One last dumb question: All being equall...
 

While researching my first Porsche, my likes and budget put me with the choice of years '78-'81 911sc coupe. All being equal, what year would be the most reliable, sporty, easy to get parts for, etc. Also what year of those mentioned is considered to be a particularly good year for this model. (If it doesn't much matter or if it's stupid to say "all things equal" or if my lack of understanding of these machines offends you, just please save me the shame and ignore me)

Thanks

Any SC is a great choice. Among them, the individual car's condition is more important than the year.

I prefer the 1980-83 models. The O2 sensor makes it just a cleaner running car.

What was your reasoning for excluding 1982/83?

-Wayne

Wayne: From the one book I've been reading, it states that the 82-89 years got fitted with a new alternator and voltage regulator that only has a 40k mile life, and (due to this, I presume) the book rated the 82-83 a bit less reliable then the 78-81 years (for what it's worth). I'm sure it all boils down to 6 in one, half-dozen in the other - I'm just trying ot grasp at anything to help make my choices for me!

go early...72-73, they are nice! Then again I like my 75.

I know you can get an O2 sensor equiped car running right, but most of the guys that have them probably disconnect the O2 sensor. Go with a 78-79. Without the lambda circuit, the CIS is more simple. And they'll be slightly lower in price without giving up much if any in performance to the later cars. But all this is out the window if I were to find a completely original car. I would pay a couple extra thou for a completely original car with low mileage (relative). Why? I hate having to clean up someone else's hafl-a$$ work. If it is not original, make sure it was done right. But you'll never really know until you dig into it as the owner (most of the time).

Good luck.

Lambda circut? CIS? Huh?

The type of fuel injection used on the '78- 83 cars is called "CIS" (also used on some earlier cars and turbos)

Lambda circiut is the oxygen sensor circuit.

I wouldn't bother worrying about the alternator. If you can afford an 82 or 83 then get it. Also, if you are going to get an SC (911 built between 78 and 83) then make sure it has had the rubber centered clutch replaced (maybe only an issue between 80 and 83) most will have by now, but maybe not on low miles cars. Also make sure the car has or gets a pop off valve, and make sure it has had the Carrera chain tensioner upgrade.

I think the 80SC is a real fine example of the whole SC series. I know I'm bias since I own one. The Bosch K-jetronics with Lambda is a reliable Constant Injection System (CIS). I believe the 1980 model year was the first year with the Lambda 25 pin computer module. The module and the O2 sensor performs adjustments of the fuel/air mixture under varying conditions. When this system is maintained properly it will perform as designed. As I have said in other posts there are varying opinions on the value of the O2 sensor. I for one would never consider removing it and if it was malfunctioning I would find the cause and fix it. But heck it is a moot point for me right now since my car is in pieces for a restoration.

There are small advantages to each sub-set of SCs, (wow, try saying that 10 times fast), basically they split into '78-'79/'80-'83. These minor differences are HUGELY outweighed by the importance of the condition of the particular car. They are all equal in terms of reputation for reliability if in good shape. Good luck, and I would not let the alternator story affect your choice, all of them wear out eventually and are not all that expensive. :cool:

Masraum, targa80, speeder - Thanks. Now, what's a pop off valve? Also, I was searching around this site and found some info on rust regards to galvanized steel - should I be suspicious of a newer paint job? What about one that has "many upgrades" as opposed to "original condition" or is that a personal thing? Also, is a beat up interior (cracked seats/dash, gauges not working, etc.) generally easy fixs on these cars? Looking at cars that are 25 tears old must have considerable wear and tear but what are those few worn and torn items I would want to avaoid?

I've owned Chevy's and Fords from the '60s so I know the pros and cons with old cars - I just don't know a thing about Porsches (except that I will be owning and driving one very soon!)

Thanks again

Having owned both a '79 and '80SC, I can say that they are both outstanding cars. There are some differences, such as size of intake ports, different compression, Smog equipment, etc. I do not believe you can go wrong with either.

Have fun in your search. Like others have said, buy the best example you can find, get a PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection), and......have fun :)