Which SC years are better?

jorian · 01-30-2006, 10:56 AM

I remember reading about some early SC issues but I am unable to search as the site limits me to 3 letter words or longer

I know improvements were made during this model run. What are they and what should be avoided/looked for?

Thanks.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

As the years go bye....the fixes have mostly been made. Snapped head studs were the biggest problem. The lowers were different from the uppers. By 83 they had been less of an issue....also the clutches......

edward993 · 01-30-2006, 11:35 AM

The better years are the ones that were better cared for.

Really, Jorian, not trying to be flip about the response, but the few differences between each year of the SC are more or less "significant" depending on who you ask and what their priorities are for the car. The best thing to do is buy a good book on the SCs and do your homework. Two books that immediately spring to mind are Peter Zimmerman's "Used 911 Story" (a new edition just came out), and most recently Adrian Streather's "Porsche 911 SC Super Carrera." From there, narrow your field, then hunt for the car that is perfect for your needs. Then get a PPI from a skilled Porsche wrench with a good rep. Hope this helps!

Edward

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

early SCs had issues w/ oiling related to the sump screen and bypass ratios, '78-79 used the funky 226 mm fan, generally the later years had most of the kinks ironed out, but as stated, TLC from the POs is also important.

osidak · 01-30-2006, 12:14 PM

the 78 was the best

(read my sig to figure out way)

Besides it is now over 25 years old and that helps out in emission inspected areas

cashflyer · 01-30-2006, 12:20 PM

The best SC is my SC.....!

sammyg2 · 01-30-2006, 12:31 PM

1980

vash · vash's Garage

when did the rhoneparis altenator show up?

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

i thought i smelled a pissing contest coming up in here..or longest shwang..

ryan

JBO · 01-30-2006, 01:10 PM

...they got really good starting in 1984

Rick V · 01-30-2006, 01:14 PM

I vote for 82

AFCuk · 01-30-2006, 01:41 PM

Hmmmm 83 i think lol

dd74 · 01-30-2006, 01:48 PM

Go to a track and you'll find they're all pretty good. Some do things differently than others, but not necessarily better.

For example: early SCs were lighter from the factory, but later SCs had a bit more torque.

But that's splitting hairs IMHO.

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

In 1980 the standard Valve covers were upgraded to the Turbo version. They are stiffened with ribs and less prone to leak.
Compression went up from 8.6 to 9.3, but no HP increase.
I think the 3 spoke wheel that was first on the Turbo and early Carreras became standard, although the grip was not as thick / fat.
Larger cooling fan from Turbo, as mentioned.
Improved crankcase oil scavenging.
Oxygen sensor added.
And the smog air pump that is belt driven was deleted.

bpatrick · bpatrick's Garage

1978 for sure

jorian · 01-30-2006, 04:14 PM

What does it take to change from the 226MM fan? New fan obviously, but what about the shroud etc.? Anyone know how much heavier the SC got post 80?

dd74 · 01-30-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jorian
Anyone know how much heavier the SC got post 80?

Don't know post '80; I'll have to check my Porsche road test books. But a number like 150 sticks out in my head as the weight between a '78 Targa and an '83 Coupe. Again, I'm not sure.

emcdan · 01-30-2006, 07:16 PM

It's probably a coin toss. You'll have to evaluate each car on a case by case basis.

You may find an early SC in phenomenal shape and a later model in poor condition and both similarly priced.

Luckily there are alot of them out there to evaluate so you can be very picky!

Of course...the later the model, the more money also.

Eric

Hetmann · 01-30-2006, 07:37 PM

If you find an SC that hasn't had all it's issues addressed, DO NOT BUY IT.

Personally I like 78's.

AndrewMac · 08:04 PM

If you do buy the early 78-9 SC you'd better be sure that the oil scavenging updates were done. If not the engine may have suffered from inadequate lubrication and cooling at high sustained speeds. Also the standard upgrades like oil fed tensioners, turbo valve covers should be in place by now. As I recall there may be an associaed chain ramp upgrade that accompanies the tensioner update. And by now the fan should have been updated to an 11 blade larger diameter fan.

Early CIS sytems used a plastic set of fuel lines which should be immediately changed to steel if not done already. (see thread on fire claims for 911s). If you're into creature comforts from I believe 80 on they came with cruise, power windows as pretty standard options. If you buy a targa the top mechanism is also revised to a roller style which is nicer if not 'better'. Maybe sway bars were also larger by a fraction from 80, but not positive.

I own a 78 and a late 81. I think for daily driving the 81 is a bit nicer for the cruise control on longer trips. I also think the targa top mechanism is a worthwhile consideration.

I say if you want a daily driver go newer SC. If you want to build a track rat go pre-80. Bruce Andeson's advice holds true here. Buy the newest 911 you can afford, all things being equal.