How about a 1972 911? Should I stay away?

SlowToady · 06-01-2003, 12:32 PM

Hi,

I was sitting around thinking of a fun car to wrench on and use as a weekend driver and I thought of a early 70s 911 (72?). I guess I'm really just looking to stir the knowledge pool here and get some advice on this project...I'm probably going to be doing concrete this summer so I should be able to afford it (:-P) Are they expensive to fix/work on and keep running? I'd likely want to rebuild the engine with a bit more power so I'm wondering about the cost involved in that. Also, how are the prices on other parts, and what should I look out for on these cars? What should I expect to pay for a running example that has some cosmetic damge (but no frame damage/rust)?

Sorry this is really vague, but I just started tossing this idea around and was trying to get some advice.

Thanks

Jack Olsen · 06-01-2003, 12:56 PM

If you're going to modify the engine for more power, then you might want to think about getting a T, which would be a lot cheaper, initially. An S is a good candidate for preservation, but modifying the engine is going to hurt its value, unless it's done in a very period-correct (read: expensive) way.

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

Quote:

and what should I look out for on these cars?

1) Rust
2) Rust
3) Rust

And after that...

Rust!

If you're planning on playing with the engine, transaxle and stuff like that as a weekend car, just about anything else is solvable. But rust is evil.

After you get done checking for rust, make sure that the chassis is straight. A quick drive through a puddle or a half hour with some string checking the alignment should clue you off of issues there.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by SlowToady
I'm probably going to be doing concrete this summer so I should be able to afford it (:-P) Are they expensive to fix/work on and keep running?

Like any 30 year old car, they can be really expensive to get running. Porsche parts can be a bit pricy, especially once you open the motor and start to salivate over bigger P&C's. However, labor is ususally 50% of what it costs to work on a car, our host has good prices (relative) on parts, so depending on your definition of "expensive"...

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is the best way to know ahead of time what it is going to cost to keep the car running. Lots of info available on this board, check out the search button. You might want to explore the main site and check out part prices for normal wear items.

Jim Richards · 06-01-2003, 06:44 PM

A 72 911 is a great choice for the use you've described. We bought a 73E last November and it's a lot of fun to drive. I've also been wrenching on it some. One thing you need to expect are the unexpected costs. I just discovered that I have a leaking seal on the transmission, and, even though it's a 73 model, it has the 72-style transmission. This tranny requires you disassemble the case to replace the seal. Oh boy...open the wallet a little wider. Still, this is a great car and I don't have any reqrets.

pwd72s · 06-01-2003, 06:52 PM

'72? Run Forrest, run...

power · 06-01-2003, 09:14 PM

Good choice! If your planning on looking at 72's you might want to read about MFI systems and the cost's associated with them before you decide. I personally like MFI, but then again I like to spend time tinkering and adjusting. Rust is always an issue on earlier cars so look closely.

SlowToady · 06-02-2003, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Like any 30 year old car, they can be really expensive to get running. Porsche parts can be a bit pricy, especially once you open the motor and start to salivate over bigger P&C's. However, labor is ususally 50% of what it costs to work on a car, our host has good prices (relative) on parts, so depending on your definition of "expensive"...

I was actually hoping to find a running example, for just that reason. Always wanted to get a bad engine running again, but then I like looking at my (full) wallet, too. Well, semi-full lol. I was going to attempt all the work myself, and with some friends to keep costs down and mainly give me something to do. My defination of expensive? Well, I was originally looking at a 951 sooo...

Quote:

A 72 911 is a great choice for the use you've described. We bought a 73E last November and it's a lot of fun to drive. I've also been wrenching on it some. One thing you need to expect are the unexpected costs. I just discovered that I have a leaking seal on the transmission, and, even though it's a 73 model, it has the 72-style transmission. This tranny requires you disassemble the case to replace the seal. Oh boy...open the wallet a little wider. Still, this is a great car and I don't have any reqrets.

I've been looking over the PP catalog to get a handle on those prices, some really suck and some are pretty darn ok. I really hope I can stay on the "pretty darn ok" side of the (un)expected costs. Did you have a mechanic do the tranny work, or did you do it yourself? Out of cursioty, how expensive was it?

Quote:

'72? Run Forrest, run...

Could you elaborate for me? I'm still doing some research so I haven't really come into the problems/expenses associated with this model year.

Should I maybe opt for a 74?

Thanks a bunch,

Slow

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Paul's quote was a bit in jest, I believe. He's the proud owner of one the nicest 72 S in the world....

74 marks a dramatic change - big bumpers, short hood. If you like the look of the older car, the 72 is a great year/model.

pwd72s · 06-02-2003, 08:47 AM

Don's right, I was joking...I guess it didn't come off well as a post. I've enjoyed the company of my '72 since 1974. '72 and '73 are both great early car years. Actually, I feel the 2.4 liter 911's are a high point of Porsche design. They reflect an era of style & performance over comfort features. But they aren't youngsters these days, so unless the car you buy has had extrememly good care, be prepared to do some wrenching, and/or open the wallet.

Schuey · 06-02-2003, 08:48 AM

there is a nice 1973 black/black that is for sale on eBay...

SlowToady · 06-02-2003, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Don's right, I was joking...I guess it didn't come off well as a post. I've enjoyed the company of my '72 since 1974. '72 and '73 are both great early car years. Actually, I feel the 2.4 liter 911's are a high point of Porsche design. They reflect an era of style & performance over comfort features. But they aren't youngsters these days, so unless the car you buy has had extrememly good care, be prepared to do some wrenching, and/or open the wallet.

Oh, heh sorry...I didn't get that until just now. Sorry, lol, Finals fried my brain.

Yup, that's what I want to do...I'm dying to get my hands dirty on something with wheels and it seems like a good choice. Most of the labour will be done by myself, so parts will be the real big expense.

Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to take a look at the one on ebay.

/me heads for google and ebay

Have a good day,

Slow~

SlowToady · 06-05-2003, 11:42 AM

Well, after a few days of research, I've come to the conclusion there is no way I can afford this project while actually having liquid money. Ok, actually I just can't afford it, at all. Kind of a bummer, I really thought it would be cool and man is it sexy...

I almost feel like an idiot now with my remark about "only" parts being the real big expense, after I took a careful look at the prices:-P The 911 is just a bit too rich for my anemic young blood.

I suppose I'm headed back to them water cooled Porsche's, or BMW, or something. Oh well, thanks for the replies and kind words!

Cheers,

Slow~

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

Slow, I know the feeling. As a 22 year old student it feel like at times it feel like I shouldn't have my car either but it's well worth the sacrifice to me. Give yourself a few years and it should be within reach.

RickM · RickM's Garage

We lost one!

There goes our record....

Jim Richards · 06-05-2003, 11:59 AM

Slow, I had a local shop do the tranny work. My deadline is June 21st (tech for Watkins Glen DE) to get the car ready so the unexpected work gets farmed out (until my wife wrings my neck!). I puuled the engine Memorial Day weekend so I could resolve the high oil temp's I've been seeing. I've cleaned the outside of the engine, modified the air deflectors (baffles) to the way Porsche started making them in '77 for improved cooling, I cleaned the engine oil cooler, and I replaced a suspect oil thermostat. When I split the engine / transmission, I also discovered the (probably original - 93k miles) clutch needed to be replaced and the seal behind the flywheel looks like it leaks, too. Oh, and did I mention that some parts are off being powder coated. And don't forget the new shocks, turbo tie rod ends, ball joints and suspension bushings I still need to install. My God, what have I got myself into????

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

LOL Jim don't scare me like that.. I'm already facing a 4k+ rebuild

Jim Richards · 06-05-2003, 12:05 PM

More if you go 2.7RS. You know you want it, Tim. Just admit it. Muhahahaha!!!

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

LOL want it or can afford it?

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Richards
Slow, I had a local shop do the tranny work. My deadline is June 21st (tech for Watkins Glen DE) to get the car ready so the unexpected work gets farmed out (until my wife wrings my neck!). I puuled the engine Memorial Day weekend so I could resolve the high oil temp's I've been seeing. I've cleaned the outside of the engine, modified the air deflectors (baffles) to the way Porsche started making them in '77 for improved cooling, I cleaned the engine oil cooler, and I replaced a suspect oil thermostat. When I split the engine / transmission, I also discovered the (probably original - 93k miles) clutch needed to be replaced and the seal behind the flywheel looks like it leaks, too. Oh, and did I mention that some parts are off being powder coated. And don't forget the new shocks, turbo tie rod ends, ball joints and suspension bushings I still need to install. My God, what have I got myself into????

I have no idea what that is like.