Need your help.... 911ST or 911R

cnielsen · 03-15-2005, 02:16 PM

OK, I need some help making a decision. I have a nice rust free 1970 911T that I have media blasted and is ready for paint. I was planning on going with a psuedo long wheelbase 911R type of car. Light weight stuff, deep sixes, PORSCHE side script, '67 rear decklid/grill... Kind of like this but in a different color...

BUT... I recently acquired a full set of 911ST bodywork in steel! So I have the correct fenders, bumpers, through the hood gas filler, and a set of 8, 9 x 15's. It looks like I have everything to build a nice 911ST poser. It would look just like this but in a different color...

Either car would get all new Bilstein suspension, S-brakes, aluminum control arms, a 915 transmission, 911ST type seats and a motronic 3.2.

What do you think? What would both cars be worth? It seems that the early non-flared cars hold their value very well but with steel 911ST flares would it be worth more? Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chris

jpnovak · 03-15-2005, 02:24 PM

What is the intended purpose? Each version has its own appeal for coolness factor. Both will be relatively lightweight and have the same engine and suspension.

Differences you need to consider:

Do you like the wider or narrow look?
ST could fit bigger rubber for track days.
Narrow body is classic and does not cut up a tub. Simple design.

My decision was based on the aggresive stance of an ST. they combine the symmetrical lines of an early car with that "I have been working out, Don't F- with me look". I think I nailed it!

I would be happy with each. Maybe build one of each.

I realize that was no help what-so-ever. I guess I would have the same indecision.

adomakin · adomakin's Garage

st

Grady Clay · 03-15-2005, 02:47 PM

I like Jamie’s take on the ST.

Since you have the parts, I’ll vote for a subtle conversion. Make everything in the rear as light as you can.

Again, what is your intended use?

Best,
Grady

BTW, I first drove one of those in about 1970 at Road Atlanta. The first big fender Factory car I had seen.
G.

B D · 03-15-2005, 02:52 PM

ST since it's a 70. If it was a SWB I do an R.

Reality do what you want, what would you rather see in the garage?

cnielsen · 03-15-2005, 03:00 PM

I am not sure what I am going to use it for. I have a cherry 73.5 targa that is my daily/fun driver. Then I have another coupe that I am building into a '73 RSR track built car. This car, the R or the ST would be somewhere between the two. Occassional driver, occassional AX. I just want to build a really cool early car that has all the reliablility of a newer car... hence the motronic 3.2. Probably should have done a back-date in retrospect...oh well, next time.

Sounds like the vote is for the ST...

TRE Cup · TRE Cup's Garage

and the tires that you intend to use for the street on those 8 and 9 x 15's are?????

cnielsen · 03-15-2005, 03:23 PM

8's and 9's? Those are easy. The 11's are a challenge.

8's = 225/50/15
9's = 245/50/15

Both are readily available.

I am going to run Avon slicks on the 9's and 11's. Very pricy and not for public roads but I don't think you can do a '73 RSR type car and not do the correct wheels. I have a set of RUF 17's for the street

jluetjen · jluetjen's Garage

I wouldn't consider the "what's it worth" factor since it's worth more unmodified then modified (net the conversion costs). Build what will make you happy since you'll be the person getting the greatest value from the change.

Briana · 03-15-2005, 03:42 PM

ST

Elombard · 03-15-2005, 03:52 PM

The only 245 15s I have been able to find are the Dunlop 8000s (??). Do you have other sources?

Grady Clay · 03-15-2005, 05:18 PM

You know another option might be to have it in ’70 911T livery but be a lightweight 2.8S sleeper. There is a lot of satisfaction with chrome wheels, stock appearing, and 250+ HP in a lightweight, painted in a non-aggressive color.

The other guy goes to his Ferrari mechanic and says “something is wrong – I got blown off by this old original 911T.” Been there, done that, great fun.

Best,
Grady

Shuie · 05:31 PM

I would be torn. The yellow Toad Hall ST pictured above and the 911R are my two favorite 911s. The ST requires a lot more work, but you already have the correct and impossible to find body parts.

How did you get steel ST flares? I didnt know there was such a thing? I thought the real STs either had their flares hammered and pulled by hand or used glass flares? The STs all seem to look slightly different in pics, so make sure the flares you have will come close to pulling off the look of the specific car you are hoping for.

It would be a tough call, but today I would probably sell off everything you have and build the faux R. Tomorrow, I might change my mind

heres a thread with some good pics showing how the flares could differ from car to car

ST flares?

Chuck Moreland · 03-15-2005, 05:28 PM

Since you have the parts, I'd go the ST. Those steel flares are a great score.

I love the R look, but the short wheelbase is really an important part of the package.

jwerion · 03-15-2005, 06:06 PM

You have a tough choice but if you go with the R I'll buy your st parts.

jpnovak · 03-15-2005, 06:57 PM

motivation... My final results

bob tilton · bob tilton's Garage

Jamie...that is a real BEAUTY!

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Jamie...very cool. How about the interior?
Ryan

dmcummins · 03-16-2005, 04:00 AM

I'm in the same boat. I have a 73 that's getting close to paint time and I can't make up my mind on which way to go. RS or R look. The thing about the R look is it would be cheaper and easier to change to flares later if you change your mind. It would also be easier to go back to stock.

Randy W · Randy W's Garage

Chris, I have an idea....make it an R and sell the rear ST flares to me.