Damage from Thermal Reactors

[GothingNC]

I've tried to find out as much info as I could using the search about damage caused by the reactors.

It looks like most of the time they cook the motor and cause the head studs to be pulled out.

Right now I am looking at a 77 911S with under 70,000 miles on it.
Head stud inserts were installed at 40,000 miles
Front Oiler cooler is installed up front
Cooling fan upgraded
Tensioner upgraded
car did not come with A/C
Spent most of it's life in the Catskills of NY and western NC
Was in a few Porsche concours shows and won some awards.
Original paint with a few stone chips. Interior perfect, all maint. up to date.

The shop that did the work left the reactors on to keep the car original

How many miles should I expect before needing a rebuild even after I remove the TR's?

Willit last a while or is the case strength already compromised and it's just a matter of time and I should just pass.

I like the mid-year body style that's whyI'm interested in the car.

Hope I don't start another 2.7 debate.

Thanks !

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'm no expert but you've got 30,000 miles on an engine with thermal reactors but the good news is you live in a part of the country whee it tends to be cooler and an oil cooler was installed - both good things.

Personally, I would ask for a PPI including re-torque of the head studs. If they hold torque and you remove the TR's immediately I would take a chance on the car if it is otherwise running fine, cylinder pressures are consistent and you are comfortable with the price for its overall condition.

[GothingNC]

Thanks !
The owner said that the head studs were check 3,000miles ago and they were fine.

I do intend to have a full PPI if I plan on going for the car.

I am trying to convince the seller to have the TR's removed before I acquire the car.

[bigchillcar]

if he's added the aux oil cooler and done the 11-bladed fan change, that helps loads..said he kept the tr's because he wanted to 'keep original' doesn't jive too well though..after all, he made changes with the fan and the cooler?? still, could be a solid car..what's the asking price?
ryan

[GothingNC]

Asking price is 12K

[ChrisBennet]

Originally posted by GothingNC
Asking price is 12K

Next!
(I'd look at the SC's available in that price range.)
-Chris

[GothingNC]

SC's go for 14K to 15K in my area.
Then I have to worry about head studs.

This 77 911 is a pretty rare green color with the Tan leather interior in perfect shape.

Seller has orginal bill of sale and all records from day one.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally posted by GothingNC
Thanks !
The owner said that the head studs were......fine.

Of course he does, what else would you expect him to say?Get your OWN mechanic to check the torque

I am trying to convince the seller to have the TR's removed before I acquire the car.

I'd either INSIST on the removal of the TR's before I bought it or work the price of having it done (in case of broken studs, etc. into the purchase price if I agreed to do it after I acquired it

Seems like he treated this car like it was a museum piece - the "originality" concern - but then he went out and put 30,000 street miles on it Whatever, I'd still insist the TR's be removed whenther he does it or you do.

[GothingNC]

He ha owned the car for two years and put about 4,000 miles on it,

Had a new alternator, brakes, regulator, tires, brake hoses and a bunch of other stuff along with the major service.

According to the paperwork from 1977 to 1979 29,000 miles were but on it and the remainder through 2005 an additional 44,000 miles.

He purchased the car as a gift for his son who returned from active duty in Afghanistan. His son prefered a diesel truck instead.

The seller is on the PCA board for the Carolina region and also owns an Artic Silver 993 Turbo and his wife owns a Boxser S.

[bigchillcar]

john,
do you have pics of the car you could post? if all is truly well, then i would think the price is reasonable..remember, you're buying condition when the car is 29 years old. i'd probably offer 10k, being prepared to settle at 11k contingent upon a clean ppi.
ryan

[GothingNC]

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=qc3h4g0.7l8v088&Uy=-l1hb0g&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&UV=300121653600_67755471708

Click the link above then click on the photo for the album.

I am not familiar on how to post photos but can email you the ones I took when I test drove the car.

John

[GothingNC]

Here is a reply I just received from the seller:

John;

Thank you for your e-mail. I spoke again with Pete, faxed him a copy of the 51K mile service and he states that the studs were replaced during this service.

As to swaping the reactors, I am not willing to do this and I think that what you are looking for is not findable on a car with this few miles, 30 years old, and in this good condition for $12,000.

Thank you for your consideration and I reccomend you look elsewhere.

[GaryR]

I don't blame him, I sure wouldn't remove them either. Then again he says the inserts (which would include new studs) were done at 40K, then he says they were done at 51K??. If you like the car and it checks out (with paperwork including proper head stud replacement ) then it is a fair price. OTOH right now there is a fantasitc deal on an SC with a 3.6L engine in it in the Pelical classifieds (14K). The engine alone in that car is worth 7-8K all day long.. I would beg/borrow/steal for another lousey 2K..

[GothingNC]

How much labor time would it take to have the TR's removed?

[Dan in Pasadena]

Something is not right here or I am misunderstanding. But first, Gary is right. The SC with a 3.6 - as long as it isnt a rust bucket is worth that price, jump on it. Unless of course you have some other reason to specifically want a mid year car.

As to the studs "were replaced during this service" - WTF? Since when are studs replaced other than at a minimum of a top end rebuild? Like I said, either I misunderstand or this guy is getting a load of crap from his mechanic. Anyway, sounds like the guy took an attitude with you because you are questioning the car's mechanical histroy in detail. If hes got nothing to be concerned over he wouldn't mind your questions. Since he does? I'd walk. THere are lots of other fish in the sea....like the SC

[GothingNC]

I decided to pass.

Thanks everyone !

I located another 77 but with a 3.2 conversion on the pelican boards in the midwest for about the same price as the green 77.

The one on CA looks like a great deal too and I'll have to check it out.

[Dan in Pasadena]

An SC with a 3.6 would be a crotch rcket on four wheels. I'm sure you could get a Pelican out here to go look it over for you. Good hunting.

[GaryR]

GothingNC - I have a deal for you! I'll put the 3.0L out of my SC (rebuilt from bottom up 5K miles ago, with paperwork, and VERY strong) in that White SC and pay you $2500.00 for the 3.6 in it on TOP of it. You would end up with a beautiful stock SC, new motor, and all for $11,500! I would have it transported here to CT, you would have to come here or have it transported to you..

My motor has SSI's and a free-flo ehaust, which would stay on it of course..

Dilemma solved!

[bigchillcar]

it does sound like the owner was copping an 'attitude', but i doubt that i would be willing to pay the expense of having the tr's removed just to force a sale either. needed a password to access all the photos, but from what little i could see it looks like a damn clean '77. good luck with the hunt!
ryan

[GothingNC]

I don't think You don't need a pw.
Just click on the car