What items need attention, opinions requested

[Tommy Z]

Happy Sunday PP! I have had my 79'SC for about 2 months and I have dug into a few projects as they have become known to me. Replaced a CV boot and re-packed the joint and dismantled and repaired the high beam/low beam switch but I'm looking to try and address issues before they become a problem. I'm most concerned about addressing reliability but enhancing performance is always a welcome bonus. I have pretty much zero mechanical experience prior to owning this wonderful car and my hope is to get to a point where I understand even half of what is discussed in some of these threads.

I have been crawling around under the car a bit and snapped a few photos and I' was hoping for some observations from members on if they see anything that looks like it needs addressing. There are also a few photos here where I'm hoping someone wouldn't mind identifying a few parts. I do have the Bentley Manual but I haven't always been able to find the answers I'm looking for. A lot of the photos are of the bushings for the sway bars and drop links so please let me know if they look like they could benefit from replacement. I don't really have a frame of reference so any and all opinions are welcome. Cheers!

I know these heat exchangers show corrosion, but is it dangerous or effecting performance?



Do these bushings show enough wear to warrant replacement? I have some records but not all and nothing to indicate they have ever been changed.







Are these lines from the air pump to introduce air into the cylinders? The fittings show corrosion. Do they need to be addressed?



What is this part please? Starter and something else?




I hope not to annoy with my ignorance but appreciate the input from anyone on advice as to what needs to be addressed and what doesn't. Keep in mind I'm new to wrenching and still at a novice level. I know things like new fuel and brake lines would be the kind of things that might fall into the category of reliability but those are a little intimidating at the this point but maybe they shouldn't be. Thanks all for any input on what I should try to tackle to keep this car in as good a shape as I can!

[fanaudical]

That last photo is a picture of the starter (motor and starter solenoid).

Unless you're in California, most people have removed the air injection lines and air pump. Do you still have the air pump installed? Our host sells some plugs to replace the air injection fittings.

The heat exchanger corrosion is potentially significant. You probably don't get much heat (if you use it) with the hole. If the headers inside are corroded you may be getting exhaust into the cabin.

Sway bar links are probably in the same state as the rest of the rubber suspension bushings. I don't think I would worry about those until you tackle the entire suspension...

[walt]

Yes, that's your starter and solenoid. I don't see anything in the urgent category but all good winter projects to keep you busy. Replacement of the heat exchangers will be pricey but as long as your exhaust tubes are in good shape you are safe.

[Tommy Z]

Originally Posted by fanaudical

That last photo is a picture of the starter (motor and starter solenoid).

Unless you're in California, most people have removed the air injection lines and air pump. Do you still have the air pump installed? Our host sells some plugs to replace the air injection fittings.

The heat exchanger corrosion is potentially significant. You probably don't get much heat (if you use it) with the hole. If the headers inside are corroded you may be getting exhaust into the cabin.

Sway bar links are probably in the same state as the rest of the rubber suspension bushings. I don't think I would worry about those until you tackle the entire suspension...

Thanks Fanaudical. I'm in SW Florida so I don't have smog issues. What are the benefits to removing the air pump? I have resisted the great urge to remove the CAT as I want to maintain my respectable environmentally conscience persona but I only put 100-220 miles on it per week so maybe one day performance will win that inner battle. For now the heat exchangers don't pose a comfort problem because it's pretty rare we ever need heat down here. As long as it's not a health risk or a risk to damage something else I'll wait until I can afford to replace them with SSI's. I'm keeping my eyes open for a good used set but so is everyone else!

Anything else I should be thinking about replacing or upgrading that might fit in my wheel house as a rookie? Things not in the photos?

Thanks!

[Flat6pac]

The heat boxes are thin flange
Good used are usually seen in for sale section
Bruce

[fanaudical]

The only benefits of removing the air pump that I know of is reduction of weight and "extra stuff". I don't know if the air pump is necessary to keep the catalytic convertor functioning properly (my car is pre-cat).

As far as other things to look at: Rubber brake hoses, steel brake lines (look for corrosion), and any/all fuel lines.

[Robey5]

I like what you’re up to over there. Your machine looks to be in pretty good order so far.


I will inform you that I (too) am looking for those “cheap” SSIs in the FS area, and have had little luck over the years. Your heat exchangers are not looking near as bad as mine are, but then again, I did not get mine pressure tested to see if there is a leak. My heat: blows hot enough to drive my car in the early spring or the late fall. My $0.02, ditch the air pump junk. I don’t believe that you have a concurs resto in your future based on the posts of yours I’ve read. Ditching that air-pump removes all the junk and makes it easier to work under neath the engine. Good luck over there! Keep the pics coming.

[Tommy Z]

Originally Posted by Robey5

I like what you’re up to over there. Your machine looks to be in pretty good order so far.


I will inform you that I (too) am looking for those “cheap” SSIs in the FS area, and have had little luck over the years. Your heat exchangers are not looking near as bad as mine are, but then again, I did not get mine pressure tested to see if there is a leak. My heat: blows hot enough to drive my car in the early spring or the late fall. My $0.02, ditch the air pump junk. I don’t believe that you have a concurs resto in your future based on the posts of yours I’ve read. Ditching that air-pump removes all the junk and makes it easier to work under neath the engine. Good luck over there! Keep the pics coming.

Thanks Robey. No, concourse restoration is not my goal. I just want to the car to be perennially reliable and enhance performance as much as possible. I would love to upgrade everything I can! As I mentioned I really have no mechanical experience but since I discovered this forum during my search for my first 911, I am obsessed with the desire to be able to fix everything on it and to some day be as proficient with repairs and such as some of the folks here. I wish there was a course in air cooled 911 repairs. I would sign up for a shop class in a second! Youtube videos are not as plentiful as one would hope for a newbie so this forum is the next best thing. The books and manuals help but they too can be challenging for a rookie.

I'll do a search for posts regarding the removal of the air injection system and maybe try to tackle that one. Sounds like a great project. At my level I need a step by step instruction for everything.

Thanks for your contribution!