Long time follower first time poster

[Subzerogc]

I have always been a huge Porsche 1979 930 fan. I passed on a opportunity to buy a 88' convertible 3 years ago for $28,000 and have regretted it ever since. Idiot!! Anyways it looks like I have been priced out of the market with two kids it's hard to justify now $50,000 for a fun weekend toy. So now I am looking at non turbos. What is your opinion on aftermarket wide bodies, and cars like a 1975 targa with a 88' 3.2l. Or a 88 with a supercharged 3.6l. I want a wide bodied car but not to sure about cars that have different engines. Opinions?

[oh snap]

I think you have to be a lot more careful when looking at converted/modified cars, but if you find a good one they can be a really good value.

The quality of conversions varies widely. Some are near factory quality, others look good but might have a couple hundred pounds of bondo under the paint. Engine swaps can be really well done professional jobs while others have corners cut all over the place. If youre handy and looking for a project anyway that might not be a deal breaker on its own, just know what youre getting into and pay accordingly.

Most people here recommend a pre purchase inspection (PPI) before buying any Porsche, Id say that's doubly important with a car that has had a lot of changes made to it. Make sure you find a good trustworthy mechanic that knows the cars really well and see what they have to say.

[wayner]

I'm afraid of non turbo cars with aftermarket turbo or super chargers.

Everyone I know who has done a project like that ends up selling their cars because the grief.

I am less concerned about naturally aspirated conversions because they are less complex

[OsoMoore]

The best option, in my opinion, is to find a car with the original engine, but wide body flares. This is done fairly commonly, so you should have enough options to choose from that you can find one that is well done.
Finding a good example of a flared and engine-swapped car sounds significantly less likely.

[Subzerogc]

You guys are great! Thanks for the info. I'm in Northern California so there are not to many to chose from up here at the moment. I guess I will have to wait, or make a trip down to SoCal.

[OsoMoore]

Originally Posted by Subzerogc

You guys are great! Thanks for the info. I'm in Northern California so there are not to many to chose from up here at the moment. I guess I will have to wait, or make a trip down to SoCal.

I encourage you to be open to buying in other parts of the country. California is blessed with amazing weather which is nice to cars, but the cost to drive (of if you have to, ship) a car home may be insignificant compared to the difference in the price tag.

It is harder to evaluate condition at a distance, but a good PPI will alleviate much of that issue. I bought a car in NC and drove it home to WI. I had a PPI, and 9 years of Pelican BBS posts by previous owners to ensure it was a good car, despite not seeing it in person.

[wayner]

As far as non original motor swaps, my 73 has an SC 930 based engine running on carbs. That's as simple a swap as you can get

A 3.2 on carbs would be equally easy

Fuel injected swaps get a bit more complicated but not bad if done well.

I'd be more concerned about electrics and fuel than the engine case.

[catuck]

a '75 targa with an '88 3.2 would be a fantastic car - provided it was done correctly. My car is a real hot rod, light weight, manual brakes - much better feel than later cars in my opinion and the 3.2 is a fantastic engine. With a good PPI from a reputable Porsche shop you'll be very happy with that car. I would be very concerned with a supercharged 3.6l - even done correctly I would worry about reliability - just sounds expensive!