73 911S Coupe - Specific Questions

[slw911SC]

Hi Folks:

I'm just looking at a 73 911 S Euro Coupe that hasn't been driven for quite a long while and will, more or less, need a full resto. It has the Porsche CoA, and average mileage.

I have few questions:

1. Was it normal for the 73 models to come without an oil cooler, lines etc? This particular car doesn't have the set up (lines, banjo, Behr etc. ) and looks like it was never fitted/ plumbed for it. In other words, this car didn't come with the assembly from the factory.

2. The tach red lines at 7K, not 7200. Is this common, or perhaps an E tach?

3. Cost these days. Remember, this one needs a full cosmetic and mechancial resto.

Thanks!

[tangerine911S]

As far as I know, 72 and 73 S's came from the factory with an oil cooler and a 7300 redline tach, without exceptions. Are you sure this is an S?

[356RS]

Brian is right. What is the VIN number?

[slw911SC]

Thanks guys. Strange. The chassis and engine VIN show that it's an S, and all match. So does the CoA. Having said this, which model: T, E and/ or L may have come without the oil cooler set up and a 7000 rpm tach?

[356RS]

The "T" tach redlines at 6400 to 6600. Sound like you have the E tach maybe. I would think all "S" models came with the front cooler. I could be wrong.

[slw911SC]

Thanks Mark. I was thinking it may be an "E" (replacement) tach for an "S" that broke. But, I just don't know if all "S" Coupes came with an oil cooler set up? Every one I've seen - until now - has one.

[tangerine911S]

What is the engine #? Not a definitive indicator, but what color is the engine shroud? If there is any rust on the cylinder cooling fins, its a T engine. 911E's and S's used aluminum cylinders.

[slw911SC]

Sorry, engine # is at home. I'll check again, though. Engine shroud is red, 2.4 MFI, it has an alu. rear deck lid, alu. brake calipers, S front chin spoiler, Recaro sports, cookie cutters, fins look clean - but can't recall, exactly. But, no oil cooling!

[kiwiokie]

Originally Posted by slw911SC

But, no oil cooling!

A difference between cars bound for the European vs. US market perhaps?

[RWebb]

could be

given that it has two seeming divergences from spec., I would be very careful to check all the "secret numbers" on the chassis

also be sure to check all major assemblies to make sure they are correct for the car

you don't want to pay for an S and get "half an S"

pics you can post will help others to assist in the above

[71six]

In 1973 the oil cooler was optional unless the car had AC as standard equipment
Mark

[boxster03]

From the Early 911 Registry

It's not widely known, but unlike '69 to '72 S's, the '73S did not come standard with a front oil cooler (unless it had A/C). I'm not sure if it was a cost savings measure or they decided it wasn't necessary. In any event, if you are going for authenticity, check your cardex. If your car had a cooler installed at the factory I think it will show the front oil cooler as an option. If your '73S came with an optional front oil cooler it will be the loop type, not a radiator type as used on '69-72 cars. Again, I don't know why loop vs. radiator. Maybe/probably cost. If you are looking for concours correct then I think you need the thermostat and lines from a '73 car. If not, the lines, thermostat and loop type cooler from an SC (or '84-89 Carrera) will fit and work great on your '73S. To my knowledge the only difference between the '73S and the SC is the thermostat arrangement. Seen '73S Targa with the factory installed otional front oil cooler and a '73S coupe that came without a cooler.

[356RS]

Great info. Thanks 03

[slw911SC]

Thanks everyone! Great info!

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by tangerine911S

As far as I know, 72 and 73 S's came from the factory with an oil cooler and a 7300 redline tach, without exceptions. Are you sure this is an S?

Wrong-oh...the radiator cooler was standard in '72. In '73, even for S models, the cooler became optional and it was a "trombone" style cooler. Many 1973 S models were delivered without coolers.


Sorry, tried to find a tach pic I have on file...but couldn't spot it. Relying on shaky memory here, but the "red line" isn't really a "line" but a red band that covers several hundred rpm...maybe it begins at 7000 and ends at 7300?

[RSTarga]

actually the oil cooler was standard in ROW cars (trombone) like the RS. But the Importer decided that the US models did not really need the cooler. The option cost was 90dls. I visited the factory in 75 and bought lines thermostat and loop cooler which they sold to me for 90dls !!! They could not understand how their engineering dept had permitted the deletion for the US cars.

[tangerine911S]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Wrong-oh...

...learn something every day.

[slw911SC]

Great thread - and great info. Thanks guys. I will check the red line "band" issue. I have since determined that the car is, in fact, a 73 S Coupe - but has not been running for a very long time - so thnigs are generally messy all round.

Now, as to price ......?

[andrew15]

My concern would be the rust that is starting to bubble through on the rockers and front fender - being stored on a dirt floor for 20yrs probably didn't help