Advice on Replacing the 911?

SeaDweller · 01-10-2002, 09:25 AM

Well, the good side of my dilemma is that I get to replace my 911SC with another 911. While I work to sell my car, I'd like to start the process of finding another. The primary caveat is that the car MUST be compliant with CA emissions!!!!!

When we bought my wifes Honda Odyssey in Torrance, CA, I seem to remember that is was a California emissions vehicle, meaning it had more/different equipment than Honda's shipped into other states. Do auto makers still manufacture cars that are designed and destined specifically for CA?

The reason I ask is that I'm not sure if I should buy a car that was bought new and registered in CA, or if any US version car will qualify for CA emissions?

Second, I need some advice on years. I really, really like my '78. It's the true definition of a sports car, uncluttered, noisy (in a good way) and loads of fun to drive. Are the later model SC's the same? How about the mid to late 80's Carrera's? My budget will be strictly limited, as I never envisioned having to sell my current car (not to mention the loss of money). What is available to me in the $13K to $14K range?

One thing I will be unable to do is "restore" the new car like I've done my current car, so whatever I buy I'll have to leave as is. I also need to make sure it's as reliable as my current car. Does this effect the choice of year?

Any advice would be most appreciated!! I don't want to be Porsche-less for long!!

Thanks!

Rot 911 · 01-10-2002, 09:29 AM

Mike, with a budget of $13-$14K I would stick with a nice SC or an early model (70-73) "E". Both can be had in very good condition for your budget with no mechanical work needed and in the case of the "E" for $13-$14K it should be in almost showroom condition.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Mike, I still have to vote for an engine swap in your car. Consider this, Sell your car for $10K, buy another car for $13-14K, plus $1k for sales tax (8.25%), plus $1-2K for stuff you will find after you buy it. That extra $4-6 thousand dollars buys a nice 3.2 for a transplant, much less if you get a good price for your engine.

You can also factor in the cost of a 915 rebuild, because the tranny you already own has been rebuilt, a "new" car probably won't have a rebuilt tranny.

Even if you buy a used engine an it needs a rebuild a few years down the road, you will still be ahead.

Tom

island911 · 01-10-2002, 11:41 AM

GOOD POINT, emcon5!

sales tax (8.25%) on $13k is over $1,000. For $1,000 you do a lot to make it smog nazi passable.

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

i believe the only part of the car that will not comply with CA emissions is the engine. Why don't you just pull the motor and sell it, then trailer your car to california and purchase a new motor?

As for as making different components for CA v. other states, this is interesting. When looking at 993, I looked at a couple out of state cars and california car. Each of the cars, including the out of state cars, had an emission compliance sticker stating the motor complied with CA emission standards. The earliest car I saw was a 95, so I dont know if this applies to pre-95. I do know the 3.0s have different equiptment for CA emissions.

I also emailed a guy in Germany selling a 993 3.6. He stated that even 993's 3.6 sold in Germany are compliant with CA emissions laws. So you could get a 993 3.6, transplant it into your current car and drive right to the emissions testing station in CA.

Pleae correct me if I am wrong.

And don't forget our generous Gov. Grey Davis just increased the Ca. sales tax. It will now cost you .25% more.

rscupper · 01-10-2002, 12:38 PM

Michael, check with 'mikez' on this board. He's our resident 'smog nazi' in Santa Barbara and could probably address alot of your questions.

I'm not so sure that a non-3.0 transplant, even if it's CA emissions legal, will pass. I thought I heard once that there are certain unique emissions parameters for each year/model, and each car (as identified by the VIN) must pass within those parameters. I could be totally wrong - anybody?

BTW - If you're going to sell your Euro send me details. I may be interested (wouldn't you really love to drive it to California?).

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Michael, what did you decide to do?

Tom

stone43 · 01-23-2002, 09:43 PM

Getting back to your original question, Fl. 911's appear to be cheaper than the CA 911's. I priced in both places recently.

I did an 83 SC, now doing an 85 Carrera. I found the 85 to be much quicker, but with the same edginess of an old 911. Your budget is borderline SC/Carrera, probably get a better SC.

Take your time, as it took me 4 months to find mine, and I literally stumbled on it.

Leland Pate · 01-23-2002, 10:47 PM

Or of course... the best fix would be to Not Move To California.

Hell I'd say 30% of the US board members live in the Quazi-Police state known as CA.

Better run outta here .... flames hot on my trail!!!!!!

Noah summed it up best...

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

From someone who lives in sunny CA where it's 70 degrees in January, I'd say the smog crap and the 8.25 sales tax is worth it. This is from somone who grew up shovelling snow in NY and Boston!

Anyways, my vote for best 'affordable' 911 right now would be a good condition 1987-89 Carrera. Believe it or not, you can find them in the $15-$17 range...

-Wayne