Yes, it's another "what 911 should I buy?" thread

[ddavidv]

I feel a little bad about posting this, as there are already numerous threads like this archived (and I've read most of them), but I'm having a little trouble narrowing it down. First, my 911 experiences that have set me on this path to destruction (these are cars I've driven, and my impressions of each):

1976 2.7 coupe, turbo tie rods, Weltmeister sway bars, Weber carbs, 200,000 miles with rebuilt engine. This was the first 911 I ever drove, and the car that convinced me these are not just glorified Beetles. Tremendous throttle response (Webers), tight handling, good overall feel. I like the simple, non-flared or tailed look of these cars. I'd buy one pretty quick if it weren't for that magnesium case engine.

1984 SC, stock. This was an almost disappointing experience after the '76. It just felt numb, though it was quieter and tighter. Throttle response was ho-hum, though it went ok it didn't have the same feel of acceleration.

From this, I prefer the older cars (both in looks and being more 'basic'). Yet I know the 3.0 is the engine of choice, with the best durability. I like the old, small bumper cars but I also live in the rust belt, so the liklihood of getting a decent one is about zero.
I don't want a targa, nor do I really want a sunroof. I want the car for weekend use and track days. I do most all of my own work, and having spent my youth working on Fiats I'm not afraid of cars with tight confines in the engine bay. I am loathe to take on a 'project' car, however. BTDT too many times. I'm hard on tires and brakes but very sympathetic to equipment in general, and the lack of problems I've had with my other cars support this. The current track car is a 2wd 1986 Audi Coupe, which looks faster than it is. My budget for a used 911 would be under $15,000 when the time comes. I'm not interested in pretty...stone chips and door dings mean nothing to me as long as the paint has some shine. I'd probably toss the stock interior for some better seats and a roll cage.
Ultimately, I suspect I should probably drive a few more cars to get a feel for what they are like, but it's not the kind of car you can take test drives in at the local dealer lot, as I'm sure you all know.
At this point I'm thinking the best car that could exist for me would be a 2.7 car with a 3.0 upgrade. Comments, criticisms?

[Rufblackbird]

For $15k, you would be able to get an early 911 ('69-'73) in really good condition. Is that what you meant by "older?" It probably wouldn't have any of the 2.7L problems...

Oh, btw, an '84 would be a Carrera, with a 3.2 Motronic motor.

[emcon5]

Originally posted by ddavidv
200,000 miles with rebuilt engine

How long ago was the rebuild, and who did it?

IF done properly, a mag case isn't really an issue, and by now most folks who work on 911s for a living know what "properly" means (regarding Mag cases).

1984 SC, ........ Yet I know the 3.0 is the engine of choice, with the best durability. I like the old, small bumper cars but I also live in the rust belt, so the liklihood of getting a decent one is about zero.

If it is an 84, it is a 3.2 Carrera.

Tom

[jkarolyi]

Of course, the perfect solution is to find a mid-year car ('74-'77) that has had a 3.0 or 3.2 transplant. These are quite common.

[nostatic]

condition, condition, condition. At this point in their lives, you can't really make many generalizations about the various years. Each variation has its own quirks and issues. I'd rather have a well sorted 76 than a tired 83 (or 84). If you're lucky and look around, you can likely find a semi-track car that was someone else's project...that is always the best way to go (especially given that you want a weekend/track car). With your budget, finding a dialed in 74-77 might be the best bang for the buck.

[JNadal]

Buy a pristine motorless car 76 or newer and then spend the rest on a nice 3.2, you can have the whole thing for less than 15k if you are patient and find some good deals

[JP911]

You want 76 or later based on your point about the rust. You could always pick up an SC with a stock engine and replace the CIS with carbs for that improved throttle response feel.

[DonDavis]

Check out Techweenie's 73 w/3.0. Just might be right up your alley. Search for his name and look at his signature for links.

Don't be hasty. TAKE YOUR TIME! You will be much happier in the long run. There are lots of cars to choose from and there's a great network of people here that will take a first look at a car that's far away.

[ddavidv]

I should clarify a bit...
The cars I drove were not ones I was looking at buying, they were owned by a friend who allowed me to drive them. My goof on the engine size...this is what happens when I don't have my Buyer's Guide open in front of me.
This will be a long process, and I'm not in a hurry. Finding an engineless car is not really an option to me, as there are always some very expensive bits that have gone missing on these projects.
Just how available are "track whore" type cars, and where would you shop for them?

[targa911S]

The best one you can afford. Cutting corners will cost you in the end.

[JeremyD]

I think a test drive in a 3.2 is a misnomer. How often do you flog a car in a test drive. Most of the 3.2's that I have driven (when looking) had mid-to marginal initial throttle response. Now, get a 3.2 NA Carrera over 4500rpms and stand back!

Probably half were not at WOT now that I think about it more.

Now drive a 3.2 in good tune - Major difference, especially with a Steve W chip which GREATLY enhances mid throttle driveability.

So, for $15,000 I think you should be able to get an early 3.2 Carrera -

- It already has the bigger brakes, lighten it up good and you have a nice basis for a track car.

[ddavidv]

I really liked the response of the Webers. Is the mechanical injection similar in feel?
I will heed the advice of the Pelicans and buy the best possible, when the time comes. Having owned a Fiat Dino Coupe once, I've become very paranoid about buying 'exotic' cars. I don't mind fixing them, it's the parts prices that I groan most about.