My first 1980SC Targa

s2k9k · 10-06-2025, 10:06 AM

I wanna start my introducing myself. My name is Edgar and this is my first 911. Owned for a year and 4 months now, i picked this up from a customer at work. Its been a California car its whole life and always garaged.

Long story short, his brother passed away and it sat in the garage for 2 years. Customer said the engine/trans was making noise and was assuming it would need a rebuild. He wouldn't let me start it to check oil level or hear it, so i had to buy it as a "roller". After 2 weeks of going back and forward i said F it and bought it as the price was too good. Called the tow truck driver to drop it off at the shop i work at and got started on it.

Started by draining the oil. Dry, nothing came out. So put oil in it, new oil filter. Next was the transmission, that had oil in it but was very dirty and low. Put new Swepco 201 and gave it a good flush. New spark plugs and wires and it was time to try to start it up.

Car cranked but no start for a good minute of trying. After the 3rd time, it started!

If you wish to see more pictures, my IG is s2k_9k.

s2k9k · 10-06-2025, 10:37 AM

Fast forward to today and alot has been done to the car. From full suspension components to smaller items.

Rebel racing spring plates
control arm bushings and ball joints
swaybar bushings
turbo tie rods
B6 shocks F/R
Lowered to euro height, aligned and corner balanced
rear axles
motor mounts and transmission mount

BBS E87 wheels
OEM Carrera Whale Tail
RUF front valance
SSI heat exchangers with SSI GT3 center exit exhaust
and so much more.

At this point im just enjoying the car and driving it as much as i can

s2k9k · 10-06-2025, 10:46 AM

johnnythunderr · 10-06-2025, 01:49 PM

Tastefully modded! Love those BBS wheels.

vik000 · 10-06-2025, 08:16 PM

Very cool. Im on this journey myself with a 79 sc.

Question for you - with SSI it is obviously not CA smog legal. What is your plan with smog checks? Are you going to swap back to stock exhaust every 2 years?

Also - what is the benefit for the historic vehicle plate over a standard plate?

nospiners · nospiners's Garage

Ruf front valance and BBs wheels , killer combo !!

s2k9k · 10-07-2025, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vik000

Very cool. Im on this journey myself with a 79 sc.

Question for you - with SSI it is obviously not CA smog legal. What is your plan with smog checks? Are you going to swap back to stock exhaust every 2 years?

Also - what is the benefit for the historic vehicle plate over a standard plate?

either swap back to stock exhaust or see what else i can do

plate has no benefit, just always liked them so i chose to get one for it.

s2k9k · 10-07-2025, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nospiners

Ruf front valance and BBs wheels , killer combo !!

Thanks! Really trying to find a RUF rear bumper. I know they make aftermarket ones but would love to have an authentic one instead.

ccallana · ccallana's Garage

Technically I think with Historic plate limits your mileage and when/where you can drive - no daily driver, only to Shows/Events....

PeteKz · PeteKz's Garage

Nice looking ride.

Odd that the engine had no oil in it. That's almost certainly why the seller would not let you start it. He probably knows something you don't ("making noise... assume it needs a rebuild"). Anyway, it sounds like you got it running with no nasty noises, so drive on.

If you haven't done this already, I also recommend that you pour a bottle of Techron Concentrate in the tank with fresh gas and drive it hard to make sure the fuel injection is clean. And set aside a reserve fund in case it does start making expensive noises.

ennisk1 · 10-08-2025, 12:33 PM

Very nice! Congratulations!

maverck · 10-08-2025, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s2k9k

These two in particular - whoa! Great work and beautiful, unique look you built there!

A930Rocket · 10-08-2025, 05:03 PM

My favorite BBS wheels.

s2k9k · 10-09-2025, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccallana

Technically I think with Historic plate limits your mileage and when/where you can drive - no daily driver, only to Shows/Events....

That is correct. I already had it insured through hagerty so milage was already limited. Between this and my s2000, i dont get to drive them much so i figured id just get the plate. I do drive it for fun not just shows/events too

s2k9k · 10-09-2025, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteKz

Nice looking ride.

Odd that the engine had no oil in it. That's almost certainly why the seller would not let you start it. He probably knows something you don't ("making noise... assume it needs a rebuild"). Anyway, it sounds like you got it running with no nasty noises, so drive on.

If you haven't done this already, I also recommend that you pour a bottle of Techron Concentrate in the tank with fresh gas and drive it hard to make sure the fuel injection is clean. And set aside a reserve fund in case it does start making expensive noises.

I did flush all the gas out when i bought it and ran new gas, its been driven hard multiple times already haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ennisk1

Very nice! Congratulations!

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverck

These two in particular - whoa! Great work and beautiful, unique look you built there!

Thank you so much. I have so many other pictures to share. I have since then gone back to the amber corners and full red tail lights

Quote:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

My favorite BBS wheels.

My favorite too! wasnt too sure about them in the beginning but have grown on me alot.