First 911 - Which Book?

Apologies for a slightly dull question but I am researching my first 911 and I want information about late 70's and early 80's 911s. Should I get the 1987 edition of "Porsche 91 Performance Handbook" by Bruce Anderon, or the newer, 1996 edition?

Does the earlier edition cover earlier cars better?

Thanks.

For researching Porsches you should consider Peter Zimmerman's book, "The Used 911 Story"

He goes through the 911s from each year and Peter points out the "problemed" areas from each car model.

Good luck.

PS: Thanks "richenry" for providing the correct title of Zimmerman's book!

[This message has been edited by 911 (edited 09-19-2000).]

Before I bought my first Porsche, I bought Peter Morgan's book, "The Original 911". It has serial #'s and info on all models from mid 60's to late 90's models. You will enjoy your purchase of a 911! John

James,

I understand the newer version of the book is a revision and therefore has more information in general. Someone better correct me if I'm wrong.

Cam

Although it's hard to find, Zimmerman's, "The Used 911 Story" is a great handbook for what to look for. Good luck.

Dean Batchelor's book? Porsche buyer's guide.

I found lindsay Porter and Peter Morgan's "Guide to Purchase & DIY Restoration of the Porsche 911", published by Haynes (though I believe that it is now out of print - but you should be able to track down a copy) invaluable when researching my own recent purchase.
It has a comprhensive guide to the model years up to the 84-89 Carrera 3.2's and a very good buyers guide, which will help you put together a checklist to use when viewing.
Good luck and have fun!

------------------
Alan Brown
86 Carrera 3.2

James,

One side effect of the 911 addiction is the need to fill up an entire bookcase of reference material! And you may find yourself using Cylinder heads, cylinders, wheels, brake calipers, and other major parts to adorn your library, den, etc. as well. Not that there is anything wrong ... but some people won't quite understand!

The real problem is that there isn't just one book to start the process ... there are DOZENS! But, if you want to know about the engineering history of the 911, without a doubt, the book to start with is Paul Frere's Porsche 911 Story! Bruce Anderson's book is essential, and good, especially the engine evolution and rebuilding chapters, but he doesn't organize the data chronologically or by year, but go ahead and get the second edition. The engine 'type number' reference is the most thorough in print, though! Karl Ludvigsen's Porsche: Excellence was Expected is easily the most scholarly work in print about the history of Porsche as a product line and racing entity, but the 911 is only a small part of the whole story ... but, even at $100, it is an eventual necessity for your library!

None of the books in the previous posts should be left out of your eventual library, either!

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I agree that once you start buying books it never stops. Unfortunately EXCELLENCE WAS EXPECTED is now out of print. They pop up now and then on Ebay but they still go over $100 used. There was one went for $450 for a first edition signed by Karl Ludvigsen but that was definately above the norm.
I recently purchased Mark S. Haab's "The 1974-1989 911 912E & 930 Porsche Authenticity Series" and must say that its an excellent book. It details all the changes from year to year with pictures has all the color listings including special colors listed by the year. It has all the interior materials and colors listed as well. It also has all the serial #'s listed for car and engines. These are also available for the early 911's. They are less of a story than Paul Frere's "Porsche 911 Story" in that it doesn't show the history behind each change an its links to racing.
As much as I'd love to get Karl's book I can't help but think that the $100+ dollars couldn't be better spent on the car itself.
Anyways, have fun searching for a car. Hope this helps for your search.

------------------
'76 911S

'80 924 M471

I absolutely agree with you all with regard to Peter Morgan's book the original 911. Although sometimes a little limited on engine spec's it covers nicely all the models and what was changed over previous models. However what ever you do do not buy the Haynes repair manual, I feel that this is one of the worst automotive repair manuals ever published!

------------------
Joris
75 911S
http://members.xoom.com/joogie/Joogie.htm

IMHO:

Paul Freres book is the best read.

Andersons book is a must, it has a more technical bias than Freres book.

Zummermans book can be read in about ten mins. It's a handy quick reference but lacks any depth.

Most books can be found on Amazon.

Alex.


------------------
911 2.7S Targa
email:alex@cascade.f9.co.uk

Being very "un-technical" (the most I have done mechanically is change a set of spark plugs) I found Paul Frere's book complex enough. I have to admit to not even knowing what some parts of the engine he describes are.

However, as Anderson's book sounds like the Porsche "Bible" I will definitely get a copy. I just hope it comes with a glossary!

Should the fact that I am not a DIY mechanic be an indicator that I am not meant to be an old-911 owner? Unfortunately I am not made of money either - which would at least enable me to have every last job performed by a 'real' mechanic.

James

The good thing about 911s in general is the fact that they are a semi exotic car, yet you don't have to host your own late night network talk show to pay for upkeep. Just make sure to budget for the engine rebuild, heaven forbid, sometime down the road.

And who knows, after owning a 911 for awhile, you may decide that DIY mechanical work is half the fun. Good luck.

James,

While it may be hard to imagine, the air-cooled 911's are designed to be maintained by the owner/mechanic ... probably the last cars that can be said to be engineered in such a manner ... the mind-set was quite different back in the '60's in Stuttgart than it is these days, and not everyone that owns them has a clue ...

Consequently, given the desire, patience, and proper resources, it is entirely possible to learn by doing the basic maintenance ... valve adjustsments and oil changes, brake pad and rotor changes, CV-joint disassembly and lubing, etc. Almost all of the 'systems' on a 911 are straightforward and reliable, and given dedicated work sessions on weekends to learn the car, familiarity comes with hard work and perseverance, and the rewards to the owner are simply immense!!!

------------------
Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I have the old and new Performance Handbooks.
The new edition contains everything in the old version plus newer info. By all means get the new edition. My favorite book on early 911 models is by far Original 911 by Peter Morgan. Very thorough with lots of great photographs. It gives you production numbers for the different years and models. Also serial numbers, weight, colors for exterior and interior. etc. Great book.

Least we all forget, the true greatness of PORSCHE owenrship comes from the driving.

Vic Elfords "PORSCHE High Performance Driving" gives the most experenced 911 driver some very good points to ponder...