[Howard M]

I always look forward to adding my 2 cents to these mid-year discussions. I bought my stock 1976 911S in 1983. I believe the original owner had valve guides done. Other than that the engine has had no internal work. I've done several external upgrades (74 SSI's, 11 blade fan, front oil cooler, hydro tensioners, etc). Only '76 California cars and all '77's had thermal reactors. The poor Calif cars have to keep their reactors on to pass inspection. Do ANY other 2.7's still have reactors?? Mid year cars are lighter and narrower (autocross!) than SC's and they pull like a diesel at low rpms.

About 20 years ago I wrote a letter to Bruce Anderson after he authored another article trashing the 2.7's. My point was that if they were really that bad (those cars were already 20 years old by then) haven't they already failed and been fixed? Or, if they hadn't failed yet, how much longer did they have to last for him to finally bless them? Bruce wrote back with a defense of his recommendations. A real gentleman whom we all miss. Anyway, my argument is even more to the point 20 years later.

Yes, my 911 leaks about two drops/week, starts every day, never lets me down and is an autocross winner. It's the most rewarding purchase I've ever made. YMMV!