introducing 1982 911SC and me

[hydrocrust]

Hi, Folks,

I'm writing to introduce myself and my car, a 1982 911SC Targa. I purchased this car from the folks at Precision Motion in Riverside, CA, Don and Kris Kravig and colleagues, working through Bob Tindel. According to CarFax, this vehicle was last on the road around 1997 with 172k on the odometer. It was later taken in trade and set aside for a resto-mod, which subsequently lasted more than 12 years. It was intended for someone who decided she preferred a more "modern" vehicle (plusher, smoother, etc), and I got interested in Winter 2012 when I learned it was going to be finished soon. I acquired the car in May, have been enjoying it ever since, working out a few minor kinks, learning to drive this beauty.

Precision Motion folks completed these systems and bits: rebuilt motor (new bearings, cams, P&Cs, valve guides, chains, slightly aggressive cam), rebuilt trans (new synchros, sliders, seals), new clutch, master cyl, fuel pump, battery, front wheel bearings, brake flex lines, pads, oil cooler lines, combo switch, starter, O2 sensor, pedals, numerous dash switches, complete Rennaire A/C (compressor, lines, evap – blows super cold), targa top reconstructed, virtually all rubber bits/trim replaced, new glass, polished 7&8 Fuchs, repaint (Glasurit), new Fuzion tires. For interior, redid carpeting all around, 8-way sport seats from a 86 (?) Carrera. When I picked up the car, there was ~500 miles since completion of the resto-mod.

I have been living a dream for last few months, have wanted one of these for years (I turn 50 this year). I researched a lot of cars, thought for a while I might get a MGB or S2000 or other roadster, but nothing made my heart beat like the 911, and the targa is so iconic, has such a place in my memory from growing up, that eventually I admitted to myself that this was the going to be the car. Then it was a matter of finding the right one, read a bunch, lurked on this board, read the Used 911 Story, researched some more, drove some beaters that needed a lot of work, was intimidated by that thought. Then this car came along. It is not perfect, still needs a few things, but I'm determined to turn it into my daily driver and weekend/road trip car for fun and adventure. I used to do basic maintenance on previous cars (72 LeMans, 71 Saab 96, 79 Datsun 210, 92 Toyota pickup), but more recent cars have gotten harder to work on and I've gotten busy. I'm looking forward to doing some basic work on this car, learning how to manage some of the routine tasks.

I already had oil changed, valves adjusted, a bit of CIS troubleshooting. Also put in a new stereo more to my liking (compared to aftermarket unit that was in there). And I fussed with the targa top so that it is really quiet at highway speeds – the lip was sitting a little high before, pretty noisy, but a few minutes with some pliers and a thin piece of weather striping added to the seal dealt with that. Replaced shift knob with replicate of OEM, put in pneumatic lumbar support with hand pump for driver seat, got some more keys made (car came with just valet key, but master blanks were cut from that, work fine). I've got the 101 projects book and Bentley, and a great local mechanic who loves SCs.

Here is what is needed next:
- replace fuel expansion chamber, part is on order (cracked, PO epoxied, but it weeps = gassy smell in cabin)
- sort out some continuing CIS "hesitation" and stalling, particularly on warm start
- Coco-mats on order
- Waiting to get original steering wheel from PM, will have it recovered, replace the Momo wheel on there now (a bit too "F&F" for my taste, chrome, etc).
- Waiting to get one of the Fuchs back from the shop, was damaged prior to purchase, being fixed, currently have a loaner wheel
- Fix horn, currently get just a squeak.
- Add numbered oil temperature gauge?
- replace/rekey trunk latch release and glove box (do not work with my key)
- Update A/C controls and vent?
- door stay reinforcement?
- Find an Owner's manual for an 82 SC!

This forum has been great, I've really enjoyed reading about various issues, cars, solutions, ideas. I'm looking forward to years of driving, projects and smiles with this car and this forum.

[OsoMoore]

Its beautiful! SC's are the best, and I think you'll find its fun to drive and work on. I got one at the end of May, and I've been driving it every day I don't have it taken apart.

Good luck and I hope your Targa top keeps you dry!

[gordemann]

Nice find.I am sure you will enjoy it.I have had my SC for 15 years.I enjoy it more everytime I get behind the wheel..Welcome

[manbridge 74]

Welcome and nicely posted.

[911Freak]

Now that's a proper introduction! Well done!

Welcome to the Pelican Porsche family

The front wheels in the pics, are those 944 7's? I ask because they appear to be standard SC 6" Fuchs? You can tell by the flat face. 6" & 8" Fuchs was the standard wheel sizes on later Carreras. Regardless, your SC seems to be well sorted with just enough finishing work to make it your own, congrats!

Cheers.
Jason

[hydrocrust]

Good question about the wheels, I've not pulled them off to confirm, just reported what I was told. I'll check in next few weeks.

[hydrocrust]

One other thing I meant to write earlier. It is interesting how this car differs from my other vehicle, 2006 Honda Accord V6-MT. That car has 3.0 liter V6 with 240 HP (255 with premium), also a happy-revving engine, but there is something about the sound and feel of the 911SC engine that is different, compelling and satisfying. It will be even better once I deal with a bit of CIS hesitation. Of course, the Honda unit shifts more smoothly, but I'm leaning how to get the most from the venerable 915. And when I get in the Honda after driving the SC a bit, I feel like I am floating on a cloud, not as connected to the road. The Honda works better for carpooling. I like them both, but for different reasons.

[OttoB]

Congrats on your purchase and hoping many years of enjoyment!

[NOLAsc]

Originally Posted by hydrocrust

...and the targa is so iconic...]

I love my 82 sc targa. It's my daily driver, which makes it hard to do the more-than-a-night's-work stuff. Yours looks well sorted.

Jaysus! Enjoy!