Car advise very much needed ASAP!

I currently have a 76 911S in pretty darn good running order.

I paid only $7000 for it, and I have plans to put a 2.7 RS spec motor in it.

PROBLEM: I like the older body style MUCH better than the deep running fish lure I have now ( not to say that it is ugly at all, just not as "classy" for me as the old ones)

QUESTION: If I am going to go through it and do a lot of motor work anyway, would I be 1) smart or 2)foolish to get rid of my car in favor of an older 911 to beef up?
Will an older one have the 915 gearbox?

I want it to be a driver, and an occasional autoX'er and club car, so whatever car I wind up with will see some action...
To retro fit my car with the old style bumpers is cost prohibitive, so I need to make up my mind as to fixing up the 76 or fixing up an older unit.

Please advise!

I'm biased, of course, but I say find yourself a 72 or 73, which will have an even better 915 transaxle than the later cars (shorter ring and pinion set-up, which means the power is distributed to the lower speeds, where a 911 needs it). Then put in a larger engine -- like a 3.2 -- and you'll have great-looking, lightweight 911.



The way I see it, these projects inevitably become more time consuming, and more expensive, than we ever initially imagine. For that reason alone, I think it makes sense to not compromise at the beginning. Make sure it's a project you can stand by through thick and thin -- one that is creating exactly the car you want.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T sunroof coupe

[This message has been edited by JackOlsen (edited 10-15-2000).]

I ahve gone through this sort of mod. Please check out that post:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate/Forum3/HTML/002137.html

For me, it was worth the effort, and I surely love my car. Depends of course, what you want...

Jens

Jens

Have you ever scanned in a picture of your conversion? I'd love to see it.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T sunroof coupe

Ups-no. I will give it another try.

Promised.

Jens

My advice to you is to take your time and look for the car that you really want. In the early 911s' you got to watch out for rust problems. Hope I'm not stating the obvious to much. But there are some good examples out there if you take your time.
The problem with conversions is it will inevitably cost you more in the long run and you'll end up with a devalued car. Plus there's that pretender stigma.
Why not spend the time learning all the quirks of maintaining and revitalizing 911 with your present car while you search for the model you want the most. This in turn will help you in your quest for the next car and increase the value of your present car.
As Jack stated the 72 and 73 models are popular because of the 915 tranny and the 2.4 motor has the longer stroke crankshaft. Which means it can be rebuilt as a 2.7 or 2.9 motor.
It's seems easier to find good deals on the 70 and 71 models but I think this reflects the lack of popularity with the 2.2 motor. Not that there is anything wrong with those motors. It's just in the weight to horsepower ratio the 72 and 73 cars are an improvement. Still if I was choosing between a 70 or 71 in great condition and a 72 or 73 in fair condition I would go for the 70/71 model. (Again stating the obvious)
Bobby

What I want to know...

(imagine up some thunder and lightning - Dr Frankenstein style)

Has anyone ever considered backdating the body on a newer still car - like a 3.2?

I mean it will be heavier than sticking a big engine in an old body (à la Jack) but comes with heaps of cushy amenities etc and reliability.

Obvious negative is the entry price on a Carrera is not insignificant when you are going to try and cut it about like I am talking. I mean, are they enough of a Mecano car to put early style bumpers on an 80s car?
Just curious until I am obscenely wealthy and rule the world.

(imagine now my meglomaniacal laugh)

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 10-17-2000).]

[This message has been edited by CamB (edited 10-17-2000).]

Jack,

as promised, I now have two pics of my '76->'73 body converted baby.
What I am missing is a website to place them.
So if anyone is interested, I can e-mail them. Anyone to put them on a website to create a link?

Jens

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