to buy eruo sc or not?

[sportline]

I would appreciate all your help with this decision - I am thinking about buying a 1982 911sc euro - looks in good shape, well maintained. My questions are about euro/row vs USA versions and all that goes with it.

Your thoughts on this - buy a US version or go with the euro with greater hp but what will I be missing?

Thanks

Steve

[Huh]

Go with the ROW that is all I have to say. You won't go wrong.

[Spede]

US versions are slow compared to their higher compression Euro cousins.

[Oh Haha]

Go ROW. You won't be disappointed.

[Vin-barrett]

How does a euro SC run in CA with the lower octane fuel?
I've heard Henry from Supertech say that the compression ratio should not exceed 9.5:1 on these cars.

Is this a prob for the later ROW SC's with their 9.8:1 CR?

[Rich76_911s]

Make sure to have a Pre Purchase Inspection done at a reputable porsche shop before purchasing the car. It will alleviate a lot of headaches if there is something wrong. If the car is a 1981 or newer I can run a car fax for you.

I think you already get the picture of the opinions on the ROW / US model. The smaller impact bumpers in the back are much nicer too in my opinion.

Rich

[Joe Bob]

I have what's left of one....it's now a 3.6 powered long hood RS clone.

The engine was great with the extra euro HP. I do have some issues with DMV every once in a while due to the differing VIN# and once my insurnace company had me read it to them five ******* times they were cool with it too....make sure you get and keep all the Federalization paperwork.

[JP911]

How do the smog guys handle the Euro thing?

[Joe Bob]

There is one or more stickers in the door jam. It should have what is needed for CA and US specs. The car should also have a bunch of paperwork for when it was imported.

"I" would ask the buyer to go with you to get it smogged and registered to you....and THEN hand him the final cash payment.

Even if it's a dealer....

[harold12750]

I own a 1983 sc euro cab , When I went to look at it I was like a kid in a candy store, to tell the truth I didnt even know it was row ! I tried to have a ppi done but the people that would do it couldnt get to it for a week and the sleazy salesman insisted it would be gone way before that . So I had to go with my instincts ! I was very lucky, I could have ended up with a pos and I would have deserved it .The car came with o paperwork . the registry had trouble with the zzz so it got registered as 222 ! Emissions were a big problem this car had no cat and no 02 sensor .Had to go to a place where less than perfect worked !I live in Rhode Island , but in other states that might not be as easy as here.I didnt realize it at the time but 204hp and 9.8/1 compression works great for me ! I guess you should really do your homework unlike me who just casted his fate to the wind. good luck

[djdsc]

Sportline

You are in California, the Republic of Davis; unless the car is currently registered in California or has all the Federalization paperwork then I would pass.

Even then it is the responsibility of the seller to provide a California smog certificate. I agree with Mikez, hand over the money when the DMV clerk says hand over the money.

Registration in California is a whole separate subject from the condition of the car and a PPI.

[aigel]

Two serious issues with ROW cars:

- When did they get here? After spending 10 years on salty roads?
- What happened to the mileage? Coming here the speedo is changed.

Only buy if you can verify that the car was a true grey market import, meaning that it came shortly after it was built or when it was brand new. Otherwise pass.

Yes, it is true, the Euro is faster, but it's not hard to get a regular US SC to gain 25 horse and be in the same power ballpark.

George

[SC Schrauber]

Mine is real German '81 SC - it rocks! No issues - just performance.

[sportline]

Thansk for all the great ideas to follow up on. I will let you know what happens.

Steve

[DARISC]

My grey market 82 came into US to SOCAL independant dealer early 84, no rust, no ice racing scars on pan - been registered/smogged in SOCAL w/o problems ever since then. I'm 4th owner, 184k miles, runs strong.

This my first Porsche - didn't fully understand how fortunate I was to luck out with an RoW 'till after I owned it and began reading this board & other bits. Lots of torque down low, 204hp (before putting on SSI's/Dansk 2in/2out), no AC, 2500 lbs.

CA 91 octane not at all a problem.

Love the car. Not for sale - ever!

[PorscheGuy79]

I <3 ROW.


(Your post almost makes me cry hearing that from a Corvette guy, maybe there is hope)

[RandyF]

I've owned a 78 911 SC R.O.W. for a few years, and it's been a fun car. I would do as Rich76_911s suggested and have a reputable dealer to a pre purchase inspection, as you should for most any 911.

It's my first Porsche so I'm not the best to judge, but I've had a number of mechanics comment on the power. It certainly seems to have good low end torque.

Mine runs fine on any good brand of 91 Octane, but I think the 78's had a compression of 8.5 anyway.

I bought the car from a local specialty dealer, and had it smogged once at the place next to Performance Plus in Canoga Park. I figured that way if there was a problem, Performance Plus could look into it, but there were no issues.

I think Aigel's comments about salty roads and the speedo are valid. Mine does have evidence of rust underneath, but nothing of signifcance. Also, I do wonder about the actual mileage.

It is a blast to drive and gives 3.2 Carrera's a run for their money.

[bkcbuilder]

I also have a German ROW.....came from an Army dentist who bought over there(when stationed there) and shipped back after he finished his tour.
Pretty sure there was no federalization paper work or any other work for that matter.
No PPI for me....pulled it from a U-store-it after sitting for 5 years..pushed onto a trailer and gave the lady the $4900.

[acapella8]

Mid range torque in my 78SC ROW always suprises me. It just pulls and pulls - always keeps the 3.2's a serious run. Higher compression, no cat/smog and better looking IMHO.

Now if I could only get the KPH speedo back - or find one at a reasonable price -- still looking!

[911 in SC]

Originally posted by Rich76_911s
If the car is a 1981 or newer I can run a car fax for you.

I think you already get the picture of the opinions on the ROW / US model. The smaller impact bumpers in the back are much nicer too in my opinion.

Rich

Rich, I sent you a PM. For some reason, your PM reply didn't have a link attached...

Thanks again,
Mike

Oh yeah, sorry for the OT. I say go for the RoW. I know I love mine!