Join the conversation about this RUF 911 RSR right in the Rennlist Forum!
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