Rennthusiast Radio

The Porsche market feels broken right now. Prices are out of sync, good cars are scarce, sellers are glued to Bring a Trailer numbers, and honest driver-grade examples have all but vanished. In this episode, Derek and Will talk through why the hunt feels exhausting, what’s changed, and how real buyers are struggling in today’s Porsche world.If you enjoy the show, hit subscribe on our YouTube channel.Check out Will’s videos at Rennthusiast.Watch Derek’s reviews and stories at ElevenAfterNine.And browse our full library of Porsche episodes anytime.

Thinking about a Porsche and stuck between a base car and an S badge? This episode is for you.Will and Derek break down what actually separates Porsche base models from S models, going past forum noise and badge ego. If you have ever heard “you only buy a base because you can’t afford an S,” you will want to hear this.In this episode you’ll hear: – Why Porsche created base and S trims in the first place – How the split goes all the way back to early 356 and long-hood 911s – Real differences in power, torque, brakes, wheels, and cooling between base and S – Why older, lower horsepower cars benefit more from the S upgrade – How modern turbo motors shrink the gap between base and S – Why a base 997, 991, 986/987 Boxster, or 981/718 can feel closer to an “old school” Porsche – How S models can be too fast to enjoy on real roads – Why the base often lets you use more of the rev range and more of the chassis – When an S absolutely makes sense for track use, canyons, or big straight roads – How this plays out with 991.2 vs 992, Carrera T, and air-cooled vs water-cooled cars – Practical advice for first-time buyers and repeat Porsche ownersWill talks through his own journey from “unapologetic S snob” to someone who now respects base cars in a serious way. Derek argues that many experienced drivers quietly prefer the base, and that real driver engagement lives in the cars everyone overlooks.If you are cross-shopping: – Base vs S 911 (997, 991, 992) – Base vs S Boxster or Cayman – Base vs S Macan or Cayenneyou will get clear, honest guidance on what actually matters and what is marketing.Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Rennthusiast Radio 01:00 Why base vs S feels like Boxster vs 911 03:00 History of base vs S from 356 to modern cars 06:30 Psychology, pricing, and how Porsche moves you up the ladder 10:30 “Embrace the base or say yes to the S” 13:00 Real power, torque, and brake differences 18:00 Will’s S snob phase and what changed 24:00 Air-cooled vs water-cooled: why S matters more in old cars 29:00 Why base feels more like a classic Porsche on real roads 35:00 991.2 Carrera S vs 992 Carrera T back to back 40:00 Tunes, torque, and modern turbo tricks 44:00 Practical buying advice: who should pick base, who should pick S 50:00 Listener challenge: defend your side in the commentsWatch Will’s builds and ownership stories on the Rennthusiast YouTube channel.Watch Derek’s reviews and road trips on ElevenAfterNine.Listen to Rennthusiast Radio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast apps.Tell us in the comments what you own, base or S, and whether we got this right or completely wrong.

You bought a Porsche because you want a car that feels alive on the road. This episode gives you a simple plan to turn that car into a true driver focused machine. Will and Derek break down the upgrades that matter, the ones that do nothing, and the traps new owners fall into when they start buying parts before they even drive the car.You will hear what actually improves feel, control, and confidence across multiple generations of 911, Boxster, and Cayman. No hype, no wasted money, just real experience from two guys who have owned and driven these cars for years.In this episode you will learn: • When to use PPF, when to skip ceramic, and how to protect your paint the right way • Which exhaust changes add character without making the car miserable • Why a short shift kit and fresh bushings can transform older gearboxes • How to clean and service the pedal box for a better clutch feel • What steering wheels work on older cars, and why some modern swaps fit and others do not • How PIWIS steering profiles change the feel of newer cars • Why Michelin PS4S tires are the best all round choice • Why old rubber with “good tread” is still unsafe • How suspension fades over time and why fresh dampers can bring a tired car back to life • When corner balancing and a proper alignment change the way the car responds • Simple seat repairs that make the car feel new againIf you want sharper shifts, better turn in, more grip, and a cleaner connection to the chassis, this guide gives you a clear path. Follow these steps before you spend big money on unnecessary mods.Hosted by Will from Rennthusiast and Derek from ElevenAfterNine. Subscribe for more Porsche reviews, ownership stories, and weekly podcast episodes.

In this episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will dive into one of the longest-running debates in Porsche ownership: Coupe vs. Targa vs. Cabriolet.Will is a lifelong coupe guy who’s suddenly catching Targa fever, while Derek argues for the open-top experience. Together they cover:How each 911 body style drives across generationsCommon failure points and maintenance costsWhy coupes always seem to hold more valueThe truth about leaky Targas and flexy CabsWhich models are the best buys todayYou’ll also hear stories from real 911 ownership, from 993s and G-bodies to Boxsters and 996 Cabs, plus a few tangents about teenage stereos and subwoofers.If you’re shopping for your first 911 or just want to understand what makes each roof style unique, this episode is for you.Subscribe on YouTube and follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

This week, Will and Derek dig into YOUR questions in our first-ever listener Q&A episode — covering everything from whether you can actually trust an old 911 on a long trip… to which air-cooled 911 is the smartest buy under $100K. In this episode:Can you trust an air-cooled 911 to take your kid on a road trip — or are you asking for trouble?Do you really need a fire extinguisher in the car? What actually causes those classic Porsche fires?The right way to store your 911 for winter (battery tender, fuel stabilizer, starting it monthly — or not?)What’s the best first air-cooled 911 for under $100K if you already own a modern GT car?Will & Derek’s backstory — how we met, what we do for a living, and how Rennthusiast Radio started.The Safari 911 debate: still cool or completely played out?This episode is built entirely from listener questions — so thank you to everyone who sent one in. If you want us to do another, drop your next question in the comments below. We’ll pick our favorites for the next Q&A episode. Listen on audio: Rennthusiast Radio — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else you get your shows. Watch more from us:Will’s channel → @RennthusiastDerek’s channel → @ElevenAfterNine Chapters / Topics: 00:00 – Why this episode is different 01:20 – Can you trust an old 911 on a road trip? 04:51 – Air-cooled vs. water-cooled reliability 07:28 – Fire risk in classic Porsches: myth vs. reality 09:29 – How to store / winterize your 911 properly 12:39 – Best first air-cooled 911 under $100K 15:11 – Who are Will & Derek? 18:54 – How the podcast started 31:22 – Our global audience 33:02 – The Safari 911 debate Your Turn: What should we talk about next time? Drop your question or topic idea in the comments!#Porsche #AirCooled911 #RennthusiastRadio #PorschePodcast #Classic911 #Porsche911 #PorscheLife #PorscheCommunity #PorscheOwnership #ElevenAfterNine #Rennthusiast #PorscheTalk #CarPodcast #PorscheFans #PorscheAddict #PorscheStories #PorscheRestoration #PorscheCollector #PorscheLove #PorscheDriver #PorscheNation

In this week’s episode of Rennthusiast Radio, Will and Derek go head-to-head on the 992.1 Carrera T. Will actually owned one—specced it, drove it, and sold it after only a few thousand miles. Derek’s driven several 992s and just dropped a full review on his channel, ElevenAfterNine, comparing the modern T to his 1972 911 T.Is the Carrera T a genuine driver’s car built for purists, or a marketing exercise in nostalgia? We dig into:- Will’s real-world ownership experience—why it didn’t live up to the hype- How the modern T compares to earlier generations (991.2 T, 911 E/S)- Rear-axle steering, manual gearbox feel, and the “purity paradox”- What Porsche got right—and what makes it feel a little too digital- Will’s latest garage shake-up and his growing itch for another air-cooled 911If you’re considering a Carrera T—or just love hearing two longtime Porsche addicts argue their way to the truth—this one’s for you.Watch Derek’s full Carrera T review on ElevenAfterNine:https://www.youtube.com/@ElevenAfterNineWatch Will’s 992 T playlist:https://www.youtube.com/@TheRennthusiastTell us in the comments: Is the Carrera T Porsche’s best modern driver’s car… or just a clever upsell?#Porsche #CarreraT #Porsche911 #992CarreraT #RennthusiastRadio #ElevenAfterNine #TheRennthusiast #PorschePodcast #PorscheCommunity #PorscheLife #PorschePassion #PorscheFans #PorscheLove #PorscheAddict #911T #PorscheTalk #SportsCarCulture #PorscheReview #CarPodcast #PorscheDebate

This week on Rennthusiast Radio, Derek and Will sit down with Zack Klapman — co-host of The Smoking Tire and creator of the new automotive game show Driver’s Test — for a deep, candid, and hilarious conversation about Porsche ownership, hype culture, and what makes a real driver’s car.Zack doesn’t hold back — from why the GT3 might be overhyped to which Porsches are still undervalued under $100K, and why G-bodies and 964s might not be worth today’s money. The guys also dive into:- The 912’s surprising charm (and rust horrors)- Why PDK can feel more “race car” than manual- How perfect paint jobs ruin car ownership- Off-road 911s, the magic of the Dakar, and safari builds- Behind-the-scenes of Zack’s new YouTube game show Driver’s Test- The psychology of the Porsche bubble — and how long it can lastThis is the Porsche conversation every enthusiast needs to hear — from three guys who actually drive their cars hard.Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Watch more Porsche content on Derek’s channel: @ElevenAfterNineFollow Zack’s new show: @TheSmokingTire & Driver’s Test on YouTubePorsche 911, 996 Turbo, GT3 RS, Porsche ST review, 911 Dakar, Driver’s Test, The Smoking Tire, Zack Klapman, Matt Farah, Porsche buying guide, Porsche under 100k, Porsche manual vs PDK, Rennthusiast Radio, Porsche podcast, air-cooled Porsche, G-body 911, Porsche 997 vs 991, Porsche values 2025

We went to North Carolina for a few days of rallying, then rolled into Durham for Luftgekühlt 11—and it completely changed our perspectives.Derek opens with a public apology to Will: the Blue Ridge and Blowing Rock backroads aren’t just good…they might be the best he’s ever driven. We unpack what makes rally culture so addictive (trust, pace, and driving), the difference between “owners” and “drivers,” and the moment a patina-rich 356 and a scruffy 912 stole the show from million-dollar icons.Then we get honest about Luft 11 at the historic American Tobacco campus: artfully staged cars, jaw-dropping curation, and yes—“beauty fatigue.” Why the parking garage (daily-driven cars with scars and stories) was our favorite “exhibit,” and how the event lit a fire for the next hunt (hello, G-body).If you’re into real driving, community over clout, and Porsches with character, this one’s for you.Chapters 00:00 Cold open & why we’re buzzing 01:10 Derek’s public apology: Blue Ridge > New England? 03:20 The rally: trust, pace, & Mike/Bob’s routes 06:00 Owners vs drivers (and why patina rules) 10:20 Flow state on mountain roads (spiritual, not spooky) 14:45 Why NC roads hit different vs NE & CA 17:45 Car barns, kindness, and community 21:25 What is Luft—quick primer 23:55 Luft 11 impressions: art, curation, and perfect weather 27:40 Beauty fatigue is real (still the best Porsche show) 29:35 The cars that grabbed us: 912s, 356s, scars & stories 31:00 The hunt begins: G-body fever, Targa debate, garage math 33:30 What’s next & sign-offListen on the go: “Rennthusiast Radio Podcast” (Apple/Spotify). Watch Will’s 993 mountain drive and Derek’s Turbo S/X50 video on ElevenAfterNine. Subscribe for more honest Porsche talk, rally recaps, and ownership reality.Keywords: Luft 11, Luftgekühlt, Porsche 993, Porsche 356, Porsche 912, G-body, Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock NC, air-cooled Porsche, rally driving, patina Porsche, Porsche community

Will and Derek just got back from rallying through the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains before spending the weekend at Luftgekühlt 11 in Durham, North Carolina. From secret back-road routes around Blowing Rock to running laps at Bristol Motor Speedway, it was two days of incredible driving followed by the most artfully curated Porsche event on the planet — courtesy of Patrick Long and Jeff Zwart at the historic Lucky Strike factory.In the intro, Derek gives a full recap of the week: Then we roll into one of our favorite classic episodes — “The Big Lie: Making Money on Every Porsche.” We dig deep into:The myth of always profiting on Porsche ownershipThe hidden costs (taxes, insurance, PPIs, must-dos vs. nice-to-dos)Why ceramic and PPF are often sunk costsThe ethics of selling and what it means to be a good stewardWhy breaking even might actually mean you’re winningSo grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy a mix of mountain-road storytelling and Porsche ownership truth-talk.Related videos: • Will’s new 993 video → @Rennthusiast • Derek’s Luft Shorts + Boxster first drive → @ElevenAfterNine #Porsche #Porsche911 #Luftgekühlt #PorscheLife #CarPodcast #RennthusiastRadio #PorscheOwnership #PorscheCulture #CarTalk #BlueRidgeParkway #PorscheCommunity #AirCooledPorsche #WaterCooledPorsche