Advise about 72 911s, only know SCs and 3.2s

86Carrera · 06-30-2002, 10:52 PM

I got a call from a friend last week asking for advice on a 1972 911 that he's interested in buying. I have a 3.2 and know what to look for on those but other than the usual advise of having a PPI done and looking for rust, bad repaints etc. is there anything else I can tell him to look into or ask about?

I eliminated about 10 3.2s just by looking before finding one good enough to take for PPI. I bought that one.

Is 1972 the last year of mechanical fuel injection? Is 72 a special year for early Porsches? I know bumperettes were added in 73 and full blown bumpers in 74 and that 2.7s can be troublesome.

Look forward to your responses, need to give him a call tomorrow.

Pete
Clueless about 72s

Joeaksa · 07-01-2002, 05:22 AM

Pete,

You can tell any 72 model by the outside oil tank filler on the left side of the car. Owned one and loved it but Porsche got dumped on with idiots (drivers and gas station workers) putting gasoline in this tank and blowing the motor. The overhauled so many motors on the company bill that they switched back to the old style tank in the next model year. Personally I loved it and wish it was used today but that aint gonna happen.

If you find one, look at the oil tank real closely as they are somewhat rare and expensive if this one is rusted out.

Not sure on the fuel injection but otherwise it was a great car. Last of the long hood cars and also had the long wheelbase, so was a blast to drive. They normally had the 2.4 in the 72 model and it had no real problems. Many of them were switched out for a 2.7 and it did have some issues... but are still a good motor if overhauled correctly.

Still wish I had mine now...

Joe

mgoldleaf · 07-01-2002, 05:42 AM

Do you know what the model designation is? I have a 72 911T and although the basics are there, there are some differences between this and, say, the "S".

In looking for my car I was able to find purchases to avoid by looking first for rust and then for mechanical maladies.

Rust:
- front pan / fuel tank area
- front suspension pickups
- pull a headlight and look under there (might have been changed to H4s)
- rear jack tubes and tube supports
- under the rear "dash" that separates the cabin from the
engine...best looked at from the engine bay

Mechanical:
- motor should be a 2.4
- could be carb'ed (ever popular change)
- could be MFI
- don't think if would be CIS (unless converted)

The "T" motor is rated for less HP than the "E" or "S" but known to go for ever.

Also, check for bills for timing chain tensioner & cover updates and see if updated valve covers have been fitted. This is REALLY important and will save the motor (the chain tensioners and rear covers).

Send pictures.

stew · 07-01-2002, 05:47 AM

look for rust, rust and rust. i have a 72 that looked rust free under a not so bad paint job , but the more i took it apart the more rust i found. but a great car none the less.

pwd72s · 07-01-2002, 07:46 AM

The oil filler flap is unique to the '72 year...it's located on the passenger side rear quarter panel. Rust? The usual "suspect" locations for all early 911 models, but really look over the battery boxes, and below them. Also, rear window seals in early models have been known to leak, and if the car is parked outside, the rear package shelf can be shot. Mechanicals...MFI vanished mid year 1973 for the "T" models with the switch to CIS. E's and S's continued with the MFI until all 911's went to CIS in1974. 1972 was the first year for the 915 gearbox..that's good. I may be prejudiced, but count me among those who consider the 2.4 models in general, and the '72 in particular to be the best of early 911 models..this all in addition to earlier posts, in no way intended to contradict...