First time 911 buyer, dumb questions, part 2

Looking at the various ads for used 911SC's in my area, I saw a few with high miles. High, like in the 180k+ range. My initial thought is to not even bother to look, but some of these cars are pretty inexpensive.

I would assume (I hate that word) that I would need to add the cost of an engine and probably transmission rebuild to any car with this many miles, if it had not been done, and documented. I would think that if I find a car with a sound body for $8-9k, this may not be a bad plan, depending on the cost of a rebuild.

I saw Motor Meisters web page, that charges $3600 to rebuild a customer's engine not including remove and install. I also read about people who spend $10,000 rebuilding engines.

How much does the typical engine rebuild cost for a 3.0? Has anyone done this lately that can give me an idea of what they spent?

What about a transmission? Motor Meisters lists $8-900, depending on year. Does this sound about right?

I know the prices will vary, but this can at least get me in the ballpark.

Thanks again

Tom Aiken
Fremont, California

Keep in mind that prices such as those quoted by MM assume re-use of some of the most expensive parts of your engine, i.e. case, pistons, cylinders, valves, camshafts, crank, etc.

It is usual and customary to replace at least the pistons and valves during a rebuild, and generally the cylinders too. Unless the engine is damaged, the crank and case should be fine, otherwise $$$.

Also you do have to factor in the removal/reinstallation costs (even if you do it yourself, it will cost you time & tools). Add to that any induction, ignition or exhaust repairs or overhauls.

It is VERY easy to get into the $8000-12000 stratosphere for a quality "turnkey" 911 rebuild!

For $12-14K you should be able to buy a nice SC that has plenty of miles left on its mechanicals, and respectable body and paint.

Trans rebuilds are kind of a crapshoot as you never know what you will find when you open up a 15-30 year old 901 or 915 box. But, decent used trannies are pretty plentiful. Not a big worry compared to the engine and body.

Another tip: If you're looking for a project car, be sure you pay a project price!

[This message has been edited by campbellcj (edited 11-13-2000).]

I would call up several local Porsche shops, and ask them flat out what the ranges are in terms of prices for rebuilds. Call several, not just one, and always ask for the worst case price.

Motor Meister seems pretty inexpensive, but some people have had problems with them because the engine and/or tranny needs to be shipped to them. If anything goes wrong after the re-installation the "blame game" starts...your mechanic says it's Motor Meister, Motor Meister says it's your mechanic. I've heard a lot of people say decent things about Motor Meister, but there always seem to be a few that have had bad experiences with them. Personally, I suspect that some mechanics are offended if you ask them to pull an engine and then send it off to have someone else do the work...think about it...it IS sort of an insult to them.

Good Luck,

Bill Wagner

Tom - saw this ad on the Rennlist this morning - I would have emailed it to you but you do not have your email address listed. This is an interesting car - basic, no a/c, no power windows, no sunroof - but sounds solid. It's located out in your end of the country, albeit, a bit south.

Subject: FS:1976 911S 57K mi. $7,500 firm...last chance at this price
From: "Quinn Litzenberger"
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 15:07:16 -0800
X-Message-Number: 6

Just received lay-off and need to sell quick. Will need to sell by this
Friday
11/17 for this price. Call 714.842.2963 ask for Quinn or e-mail at
porschebyr@earthlink.net

1976 Porsche 911S
Oak (dark) Green Metallic...rare color
Tan Interior
57,000 original miles
California Car....NO RUST
2.7, 5-spd
2nd owner for 5 years
All Stock
No Sunroof
No A/C
No Power Windows
Paint-3 years old (paint was stripped to bare metal)
Most Rubber New
New Battery
New Fuel Pump
New Starter
New Chain Tensioners
New Filters/Oil/Spark Plugs
Pedal Cluster Rebuilt
Shift Coupler Rebuilt
Valve Adjustment
Gas Tank Cleaned
New Front and Rear Window Seals
Dash is in Nice Condition
Seats Recovered

Will Eventually Need:
Brake Calipers Rebuilt
Carpet
Stereo
Oil Return Tubes

Overall This is a Nice Car.
It Still Has Thermal Reactors But Smog Pump Was Gone When I Bought the Car.

I Have Spent over $10,500 and Would Like
it to go to a Good Home. I Would Like to Get $8,750 For it.....WILL TAKE
$7,500 FIRM FOR FAST SALE.

August Excellence Has The 1976 911S Value at:

...........Poor.......$7,662

.........Good......$8,712

........Excellent....$11,663

I'm Located In Huntington Beach ,California
Close To 2 Ports For Overseas Buyers
JPG's Available

Thankyou for your Time,

Quinn Litzenberger
porschebyr@earthlink.net

I don't think you want your 1st Porsche to be a project car. Many of us were in your same position with our 1st pcar and only by dumb luck didn't end up with a project.
One of the reasons a prepurchase inspection is so important.
Since this is a 911 board I would hope that you have ruled out some of the other models even though there are some values to be had.
With 14K you should be able to find a nice SC. Generally, this may be as close to a bullet proof car as you will find. Personally, I would limit mileage to possibly 140K but would consider others with very good records. 200+ on these cars is not uncommon. Average yearly mileage on pcars is less than 10K a year. Again, records count.
I think you would be far ahead of the game with a nice 80-83 SC with 125K than an average 84-86 Carrera with 160K+ on it.
Find a couple of garages in your area that repair Porsche only. Don't know if your region has trail memberships for 6 months without pcar ownership but you can check. You usually need a registration number to join PCA with a full membership.
I agree that a couple of nice cars may slip by but that's better than buying the wrong car.

Thanks again for the guidance.

patalive: Thanks for the tip. It does sound like a solid car at a good price, but I am very apprehensive of any car with a 2.7 engine. I would rather get a SC and not have to worry about it (as much anyway).

I called a couple local shops, for prices of a rebuild, one quoted $8000, the other said up to $12,000. The second shop told me that it is typically less, but to always expect the worst, that way when it is less, you are happy. Good point, I guess.

Still looking,

Tom Aiken
Fremont, California.

A "Junior Member" huh Don? If they only knew!
-
Chuck, a fellow curmudgeon

Remember, there is always the possibility of buying a salvage engine from someone such as Parts Heaven. Often such engines appear to be a good deal. Also, since I am considering selling my 3.0 out of my 78SC, which has 25K on a rebuild, in order to install a 3.6, there must be others out there willing to sell their ready running P motors. I think you are limiting yourself by preconcieving you will need a rebuild. I have heard it in not uncommon for P motors from the SC seriers to run 200 to 300 thousand miles. Just another point of view.

Tom - I see that you are in Fremont and are looking for an SC. I live in Castro Valley and have an '80 911SC for sale (and a great mechanic in Hayward). I don't see that you have an e-mail address listed. Feel free to send me a note at: rossj@best.com

Ross
1986 911 Carrera
1980 911SC
1972 Chevy C10

[kycarguy 935]

Originally Posted by patalive

Tom - saw this ad on the Rennlist this morning - I would have emailed it to you but you do not have your email address listed. This is an interesting car - basic, no a/c, no power windows, no sunroof - but sounds solid. It's located out in your end of the country, albeit, a bit south.

Subject: FS:1976 911S 57K mi. $7,500 firm...last chance at this price
From: "Quinn" <@earthlink.net>
Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2000 15:07:16 -0800
X-Message-Number: 6

Just received lay-off and need to sell quick. Will need to sell by this
Friday
11/17 for this price. Call 714.842.2963 ask for Quinn or e-mail at
@earthlink.net

1976 Porsche 911S
Oak (dark) Green Metallic...rare color
Tan Interior
57,000 original miles
California Car....NO RUST
2.7, 5-spd
2nd owner for 5 years
All Stock
No Sunroof
No A/C
No Power Windows
Paint-3 years old (paint was stripped to bare metal)
Most Rubber New
New Battery
New Fuel Pump
New Starter
New Chain Tensioners
New Filters/Oil/Spark Plugs
Pedal Cluster Rebuilt
Shift Coupler Rebuilt
Valve Adjustment
Gas Tank Cleaned
New Front and Rear Window Seals
Dash is in Nice Condition
Seats Recovered

Will Eventually Need:
Brake Calipers Rebuilt
Carpet
Stereo
Oil Return Tubes

Overall This is a Nice Car.
It Still Has Thermal Reactors But Smog Pump Was Gone When I Bought the Car.

I Have Spent over $10,500 and Would Like
it to go to a Good Home. I Would Like to Get $8,750 For it.....WILL TAKE
$7,500 FIRM FOR FAST SALE.

August Excellence Has The 1976 911S Value at:

...........Poor.......$7,662

.........Good......$8,712

........Excellent....$11,663

I'm Located In Huntington Beach ,California
Close To 2 Ports For Overseas Buyers
JPG's Available

Thankyou for your Time,

Quinn
porschebyr@earthlink.net

I knew I had some post on Pelican in the beginning. I guess we were all "guest" until a certain date. This post was on 11-14-2000.

I wish I still had this car.

It was fun to find this 11 year old post.

[Hugh R]

Wow, that was like the Twilight Zone or something. Can you post as a guest still? I've only been here about 8 years.

[kycarguy 935]

I don't think you can Hugh. I was on Pelican when it first started but forgot what username I used. I still can't remember it. I was on some of the earlier Porsche like PorscheList and Poschefans around 1996 or 1997.