'82 911SC

[Ron Norwood]

Considering purchase of a 1982 911SC Coupe with 157,000 miles. Have seen pictures of vehicle...great shape...obviously has been cared for. I'm concerned about the mileage. Should I be looking at an engine rebuild? Would a compression/leak-down test be a good idea before I purchase? I know that several of these SC's have logged very high mileage.
Vehicle owner has books and records (which I haven't seen yet).
Would appreciate any comments.

[Automahn]

Hi I wouldnt be all that concerned with the mileage just make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done and make sure it has the necessary upgrades, tensioners and popoff valve. I looked at a lot of lower mileage SC's before I bought my 170K mile 81 SC although mine did have the engine rebuilt at 152k. I have heard of SC's going well over 300k miles without a rebuild as they say they are quite bulletproof and reliable cars.

[Nickshu]

If the price is right and the car is clean and seems to run and drive well, I would not be too concerned with the mileage. Try to get records and YES, YES, YES get at least a compression test. The reliability if leakdown tests is questionable, but definitely do compression.

At higher mileage you are closer to a rebuild than, oh...say...50,000 miles. But nonetheless, I have seen some SC's with far beyond 150K tha run great with good compression. Make sure the transmission shifts well (All 915's are notchy and balk at forced shifts), just make sure it goes thru all the gears and doesn't grind when going into gear. But difficulty getting into 1st or reverse (without grinding) can just be a clutch adjustment problem.

My best advice to you....take it to a good Porsche mechanic for a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI), including compression test. Make sure it has Carrera style chain tensioners upgraded and a pop-off valve on the air box. If they have not been done..you need to do them soon. Tensioners ($500-800) and Pop-off valve ($50-100).

Good Luck...let us know how it goes.
Nick.

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Nick Shumaker
1982 911SC Coupe
nickshu@yahoo.com
PCA -- Rocky Mtn. Region

[This message has been edited by Nickshu (edited 06-07-2001).]

[Doug Zielke]

PPI...of course. But be sure to take the car out for a test drive. No, I mean a *real* test drive; at least 2 hours in all kinds of traffic and road conditions. Less than that and you may not find all the hidden problems that won't show otherwise. And if the dealer/owner protests about your long drive, ask him (nicely) what he's afraid of.

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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

[Ron Norwood]

Response not found

[Ron Norwood]

Thanks to all of you for all the good info/advice!!!