911 year and model recommendation

[70boss]

Glad to find this message board. I am a life long 911 admirer. I have been restoring, buying and selling classic Mustangs for the past 10 years, and I know have the itch to buy a 911. So the question on this thread will be, Which year? What motor? etc. I am familiar with the engine progression from 2.2-3.2L. It looks like the 78-83 cars are the model for me, but I am still open to the earlier cars as well. I have mechanical ability, but I am looking for a spring, summer driver. Thanks in advance!

[masraum]

If you want the model that will cost you the least and be the most reliable then the SC, '78-83 is probably the best bet.

If you aren't afraid of engine mechanical work or rust and body work and this will be a toy then you may want a pre-'74 model. Those are the early cars before they were 100% galvanized and before they got the new bumpers. They are lighter and from what many/most will say more fun. The '74-78 cars can be good cars, but the 2.7L motor had some serious problems that aren't cheap to fix so most people suggest that unless you have really deep pockets or the problems have been fixed and very well documented so you can verify they have been fixed most would say avoid those cars.

If you have a little more money, but not much and you want a great car with the reliability of the SC's but less to fool with (computer controlled fuel and ignition, more fuel efficient, more power) then you should check out the 3.2L cars.

Good luck, ask any questions that you have, check out Bruce Anderson's book Chapter 2 for info on the models, when you start looking check with this list about each car and the prices and make sure you get Pre-Purchase Inspections done on any car that might be "the one" and make sure you get them looked at for rust/body damage, especially if you look at anything pre'76 (pre-100% galvanized)

[Leland Pate]

Ah, yeeeees... another one...
nuk, nuk, nuk, nuk...

Might I suggest...........an SC????!!!!!

I've heard nothing but great things about those cars.
Everyone seems to want one....

There is a certain amount of comradery amongst SC owners.

And they are the envy of all others.

Other than that, I know nothing about them.
Oh and women seem to really love 'em for some odd reason.


Yikes... signature block!
Whew...

[Saffs]

Haha, Leland.
70boss, the ultimate way to decide is to drive a few different cars (and year models) and get a feel from what you want in a 911. Inevitably, people will recommend model years to you - funnily enough, usually the very models they own!
In defense of the 2.7 '74 - '77 cars, they have some well documented problems (headstud pulling in hot climates made worse by emission gear - in CA - and premature valve guide wear), but often are fine esp. if the updates have been done. Also, SCs snap headstuds. Search the BBS for info on both subjects.
Good luck in your search!

[pwd72s]

70 Boss? If you have a '70 Boss? I couldn't recommend selling it in order to get into any year 911. You'd never forgive yourself.. That said, all 911 models have good & bad points. Just that some are "gooder" and some are "badder" than others. BTW, you wouldn't know where a guy could find original boss 302 exhaust manifolds, would you? I have a neighbor who has been looking for years...

[Jcon]

I went through this about 2 years ago. I loved the look of the early cars, but I preferred the feel and finish quality of the SC not to mention the excellent record of reliability. I have not been disappointed.



Good luck .... and don't rush things, looking is half the fun.

Jeff C
81 SC