Need advice on a '78 911SC

Hello all, Im really impressed with a '78 911SC Ive been looking at and I was wondering if you guys could help me figure out what I would be looking at in terms of regular maintnance. Ive been driving mostly domestics and dont know much about Porsche. but I guess we arnt all born perfect! hehe Id appricate any insight!

Hi, I have owned my 79 SC for almost three years now and couldn't be happier. In my opinion the 78-83 SCs are my favorite 911 in terms of cost, reliability, and simplicity. They are modern enough to be used as a daily driver but aren't so modern that when you look under the hood, you don't recognize anything. Parts aren't cheep by domestic standards. . . but as far as Porsches go I think they are mostly reasonable(except for targa vent window corner seals ). The three litre engine is considered by alot of people to be a really bullet proof engine. (mine has over 214,000 mi. on it with no rebuild and runs great.) The SCs have galvonized bodies unlike pre 74 models and aren't prone to some of the engine problems associated with the earier 70s cars. I would suggest however that if you buy the car, update the mechanical chain tensioners to the pressure fed style ('84+). It cost me about $700 bucks and is totally nessesary if the car has higher mileage. If you can afford it you may want to look at a later model Carrera, (84-89) they are even newer but also come with their share of glitches. And some higher cost of maintaining them. Bottom line is: Buy the best car that fits your budget. Don't buy a thrashed Carrera when you can get a real nice SC for the same price. . .and so on and so forth. I am still rather fond of the SCs and probably always will be.

Leland Pate

____'79 SC Targa

Hi,I own a 78SC and think it's a great car ,although it has had it's faults(expensive faults).Broken head studs being the most expensive,leading to a full engine rebuild.Aparently this is a common fault and worth while checking before purchase.to check, remove the rocker covers and check torques of head bolts.Haynes manual says 21 lb/ft.The Haynes manual also details the service intervals,there is nothing to difficult to worry about.I would buy all the books ,read up on them and then get an experienced mecanic to look at the car with you.It's nice to have a secound opinion and they might find things you overlook.The other consideration is fuel consumption,i get on average 22mpg(UK).They are a great car to own and there is excellent back up to maintain them i.e. Pelican,and most things are within the scope of a competant DIY mecanic .Happy Porscheing.
Guy.

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