Should I sell this partial project?

[dgraves]

I bought this 911 1976 Targa on ebay in the spring of 2004. Won't mention the seller because he's probably a member here.

It was a dissassembled except for the engine, drive train, and wheels. The body had no rubber, lights, fixtures of any kind.
The body was straight with minimal surface rust. I took it to the local Porsche/BMW dealer and had it sanded, primed, painted...it came out beautiful.

I reassembled with 90% new rubber and seals, new upholstery, new carpet and padding, new targa roof covering (nice job), new tires, new front brakes, tinted windows, 200+ new screws, and too many misc items to list here.

The engine was supposedly rebuilt by previous owner, but according to my mechanic the tell-tale oil leak and oil burning indicates there may have been a less than perfect job done. The trans has a loose 2nd gear.

I'm into for $20K and I am at a quandry because of the condition of the engine. It's my everyday car for the last 8 months, but I know the engine needs work.

So, I think I'm ready to sell...it's been a long haul and don't know if I have the stomache for more.

Any interest or GOOD recommendations. I don't know what the value of these Targas will be in years to come.

Thanks, Dan

[dweymer]

Even with a good engine you would have a hard time breaking even. Oil leaks are relatively easy to deal with if you can find the source, just takes time. The burning oil may not be that bad, how much oil does it use every 1000 miles? Does it blow smoke (blueish) out the exaust when you decelerate quickly from high rpm? What exactly is a loose 2nd? Does it grind at all?

[dgraves]

Donnie,

It's smoking at idle...blue I'm not sure. I must be getting quite a bit because I'm having to clean the back of the bumper and rear panels regularly. Lately, I have noticed that at acceleration I'm hearing a muffled "popping" noise and the pick up isn't what it was.

Shifting to second is not smooth. Yeah, I know I won't break even. Too bad, I've put a lot of sweat into the car. It's tight and rides nice.

[dweymer]

popping under accel could be the timing/points. Smoking out the exhaust at idle? Cold and hot? Take it out and warm it up to operating temp, check the oil using the dipstick. Then run it up to like 6k in 2nd and quickly release the accelerator, look in the mirror to see if there is blue smoke. If there is, it is usually an indicator of worn valve guides. Smoking while cold is not that big a deal as these engines were designed to tighten up at operating temps. I am getting ready to rebuild my 2.7 and 915 trans, the 2nd gear may just be a worn syncro, or slider. Not really that expensive. I guess the key is whether or not you like the car, when in that deep it is better if you actually enjoy the car, not fear something else breaking. If you like it, fix it. There is more than enough help here to get you through most, and I am sure there are guys near you that would lend a hand, or tools.

[ghnat]

Thats a nice paint job. Heck, it looks like a nice car. You outta see mine right now. At least your car is together and driveable. I say if you are a DYI person, rebuild the engine and then "drive it like you stole it"... I cannot wait to get my car back together (at least 1 year minimum). YMMV...