Thinking of 911 purchase

[scottmandue]

I am thinking of upgrading to a 911 (I currently a 944 owner) so I have a few questions.

First this is what I am looking for - early 1980's to mid 1970's $10 - $15
Strictly a fun car (already have econo commuter car), exciting to drive is priority number one, I don't care if the stereo works... I would rather listen to the engine and the tires. Primary usage will be crusing mountain/canyon roads and driving up the California coast. Therefor cornering ability is very very important (thus my original 944 purchase) and reliability is an consideration, of course we would rather be driving our sports cars that working on them!
Questions:
Are there some websites I can check out so I will not be bugging you folks with question about all the differnt vatiations and specs?
How about a driving school where I could try a 911 to compare to my 944?
I have been directed to consider 911SC or 911S, and I beleive a Carrera are nice if you can find one.

Thanks in advance,

[Leland Pate]

SC definately.

course...I'm biased.


10k will get you a decent SC- that's what I paid for mine...
15K should get you a really nice SC.

Buy the "911 guide to authenticity". Pelican sells it. It'll give you every change down to the style of cigarette lighter on 911s from '74 to '89. Really neat book.
As far as test driving one goes...do you know anyone in your local club with an SC? Maybe go for a spin with 'em?
I know there are a few guys on here who have switched over from the "dark side"....944s in particular, so maybe they could give you some of their impressions.

best of luck!
Leland

Oh, and if you get an SC, you can joint the SCWDP and get a sticker!


-bonus ...

[orbmedia]

A low mileage SC coupe sounds like the right car for you. Search for one with about 60K-70K miles and it should be in your price range.

[Bobboloo]

I see this thread and guess who's the first one to reply. Of course, Leland. Don't trust this guy. He's the ring leader of the sinister group of thugs. That's right the SCWDP (SC World Domination Plot). I'll have to alert the early 911 crowd to these going ons.
Just kidding of course.
If I had $10k to $15k. I would look for a super clean 72 or 73 E. Very fun car and sure to hold its' value. Maybe have enough money left to put on some 7X16 Fuch's with 205/50 tires.

[scottmandue]

Okay more questions (sorry I got interupted by work before I could finish my list ) :
What's this I hear about SC head stud problems?
What exactly is the difference if the 911S Vs 911SC (I see a 1974 911S for sale)?
What was the best year for the 930?

Thanks!

[pbs911]

Sounds like you want a 911 for fun. While there is a point to picking up a stock car, you may find it advantagous to pick one up with some mods you will ultimately be making. This can save you some $$$. Specifically, you should probably look for suspension upgrades such as torsion bars, shocks, bushings, TTR, etc. People also always want a little more power, i.e. SSI's etc, may be a good thing to look for.

Go through the search function on this board, researching all the upgrades that can be made. That will probably enable you with an idea of what mods you would want to make in the car. ther eis a wealth of info on this board. After you have knowledge of what kind of mods correspond to the type of driving you will be doing, can begin to start looking for a car with the mods already done. Test drive a car with the mods and a stock one. This will give you an even better idea of the type of car you are interested in.

As for the model, you are aware of the SCWDP, right?

[Saffs]

scottmandue,
The 2.7 cars ('74 - '77), including the 2.7 911S, have been known to have some well documented problems with pulling head studs (and premature valve guide wear), plus SCs occasionally snap headstuds - do a search on Pelican for both these subjects.
I used to have a 2.7 (Euro spec. and in the UK) and it need the valve guides at 60,000 miles but was a great car after that. I've driven a couple of SCs and must say I prefer the 2.7 as it felt more nimble and I don't like the SCs power brakes - I prefer the feel of a solid brake peddle. The US spec 2.7 has less BHP (the SC has less too) than the ROW one - and the 2.7 often runs in hotter climates than Europe, thus is much more prone to headstud pulling, hindered further with emission gear that made it run hotter still - I see you're in CA where 2.7 emission gear was at it's worse.
Therefore, if I were you in CA, I'd go for a pre '73 911. Probably an E, or a hotted up T, rust free, of course. You'd be emission exempt. No silly smog pumps, cats, etc. reducing BHP. You'd also get a pure *Classic* looking 911 - many feel the impact bumpers (post '74) detract from that; I sort of like it, though.
I really like 2.7s, but would really not want the emission gear that you'd have to have in CA on it.
Goodluck.

[Superman]

The emission exempt idea has a lot of merit if you live in a place like California. the 2-7L engines (pre-'78) are prone to studs pulling from the case. 3.0L engines and even (expected) 3.2L engines break studs due to corrosion. We don't mind questions, but doing searches and gathering published literature would be more efficient for you. You will benefit greatly from this research. Greatly!

I'd suggest an SC. Also, you may be able to get a car that has many of the upgrades you will otherwise decide to send money on. These include Carrera chain tensioners, SSI exhaust, turbo tie rods, torsion bars, shocks.

If you're looking for a car to throw around mountain curves, you're going down the right road, so to speak. 944s are very nice, but wait till you see what these 911s can do to a mountain pass.

[H20911]

Get a 78+ targa (the open air feeling is a nice thing) they are reliable, fun and in your price range.

steve (very modified 77 turbo look coupe)

......wish that held out for a cab

[jkeyzer]

If you are looking for something fun, easy to work on, and smog exempt in CA (73 or earlier) then a 69-73 911 might be what you are looking for. I took this route with a 72 911T Targa recently. The 72-73 2.4L engine isn't advertised as having all the head stud problems of the 2.7, and you don't have to pass any smog checks. No pesky smog pumps or thermal reactors or catalytic converters either.

Ideally you would want a 911S but I'm not sure how much you'd expect to pay for one. A 911T is a less performance oriented car (140HP for the 2.4T vs. 190 for the S) but you should be able to find one sub 10k and put the money into the upgrades it will need... Watch out for rust.

If you want to have fun in those mountain drives then a Targa is a BLAST! The song of the engine off the surrounding landscape is addicting!

The Early 911 FAQ was helpful to me when I was first getting to know the 911 (not long ago):
http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_guthrie_faq.htm

[scedmonds]

As you're already a member of the Porsche 'community,' you've got access to lots of friendly expertise.

I highly recommend the SC line -- the engines are strong and long-lasting (and loud), and you'll get the most for your $$ on these '78 (I think) to '83 rides.

I bought my SC Targa for $13K, but have invested nearly that much in the two years I've owned it to get it into reliable, daily driver (and awesome-looking interior/exterior) shape. I could have saved easily $5K if I was a mechanic-type, but I'm not!

Which leads me to my second recommendation: find a trusted 911 mechanic/shop close by. Have the car pre-inspected by said trusted mechanic, so you'll know their educated opinion about what it needs.

Best of luck -- you'll love the 911SC!

Cheers!

C.

[Jcon]

This seems to be the topic of the day. I looked and thought long and hard on this topic and in your price range I ended up buying a 55,000 mile SC. Two years later, and I'm still thrilled with the decision.


Jeff C
81 SC