What is the Best SC Year (78-83) to Buy?

[Sunroof]

Okay, I know this is going to get a few folks talking, but I do not want to get in the middle of the cross-fire. Simply, I plan on selling my 73.5T and want to move up to an SC. I had a 1979SC I bought with low miles I owned for years, and it was magnificent. The SC is about as modern as I wish to get, so I stand behind you SC guys regarding 3.0 durability and dependability and viewing the SC as the first "modern" 911. I do know that the SC went through some upgrades into the 80's, but not so significant that they respectfully stand alone amongst the SC line. I would also think that the majority of the SC klan on this board are 1980's SC owners.

Can anyone therefore, provide a bit of education on the changes through the SC line?

Greatly appreciate the information and as I have added on prior threads over the year, I am always interested in a trade if someone is desiring to go into the opposite direction.

Thanks
Bob
73.5T/CIS

[ubiquity0]

Bob,
I don't think you should stress about which year SC is best. Just look for the best one you can find. Can't see any reason to narrow the field down.
In short 78 & 79 have the smog pump, 80-83 O2 sensor & a couple more CIS bells & whistles. Other than that no real changes of significance.

edit- If you want a cab, then 83 is definitely the year to go for

[efhughes3]

Why limit yourself on purpose? The best years start in '84!

[juanbenae]

a 78 in a smog state. i have one more smog test in 05 then come some SSI's.

[no substitute]

"The newest one you can afford", and the one that's in the best condition.

[sammyg2]

1980.

[Andras]

Hi Bob,

Some folks have found that the MY 1979 is the fastest, but the MY 1983 is the most "advanced" of the 911 SC. I know that to be the case at the track, though I have had to add weight-removal to get down to being competative with the '79 SCs.

But as "no substitute" quoted Bruce Anderson, "get the newest one you can afford". That's because Porsche is an engineering company (though some would argue with Wendelin Wiedekin's philospophy), and they imporove the cars every year. That's why the last year of the 911SC, which is 1983, it supposedly the best one to get.

[DavidI]

They are all great cars. Invest the time and energy to get the newest in the best condition that you can afford.

SCWDP.......nothing less

[speeder]

If you are limiting yourself to SCs, I would say to just look for the most pristine car w/ low miles and records that you can find. Try to buy one from a PCA garage-queen type who also did the scheduled maintenence.

1978/79s are definitely faster, no question. They have more fun potential, IMO, if you can find one that isn't used up. Todd/nostatic has a nice '79, as do a few others here.

I have an '82, less power but also no air pump under the hood. I hate air pumps, they make me feel like I'm driving a 1977 Pontiac. So there you have it.

[CarreraS2]

I think "get the newest one you can afford" is *generally* good advice for Porsche buying, but SC's are so old now, the advice isn't really very relevant.

When you are talking about cars that are now 21 to 26 years old, condition is everything. When you are talking about cars that old, condition is going to vary wildly. A lot happens (and doesn't happen) to a car over the course of a quarter decade.

IMO there are not significant differences over the SC years, most that are there seem to be a wash. For example, the earlier cars have larger CIS runner, etc. The later cars have an Oxygen Sensor, which some like and some don't. The stated power is the same for all years, though.

I've driven most of the years and not noticed any inherent differences - the biggest difference has been in condition.

[CarreraS2]

As far as air pumps - yes, the 78/79 came with it, but that's not to say that all 78/79 cars still have them on, except for maybe a day or so every 2 years.

Some scofflaws have discovered that it only takes an hour or so to replace the cat with a test pipe and pull the air pump off.

Or so I've heard.

The 77 SC is far and away the best.

[Sunroof]

Thanks Fellas...........
Their is no doubt that the best cars with records since day one, owned by a caring individual are the better buys, and when the time comes thats where I will head, but in the interim, I do want to educate myself on the technical changes that may drive one to favor a particular year. The consenus is that the 1978-79 are the faster models, yet did'nt the 1983 get the larger clutch assembly? Keep it comin.................

Bob

[Glasgow 911SC]

Originally posted by speeder
1978/79s are definitely faster, no question. They have more fun potential, IMO, if you can find one that isn't used up. Todd/nostatic has a nice '79, as do a few others here.

I have an '82, less power but also no air pump under the hood. I hate air pumps, they make me feel like I'm driving a 1977 Pontiac. So there you have it.

Get a late model (81-83) Euro. They have the most power and are faster still!

[Bill Douglas]

If you were to do some minor performance upgrades to the car in the future, a '78/'79 SC might be the best bet as they have larger intakes and valves in the heads. An upgrade I'd like to do is 9.5:1 compression pistons (JE), SSIs, and a 20/21 or similar cam grind.

Bill '79SC

[Jim Richards]

72 - 73.

[uncwSoccer]

PM or email me at Vacanzeromne@aol.com

I might be interested in your 73...

[tt_targa]

Warm up and backfire has been a continual complaint with CIS Porsches.

Early CIS with lamda went from open loop to closed at 15 degrees. In 81, Porsche added a 35 deg sensor and microswitches that modified mixture depending on throttle position and temp. to further eliminate backfire.

When my 35 C sensor was broken, my 83 was very cold blooded. When replaces, I start and go.

I would love to go backdated SSI but can't because of smog. Not having a smog pump would be great for maintenance and reliability.

I think my CIS works great and it is reliable and easy to work on but there are advantages to DME in 84.

I would say the newer the better if you plan to keep it stock.

The above comments are insignificant relative to finding color and condition that you want.

[Schuey]

82+ better HP, better 911

[nostatic]

with all due respect to BA, I agree with Brian that the "buy the newest you can afford" does not apply to anything pre-90. At this point they are all 15+ years old, and condition matters more than MY.

Although 78-79 does give you a tweaking advantage as pointed out by Bill...