Where do I go from here!
 

Hey everyone,

I bought a 77 S targa last year and have been loving it. I had a few things sorted with a mechanic after I bought it but nothing since then. Now that I have some garage space I have started to work on It myself (I know thats not a big deal but had trouble finding the time/space before), which I have realized I am now addicted to.

I have some general tinkering abilities and have worked a bit on a simpler car before but have no real Porsche experience . I ordered both of the Dempsey books and have been reading them and learning a lot. My trans was a little rough so just replaced trans fluid and also replaced coupler with stomski shift coupler (want to keep mostly original but seemed worth it for improvements). I also have replaced air filter.


Basically my question is, what are the most important things to do in order of what's most helpful? The best way to describe the car is that nothing is urgently broken at the moment but basically everything is old and hasn't been changed in ages. I would love to do everything and now I have the bug of wanting to order new stuff every day but I know I should be smart about what to do first. I want to improve it the best I can in the time I have

Some ideas I had..

My pedal cluster is very rusted and my clutch pedal gets a bit squeaky so was thinking of rebuilding/refurbusing that?

In the cold weather I also need to use the throttle in order to get the car started as it will die after ignition if I dont supplement it. Thinking that may be spark plugs/wires?

It hadn't beed properly serviced for a very long time so assuming there are also probably some vacuum leaks to be fixed. At idle it runs ok but not super smooth.


*I have also noticed that the car sways quite a lot at high way speeds and pulls (this has been the most confusing). The steering wheel is not straight and I feel like I have to correct it constantly more then I would expect. Was thinking this may be bad alignment or maybe just bad tires. If its alignment I would have it done at a shop but not sure what that costs?

But open to whatever!



Sorry if this is way too much on one thread! Still very new to the forum so let me know if I should be separating this stuff and I will repost. I am a young guy and really want to be Able to really work on this car so just wanted to come for some advice!

I use the car and want to be able to daily drive it this spring/summer. I am in Fairfield County area in Conneticut

Thanks everyone!

Welcome JasperB - I also have a 77 911S And I love it!! - I was concerned initially because all what you hear about the "Mid Year" porsches. I have had this car for 17 years, and I did the basic updates, 11 blade fan and got rid of the thermal reactors. I have not had any problems - I enjoy doing the routine maintenance as Valve adjustment, brake fluid flush, ignition timing and clutch adjustment - You need to get the book "101 Projects for your Porsche 911" - these cars are a lot of fun to drive, plus the magnesium engine is 40 lbs lighter

Making sure your ignition system is as healthy as possible is always a good idea, especially if it has been an unknown amount of time since it was last freshened.

I picked up a 77 2 years ago and my advice would be to first address the safety issues- brakes and fluids; make sure you can stop and that all of the fluids are new and protecting the engine/trans.

Shift couplings and bushings are next as they deteriorate and can lead to poor shifting and transmission wear/damage.

Then make sure the CIS is run in in perfect condition- you’ll need to get testing gauges and do a bit of reading on CIS.

Suspension would be next- new bushings all around makes the car drive like it should, particularly if you want to drive fast.

Once it’s setup properly and running well, drive the heck out of the car.

Seriously, don’t start modding the car until you’ve spent a year driving the snot out of it. Only then will you know what you want out of it: stock, restoration, hot rod, etc…. Then you put on your big boy pants and dive/fall in.

Break things down by system and focus on one at a time.
Brakes
Steering
Suspension
Drive train
Electrical
Fuel

I would only add, based upon OP first post, that an alignment may not be a bad idea if the suspension won't be addressed soon. If the suspension refresh is on the short list, then do the alignment afterwards.