New 911 owner (maybe) by Wednesday

[MAS]

Wish me luck folks. I've been a 1987 924S owner for the past 2 years... but this week (maybe Wednesday), there's a good chance I'll be taking the plunge and buying a 1977 911S Targa (with rebuilt motor and gearbox). I've been thinking about this for several months now, so this is not a sudden decision.

I drove a few older 911's before this car. One was an 82 SC that had lots of top end, but not much around town at the lower RPMs... too expensive for me though Also, I drove a 78 SC that, if anything wasn't much faster than my 924S. Tired engine maybe? Anyway, the 77 with the rebuilt 2.7 really moves. Its lower and mid range are especially strong... which surprised me somewhat, since the engine is smaller than the SC's I drove.

Anyway, the body and (cloth and leather) interior are in great shape... and the roof does not seem to leak (amazingly enough)... but the previous owner spent some $$$ getting the whole roof and seals redone. A few minor details here and there: passenger door handle knob missing, etc. ... that type of little thing.

I'm sure I'll have lots of questions, as I say goodbye to the water-cooled forums, as I'm trading my 924S in on this car (I'm getting the 911 from a local Porsche mechanic that I've known and dealt with for a few years).

-MAS

Good luck. Get ready to be addicted!

[RazorRacer]

A 77S huh? At first thought, I would pay a little extra for an SC. What does the S offer in terms of weight and horsepower?

I drove a 77 Targa with carbs and it had disappointing power compared to my SC.

[MAS]

77 Targa with carbs? These were not stock right? ... since the 77's came with fuel injection.

Stock vs stock, the US spec 77 has 165hp compared to 180 for the early US SC. However the 77 is a lighter car.

This car is quicker than the 78 SC I drove, but as I mentioned, I think the 78 SC may have been a little "tired". The targa pulls quite strongly from low rpms. The main thing I have to compare it to is my 87 924S that does 0-60 in the mid to high sevens... the Targa faster car without question... the 2nd gear acceleration from 2500 rpm pushes you back hard in the seat.

-MAS

[Adam]

You've driven a good stout 2.7, as they all should be. Even Wayne has said that he feels that the 2.7 has a better powerband than the SC's 3.0.

I imagine an "early S" is even more fun. Good luck with the purchase and post some photos for us!

[island911]

A well sorted 2.7 with webers ought to really sing. And, the market is insanely soft on the middle year cars. (likely due to poorly sorted, neglected examples. . .sounds like you found some SC's in that catagory ) I imagine every 2.7 on the road must have case-savers by now. So, if the price is right, go for it!

But reallize, you're on a slippery slope, and so you will soon hear the siren call of the understressed displacement of the 911SC.

MUHAHAhahahaha

[Silveresrty911S]

You'll be fine, just get a PPI and make sure you have some money for upgrades. If all else fails in a year or two you could allways throw in a 3.2..3.6. The mid years offer a great value if you find a good one, especially if some one has allready done the transplant.

Rick

[MAS]

Got the Targa yesterday... and I have some nice pics

However, I can't figure out how to post the pics. Any advice would be appreciated


-MAS

[arcsine]

Posting a reply using the "Post Reply" button:



Down at the bottom of the Post Reply page is an "Attach Multiple" link. Click that and navigate around to find the pic you want to upload.

[banjomike]

The three things you should do before you buy are:

1. PPI
2. PPI
3. PPI

especially on a car with a 2.7

[Eric Coffey]

Nice find! I have always thought that the mid-year 2.7's are the best 'bang-for-the-buck" 911's. You should get years of (relatively) reliable enjoyment. Although, you should definitely make sure the car has been time-certed. The magnesium cases in these cars either has them, or needs them. Carrera tensioners, and an air box pop-off valve are usually compulsory updates as well. Have fun!

[MAS]

PPI:

Yes... I bought this car from some Porsche specialists. The engine was rebuilt several years ago, and the gearbox 5 days ago (which is why I was waiting for the car).

-MAS

[Adam]

Congrats!

You'll have a blast with it.

[dmac]

Congrats and welcome to the narrow body 911 club. The 2.7 cars are unloved - and therefore cheap to buy. If you got a good one (and it sounds like you did) you will have a blast! Post some photos!

[MAS]

OK... let's see if these pics work

[MAS]

Hey, the pics posted

Anyway, these were taken last Wednesday in and around the Greater Victoria BC area (on Vancouver Island). The first is in a rural area North of Victoria called Willis Point (near Butchart Gardens). The photo was taken by my friend Jim (www.girlrepair.com for more pics).

The other three pics were taken by my Porsche friend Dave... who owns two Porsches... a red 87 924S and modified orange 912... which you can see in the background of the last picture. (His 912 has a modded 2.4 litre flat 4... pretty quick, actually )


-MAS

[Adam]

I like your new ride, that first shot is great! Silver is a classic 911 colour.

Are those 15x8" rear wheels? Looks like a lot of rubber in the back, do they rub?

[Sonic dB]

Thats a really nice looking Targa...and I cant say that for all Targas. Congratulations. The Tires look husky.

[nostatic]

I like telephone dial wheels...I think they're under-rated.

[Sonic dB]

Yeah...those dialers look really nice. I think the wing really add something to this car....smooths out the lines that are taken away to some extent by the Targa.