buying help

Ditomaso · 04-19-2005, 10:19 PM

i am looking at what they call a frankenstein porsche. it has a 1970 911s chassis and a 1982 911sc body and engine. what should i look for when purchasing this car? other than the regular stuff rust, cracking, ect.

2.7RACER · 04-19-2005, 11:05 PM

Is this a 1970 vin number with some body mods to look like a SC? I'm not sure if that is a plus or not. Mixing all the 1970 chassis with 1982 motor can be a real nightmare when something needs repair. wiring is different, fuel lines, pumps, alternators, and on and on. Unless you are an experienced Porsche tech, I would take it to a respected shop for a very careful inspection. This PPI is more involved because of all the modifications. Even a very well done modification will cost you more for service unless the shop is very familiar with that specific car.
Everything being equal, you are better off with an unmodified car. When you get repair bills you'll know about Frankenstein. The only plus I see here is it may be a 1970 vin number and exempt from smog testing. I think this monster could eat you up. Beware!

Ditomaso · 04-20-2005, 12:01 AM

thanks a lot. it is a 1970 vin number. it does not have mods to make it look like a 82 sc it is a real 82 sc body. I have a very low budget so i thought it might be cheaper.

PS what is PPI mean

oldE · 04-20-2005, 03:55 AM

Ditomaso,
A vehicle with a 1970 VIN does NOT have a real '82 SC body, unless there has been a serial number switch. The bodies of Porsche 911s were galvanized from 1976 on. The earlier cars do not have this zinc coating, and so are more susceptable to corrosion. If the bumpers and fenders have been updated to make it look like an '82, you are still dealing (probably) with the older bits underneath.
Which transmission does it have? The earlier transmission which worked well with the 2.2 liter motor might not live happily with the 3.0 liter, which had a stronger box. Has the car been converted to carbs, or has the 3.0 liter's fuel injection been adapted?
Don't get me wrong. The 3.0 liter power in an earlier chassis has been done successfully many times, (though now the fashion is to retain the look of the earlier car), its just that you can end up with somebody else's abortion.
Which leads me to: A PPI is a Pre Purchase Inspection. This means you hire someone who is knowledgeable about the cars to do a detailed examination of the vehicle to determine what, if any faults there might be. You will find very few 'cheap' ways to get into these cars, unless you are a competent wrench and/or bodyman yourself.
Good luck, and welcome to the forum.
Les

Ditomaso · 04-20-2005, 04:28 AM

it has a 82 transmission. when i called the guy he just said it had a 82 body. he is probable wrong because he did not seem to know very much about what the car before he bought it. i asked him if the clutch had bean replaced because it originally came with a rubber-centered and he didnt know i assume that it has because it has 113 k on it. i do knot know if it has been converted to carbs i would have to call him again. which ill do tomorrow.