Thinking about a '74. Some questions.

Markus30 · 06-12-2003, 06:02 PM

Hello,

I've been eyeing a 1974 911 recently (California car, not S, not Carrera) and trying to compare it to the SC's.

What I like about the '74: lighter weight; no sunroof (more head room, less weight); no smog pump; chrome trim.

Is the earlier smog set-up of the '74 less of a drag on the 2.7 as compared to later mid-year cars?

To what extent was there any rust protection on the '74 911's? I believe there was full galvanizing around '76 but wondering if there was any protection for floor panels and wheel wells by 1973/74?

Regards,
Markus

HarryD · 06-12-2003, 07:00 PM

Hi Marcus,

Check for two things, Rust and did they update the engine properly. Use a screwdriver to poke a round for a bit and ask the garage that is doing your PPI to look for rust in all of the suspect places.

As far as the engine, if it was me, I would want to see the documents for the rebuild or expect a big deduction for the inevitible repair I would need to pay for.

BTW, for the right price, the pack of a documented rebuild would not keep me away from the car but the seller would need to be sure to cover most of my cost. Rust on the other hand would definately kill the deal.

CHILI · CHILI's Garage

74's with Chrome rule! Ok, I might be a bit biast. Yea, rust is a problem, but if it's a Cali car, you might be in luck. Unless it was kept by the beach. Carrera Chain tensioners would be a plus. Or a case from 77 or newer. No more smog checks for the 74 boys this year!

Porsche_monkey · 06-13-2003, 03:55 AM

Check around all the windows, the floor, and the rear torsion tube. Check the torsion tube twice. Trust me on this one.

SPIKES · 06-13-2003, 04:09 AM

i would run for the hills............
my first car was a 1974 targa. everything that is in the bruce anderson book about it going wrong did. that car nearly put me of porches for life. i sold it and it burnt out with the next owner at a wedding (sure it was cursed like james dean's car)

had a few sc's and 3.2 's since and no problems.

with that said though....... it was my first car and i did not know what to look for!

my advise....if you love the car...CHECK IT OUT PROPERLY ...

SC-targa · 06-13-2003, 04:59 AM

A non rusty 74 could be a relative bargain. They still have the magnesium engine case, which can be a problem, but they don't have the thermal reactors that gave the 2.7's such a bad name.

It would still need the chain tensioner upgrades, but, if it's not all rusty or worn out, it could be very nice.

jmz · jmz's Garage

Great lightweight cars. check all the usual problem areas and you should be fine.

McDaniel · 06-13-2003, 06:30 AM

I have owned my '74 Targa for the past 20 years. It was in
storage the last 9 and is just now being restored and readied
for use. Do the chain tensioners as noted above, check for head
bolts pulling out of the magnesium case. Rust can be a problem,
as noted above, the galvanizing didn't start until '76.
I find the 2.7 a great pulling engine and the power to weight
ration makes it fun. The heat exchangers are a definate advantage over the later set-up.
Check all the things the guys mentioned, and if you can get
a deal......go for it!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I've only had my '74 for a year and it's my first Porsche, but I love it. I like the chrome, no thermal reactors, simple exhaust setup, stainless steel Targa bar is all shiny (brushed stainless steel). This is my favorite year, but I like them all!!!

Adam · Adam's Garage

I am personally amazed that this thread didn't denegrate into a typical "Let's all bash the lowly 2.7!" If it's your first 911, I urge you to get it looked at by a professional.

They're light, fast and fun. I definitely recommend the Carrera-style, pressure-fed chain tensioners, an upgraded external oil cooler and probably turbo tie-rods. Let us know how you go.

HarryD · 06-13-2003, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Adam Chaplin
I am personally amazed that this thread didn't denegrate into a typical "Let's all bash the lowly 2.7!" If it's your first 911, I urge you to get it looked at by a professional.

They're light, fast and fun. I definitely recommend the Carrera-style, pressure-fed chain tensioners, an upgraded external oil cooler and probably turbo tie-rods. Let us know how you go.

Amen brother.

Us guys with the pre-SCs seem to get lost in the shuffle. SC's may be bullet proof, but them early cars have the "look".

Markus30 · 06-13-2003, 05:24 PM

I thought I read somewhere that there was some galvanizing, at least on the lower extremities prior to 1976?

Pluses for the '74 (at least in my mind) so far:

lower weight;
better chance of finding no sunroof coupe;
free-flow stock exhaust;
chrome trim;
no thermal reactors;...

Definitely buyer beware on the rust and motor upgrade issues.

Thanks for all the replies, including the warnings.

Regards,
Markus