Bought a dreaded middle-years 911

dmac · dmac's Garage

Yep - against all recommendations I bought a 77 911. It's in amazing condition, prepurchase went well, and was priced fairly at $10,000. The 77 has bronze valve guides. I'll install the cam tensioner upgrade in the next couple weeks.

I'll hope that the studs don't pull out! Bob at Johnson Autosport says they are not a big problem if the thermal reactors have been removed, as this car has. Any other suggestions to minimize the chances of this problem?

sammyg2 · 06-13-2002, 06:48 AM

Additional oil cooling, and i have heard some people change to a fan with more blades, but I don't have any personal knowledge of that one. Basically do everytrhing you can to keep it cool.

wckrause · wckrause's Garage

Congrats on the purchase. It's good to have another Minnesotan 911 owner on the board.

hermzz911 · hermzz911's Garage

Congrats as well!

What color did you get? I'm just on the other side of 169 from you, so if you see a blue '82 targa, give a flash!

Craig

czwbkx · 06-13-2002, 06:52 PM

77S here, too. Black on black, but added SC flares. Lots of fun so far!

Two Oh · 06-13-2002, 07:11 PM

dmac, These are very nice cars. Sometimes problems can cost almost as much as the purchase price. But the problems can be avoided. Save some $ and purchase the "Raceware" case and head hardware. Also upgrade to an eleven blade fan.

My opinion is that these big bumpered cars with the narrow bodys are extremely attractive. Much more pleasing to the eye than a SC with its flared rear wheel wells. Don't get me wrong SC's are cool cars but there's just something about the narrow body with the big bumpers.
Congats on your purchase! Post a Pic !

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by dmac
Bob at Johnson Autosport says they are not a big problem if the thermal reactors have been removed, as this car has. Any other suggestions to minimize the chances of this problem?

Completely untrue. Studs pulling can and do happen to any magnesium case engine from the 2.0 to the 2.7. If your engine was overheated at one time (that's all it will take), it can weaken the case and cause the studs to pull out later on...

The fact that the engine has not had the studs replaced and Case-savers installed is a big negative. Most '77s that command that price will have this done as a bare minimum. I'm surprised that your PPI guy would say such a thing, because it's really not true.

I only recommend buying a 2.7 if it has all of the proper upgrades performed to the engine.

-Wayne

Jim Sims · 06-13-2002, 09:03 PM

The only thing I dread about my '76 is storing it for the winter.

Jim

Adam · Adam's Garage

Congratulations!

If it's properly sorted, you'll have a ball!

Post some pics! What color is it?

thrown_hammer · 12:16 PM

Way to go! Another 2.7S! Let's start the 911nbwwdp! (911 nobody wants world domination plot) The nice thing about the mid-year 911's is you can cut them up and customize the crap out of them and the purists don't even yell at you.

dmac · dmac's Garage

It's metallic copper in color, with full-leather brown interior.

It was serviced at Johnson Autosport over the years (Bob Johnson let me go through his records). Mobil-1 exclusively. The reactors were removed and fan upgraded to 11 blade long ago - so I'm hoping it has not seen high temperatures. At 25 years old and 86,000 miles one might think that if the studs are gonna pull they would have by now (wishfull thinking!).

I looked at a lot of ratty SC's and Carrerra's that were blowing smoke for $17k - $25k. For my $10k investment in the '77 I can drive it 'till she breaks, overhaul it and zoom around some more - in a car that's much nicer than the rats - time will tell if my logic (and luck) hold up!

bobo · 06-14-2002, 12:44 PM

dmac,
Congratulation! Does your '77 911S come with the original Blaupunkt radio with recording function? I also bought a '77 early this year without the original radio and want to get one for my car. I don't know what radio model name/number this car orignally come with, does anyone know?

speeder · speeder's Garage

dmac,

Metallic copper as in the color of a brand-new penny? That is one of my all-time favorite colors on ANY car, Porsche had some of their best colors in mid '70's, absolutely gorgeous color combo, IMO. That must be a pretty car if it's in good shape, good luck with it!

P.S.: I will try to email you when I am in Mpls. later this month to see your car, maybe we can have a MN. Pelicanhead gathering.

dmac · dmac's Garage

My car does not have the original radio - replaced with a Pioneer.

The metallic copper paint is somewhat like a new penny - perhaps a bit darker. After having owned a red 924S and red 944, I was ready for a new color. I'll post a picture, if I can figure out how.

A year ago the Fuchs wheels were refinished, and new tires, for a total of $1,500 - and they are beautifull!

I'd be glad to meet up with some Twin Cities Pelican's! Anyone have access to the famous 944 belt tension tool? I need to do that little job soon also!

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

Kudos for the choice. Don't waste your time worrying. Drive it and enjoy the fun that comes from owning a narrow body. When the 2.7 gives up the ghost drop a 3.2 in for an easy upgrade or just go wild and go to a 3.6. Then you will have one of the best looking 911s ever, and the HP to cover the bases.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Marc,

My thoughts exactly; dmac you now have a beautiful car to enjoy and you are in it right $-wise, if someday, (which may or may not come), needs motor, do a swap and if done wisely car will be worth every cent. For now enjoy and keep it running cool and in proper tune, clean oil in veins, might go another 100k the way it is. Also you have one of the top CIS experts from this board local to you, (wckrause), I'm sure he will help you out if you ask nice. Have a great summer!

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

What's wrong with middle-year 911's? Mine will whup-ass on most SC's and Carreras!

If you get one that has the proper updates and all, it's a fine car.

ferrari2porsche · 06-15-2002, 04:17 PM

Despite my 77, 911s minor engine issues, I love it. It has tons of potential. It's a beautiful car with lots of mystique that I know I'll enjoy for a long time. Oh, and woman love it.

wckrause · wckrause's Garage

Quote:

If you get one that has the proper updates and all, it's a fine car.

Turbo flares and a 3.6L! I'd say that was a proper update.

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

Congratulations! Nice 911's in Minnesota do seem to bring a premium price, I think you did well. You're already aware of the weaknesses of the middle year cars, your car has had the most obvious modifications done, and you've got the opinion of Bob Johnson (as you know, a very respected tuner). While I respect Wayne's opinion (it's a position that's been well documented) there are certainly hundreds of 2.7's "out there" running well, with no more modifictions than your's has had. Enjoy your "new" car and if you see a silver SC, give it a wave, it might be me.

Cordially,

Jerry M
'78 SC