1982 SC questions
 

Is there a thread on what to look for in buying a 1982 SC? I am interested to know the reliability of the engine and what needs to be updated or changed. I will have a PPI done on the car but also want to know what to expect. The car has 40K miles and has been driven very little the last few years, always garaged. I have had a Boxster before - very reliable but want a "real" 911 and this car has been pampered by the current owner (a collector with 20+ cars). Thnaks.

Peter

Actually, "driven very little" is not necessarily a good thing. Seals dry out, stuff corrodes, scheiss happens. I'd rather have a car that had been driven well and frequently than a garage queen.

Beyond that, SCs are splendid cars, though the fuel-injection system is a bit primitive and doesn't help the car make a great deal of power. But the engine is bulletproof, transmission lousy (by modern standards), body handsome. SCs are essentially the transition car between the time when Porsche was making light, simple, all-out performance cars and the time when they began to build true luxury sportsters.

For advice on what to look for, I'd get a copy of Peter Zimmermann's little book, "Buying a Used 911."

Stephan

Thanks - I'll get the book. The PO is a friend of a friend and seems to be open about the minor things wrong with the car. So, I'll probably do the fly, drive, PPI and drive home thing next week. Are there any technical things, like switching to a Carrera tensioner, I should read up on or know about?

Peter

These are the main "issues" with the SC cars. The first two should be done right away, the second two should be done as needed.

-Pressure release valve (pop off valve)
-chain tensioners
-rubber center clutch
-head studs (lower)

What exactly is the reference to head studs (lower) about? I have heard of the clutch problem and the tensioner issue but don't know what the pressure valve problem refers to? Sorry, I am a long-time 911 admirer and as of now a non-owner but looking for one.

The "the pressure valve" is just a pop-off valve in the air box to protect the plastic airbox from a backfire. It's a cheap, very simple mod.

At 40k miles, I would assume that you've got the original rubber centered clutch. It's a pretty expensive fix. Maybe $1,200 if someone else does the job.

The lower head studs can fail. You need to pull the valve covers to ensure that they haven't fractured. My 82 has 145,000 niles and they are just fine in my car. I think this is a worse problem in areas with salt on teh roads, but I could be wrong.

You need to tear the engine down to fix these.

Jerry Kroeger

The lower cylinder head studs break/snap b/c the factory used the wrong material for the job. It's not a question of if they fail, but rather when. You don't replace just one, you replace all of them, and in my opinion that includes the top studs as well. Taking the cylinder heads off to replace the studs is basically a top-end rebuild, i.e. $3k+.

By the way, look for the tech forum search button. Type in some keywords and prepare for the deluge of information. SmileWavy

If you are driving it cross country, you might want to pay to have the pop off and bypass done before you get it on the road.

I'm with the group that it's better to drive them than to garage them. However, I don't think it's going to be a problem. You may discover some oil leaks but nothing that mechanically will kill the engine. But then, most people on this board have a whole lot more experience rebuilding these than I so they will know much more than I.

Can you disclose what you are buying it for? I'm dying to know?

Getting a PPI from someone that really knows 911s is invaluable. As part of the PPI you want them to pull the valve covers as mentioned and check for bad head studs as well as test compression.

I just bought an 81 SC and the PPI consisted of a drive, complete inspection of the car inside, outside, and under the car while it was on a lift. After it passed the exterior inspection they tested the compression and checked the studs. The verdict for me was needing new shocks, tires, and a fuel acculator (leaking). I learned a ton about the car just in the PPI. It was well worth the money.

The car is an '82 SC that was converted (original engine) to look exactly like a 930 (OEM parts) by a very reputable shop in LA. It was done for a sports celebrity allegedly. The car needs tires and an alignment and a gear on one headlamp which does not automatically pop-up. A/C not working unsure what the problem is but probably needs major work as it's been out for quite a while. The PPI will be done next week but the seller says no leaks. The car may not have had the rubber center cluth replaced or the tensioner upgraded (to be determined). The interior was completely redone, new Porsche sports seats, all white leather, etc. at the time of conversion. I will probably pay about $29k for the car if I buy it - depends on PPI and if the upgrades have been done or I will have to pay. Sound reasonable.

Run away.

You lost me here. Is it a flatnose conversion?

$29k for a non factory slant conversion with a white interior? Yikes!

Jerry

Yes - is this bad? Philip seems to think so and I will take all input.

That is crazy, for that cash go buy a mint REAL 930 or decent 993, don't mess with any type of FRANKEPORSCHE! You can do MUCH better, trust me, my almost mint, bone stock 1982 SC Targa cost me near half of that!

Okay - you all have convinced me - I'll pass on this and keep looking. It did sound crazy after I read my las post - lots of problems with the car. So far I haven't been able to find a decent 993 cab for less than high $30's and no low mileage 94 968 cabs. anywhere in the Western US.

Peter

Peter-
If you'd like to check out a few local cars, there is a fairly small gathering and drive going on this Sunday up Ortega Highway. We're starting in San Juan Capistrano. Also, check out www.truspeedmotorcars.com. They get some really cherry 993s and other assorted P-cars.

Sounds like you want a cabriolet? I'd put my $$ on a 87-89 Carrera cab. Low mileage should not, IMHO, be a major deciding factor. I'd look for a car which has been well maintained and has not been neglected. BTW, do you have any pics of the other car you were looking at? Kinda sounds like a pimp mobile.....guess that's where the celebrity part comes in.

Thanks for all the help with this - any other places in the LA- San Diego area to look for a 993 or 968 cab? I have checked the classifieds here and on Rennlst to no avail. I also track the listings at www.cacars.com but don't know the dealers or hsops in the LA area to trust. ANyway, I dod appreciate all the help I am sure you all have saved me from a disaster.