opinions on a '77 930

jbolle · 02-09-2006, 01:36 AM

I posted this at the end of a different thread and didn't get any replies, so I thought I'd try a new post.

I e-mailed the seller of a car and was hoping you all could help me learn what to be wary of, what to look for in the pictures, and what questions to ask.

Info from the ad:
1977
65,000 miles
full power
B&B Exhaust, K27 Turbo, 17 inch 2 piece wheels

In his e-mail:

Quote:

I have records for all of the work the previous owner had done and any maintenance I have done since I onwned it. I don't believe the engine has been rebuilt. The timing chain cover does have a external oil line on the driver's side cover which I have been told may be a sign that the tentioners were updated. I don't know of any problems with either the head studs or valve guides. [deleted stuff about interior, can see in pics]

So at the very least am I probably looking at a rebuild in the next few thousand miles? And the records are not complete.

He sent lots of pictures, I decided to put up a page with them, it is here: http://cars.photosleeve.net/index.html

I'll add the exterior pictures to that page later this morning.

Thanks for any and all help.

Jeff

dickster · 02-09-2006, 01:43 AM

Hi,

You are not necessarily looking at a rebuild, why would you?

No pics of the full car?

Personally, I would probably hold out for the slightly later model with IC.

Good luck though (i have a 930 on my wish list).

catnmouse · 02-09-2006, 02:17 AM

if you havent been looking for at least 3-6 months, there are alot more out there to be compared to, once you do that, you will see the good and bad of this one.....cnm

Rixter · 02-09-2006, 05:01 AM

Jeff,
nice looking interior, how about the outside?
if that's a Euro import I doubt the mileage is accurate, odometer swap to US spec is generally done during federalization, unless there is documentation for this, or it's noted on the back of the odometer, it's probably 65k miles + ???km
which may be why it's ready for a rebuild
good luck to you

mmastro · 07:47 AM

Doesn't look too bad so far (for a 29 year old turbo).

You could add an intercooler to it with minimal effort.

I'd check the VIN to see if it is indeed a Euro. Also, If it was federalized when relatively new (like mine) there would be a US EPA sticker on the driver's door jamb near the VIN tag.

It really depends on what your aim is when you by a 930... Do you want to track the car? Do you want a nice looking/performing street car? If it's the latter, then I'd hold out for something in the '86-'88 range. If you wanted to stick with your $20-25K price then you may want to look at a '78-'79 3.3L 930 as the '86-'89 930's will most likely be in the $28-35K price range. The '77 930 would be an excellent track car....ask me how I know

Leak down & compression tests are in order if you want to know a little about what you're getting into. Oil leaks? Body damage, or badly repaired damage? A 3.0L turbo rebuild will run you no less than $12K I'm sure...and the price climbs steadily as you slide down the slippery slope of upgrades!

Ask me how I know!

Tom F2 · 02-09-2006, 08:02 AM

Drive the car, and see whether you like it. The lightweight clutch on the early Turbo is not for everyone. If you like it, then pay someone who really knows Turbos to check it out. I would not buy a Turbo with the thought of rebuilding the engine soon after the purchase - the cost may ruin the experience. If this is a US market car, try to determine how long it was run with the thermal reactors. These things were the work of the devil, and will really do a number on wiring, cylinders and probably more, if left on the car. An exhaust change on any '76-'79 US market Turbo is an absolute must, and the thermal reactor replacement pipes are a poor, band aid type of fix.