ROW vs. US Spec

[thegarb]

I have an 89 964 C4. I currently live in Germany and would like to take the car back to the states with me. Unfortunately it is ROW specs and I'm having a hard time finding any information on what I need to do to get it converted. The dealership, although they've been great, is a little pricey and always busy, so I'd like to do as much as possible myself. Does anyone know where I can find any info on this? Thanks.

[Tool Pants]

No clue, but you might try one of these companies.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import...st01122006.html

[808c4]

I have an 89 964 C4. I currently live in Germany and would like to take the car back to the states with me. Unfortunately it is ROW specs and I'm having a hard time finding any information on what I need to do to get it converted. The dealership, although they've been great, is a little pricey and always busy, so I'd like to do as much as possible myself. Does anyone know where I can find any info on this? Thanks.

Howzit. Not 100% sure but I can shed some light on importing ROW cars to the U.S.. My brother once had a "Grey Market" 911 Targa in the 80's (what they called non-U.S. spec cars at the time) and when he moved the car from Hawaii to Washington state, he found when registering the car with WA DMV he was surprised that his car was a ROW or "Grey Market" car. The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) wanted to take the car from him but after much debate and research with the orginal U.S. dealer that imported the car it ws found/proved the car was properly DOT'ed as they say when brought to America. In the end his car was okay to stay but the DMV pop-riveted an ugly plate onto the "A" pilar proving his car was good to go. Overall a hassle we do not wish to go through again.

In otherwards, check with the U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) regarding regulations and requirements for importing your car to the U.S. otherwise risk losing your car like Bill Gates almost did when he tried to import his 959 back in the day... What my brother and I learned was the U.S. DOT is mostly concerned about passenger safety and emmissions. ROW cars usually don't have the safer/stronger bumpers, extra bracing within the doors and/or some of the other safety equipment that U.S. spec cars usually come with + emmisions is highly regulated so make sure you have CATS installed and you will need to pass an emmissions test. Also, lighting can not exceed standard U.S. regulations...unfortunately you will need to get rid of your 100w/80w headlights and you will need side marker lights installed if you don't already have them. The bottom line is...unless you really love your car or you have an exotic/limited production Porsche...in the end, I'm sorry to say, it may not be worth all the trouble and cost $$$ to DOT your car. Depending what year your car is worth it may be better to order a new U.S. spec car and pick it up in Stuttgart then import it back to America or simply buy another one like the one you already have when you get to America. It will be wayyyyyyy cheaper. Good luck!!!