Questions: How much? Sunroof or no sunroof?

[JBunkley]

Dear fellow enthusiasts,

I have been comtemplating a purchase of a 911 for close to a year now and I would appreciate some advice. I have been educating myself about early 911's by following this message board, reading books such as Bruce Andersons Performance Handbook, and others. I haved learned alot but do not yet feel confident in the financial decision.

I want to build a 73 RST replica out of a 73 911 T. I want to use it as a daily driver and on weekends autocross, road race, and some fun with the twistys out in the country. I love cruising with the sunroof open, music on, and rpms high. I also want my 911 to be nice on the inside like an "S" so here are my questions to you.

1. Will I regret getting a model that has a sunroof? Regarding the loss of agility, cornering ability, and structural rigidity, or is it not that big of a deal.

2. How much will all of this cost me?
A. Bare metal repaint. Show car quality.
B. Converting a 73 T 2.4 to a 2.7 RS spec engine
C. Appropriate wheels.
D. Interior restoration to an RST
E. Updating suspension. Euro Specs.
F. Updating brakes
G. How difficult is it to round up the proper RS parts? MFi, pistons, ect?
H. Anything else I need to be aware of?

3. I have never owned a Porsche, what am I getting myself into here? I want a car that is fun to drive, reliable, fast, and of course woos women.

I sincerely appreciate your help in my endeavor. I look out in the world of automobiles and I all I see is an early 911 that I built myself and a twisty road.

Sincerely,
-JB

[jester911]

I am sure others with more knowledge than I on the subject will answer this as well but from what I know is the sunroof really doesn't take away much from the rigidity of the car. What it does do is add weight to the top of the car which is exactly where it is not needed.
However the only time you really are concerned with this is if you get into some serious racing. I personally own a sunroof coupe and I love it.
If all you want to do is open it up on the twisties then there is nothing like a nice spring or fall day with the top open and the wind in your hair.
good luck

[stone43]

To answer your questions:

1. If you are going to use it as a daily driver, and I see that you live in San Diego (like myself), go with the sunroof.

2. A lot!! I don't drive an early 911- but there are plenty of clones out there and I will defer exact costs to them. Although, I do have contacts here in SD that can do much of the work. One for paint and exterior (West Coast Specialities), One for interior (OB Upholstery), and engine work (Extreme Motorsports)--all are experienced with Porsches. Black Forest is another for engine work.

3. Porsches are incredible cars to own. Lots of fun, but lots of money to maintain. They can become habitual. The more time you spend on this board, you will see how passionate some of these guys are. As for wooing women, unfortunately, you are on your own here.

Also when you actually get your car, be prepared to be challenged (daily) by Mustangs (usually not a problem) and ricers (a bit more unpredictable, but driving skills can sometimes overcome overzealous computer chips).

[s_wilwerding]

Quick note on the sunroof - if you're a tall guy like me (6'4"), it's nice not having the sunroof, as you gain a couple more inches of headroom, which I believe will come in quite handy with a helmet on doing DE.

Another consideration with sunroofs is that if the car has ever been in a major accident and has a sunroof, don't buy it. It has been my experience that you can never get a sunroof to seal right if the car has been wrecked.

However, if you're a short guy and find a good car with a sunroof that seals well, go for it. Just be sure to test the sunroof for leaks before buying the car.

[JBunkley]

Thanks guys,

I sincerely appreciate your input on these matters.

As for the sunroof I am going to get one, I'm 5'11" so a helmet shouldn't be a problem and I still get to enjoy my car on the twistys here in San Diego and in the Lagunas. Thanks s_wilwerding for the input on the seals and the height issue.

Stone43 your contacts are noted and thanks alot. You're right I should get the sunroof. As far as spending money, I need something to take care of and polish with a diaper. I enjoy seeing a project through and I really love to learn. So I spend some cash so what, I'll love every minute of it.

I'll enjoy making rice out of Mustangs.

Jester911 Thanks for your input I sincerely appreciate it. I look forward to the twisty road and the sunroof open.

-JB

[cary]

Be careful.............I'm six foot with a big head ( 7 3/4 ).

My helmet is right at the roof. I can barely slip my fingers between the helmet and the roof.

I'd go look at cars with a helmet in the trunk ............If it were me.

[Jocke]

But if you should drive your porsche at a track or something.(where you need a helmet) You probably should change the original seats and then itīs just to get some seats who makes your ass a little closer to the ground.



I have Koenig Racing seats in mine and I have almost my ass on the road! (at least it feels like that)

/Jocke