80K mi. Carrera or rebuilt SC?
 

I know all the yesses and nos of Carrera versus SC, and the "buy the newest good car you can afford" and all that; I'm very thankful for the forum.

But that won't keep me from starting a new thread:

If you could buy, say, a 84-86 (915) carrera with 75-90K miles in nice shape for $$16-18K, OR:

Buy an 82-83 SC with the same amount of miles and a fresh (3000 mi) quality rebuild for the same price,

What would YOU do?

thanks everybody.

First off, I'd wonder why an SC would need a full rebuild at only 75,000 to 90,000 miles. These motors are good for 200,000 before needing rebuilds if treated properly. I would question how the SC was used...and what else is wrong.

If both the SC and the 3.2 were in the same shape cosmetically and had desireable colors (to you) and options, it's going to come down to which car you like better. I personally prefer the 3.2 and the motronic engine management. But, others will prefer the CIS SC motor.

A fresh motor is tempting if you know it's been rebuilt correctly. You may not need to touch the motor for 20 years!

Age isn't going to come into play on this deal since a late SC isn't all that much older than an early 3.2 car.

Condition is everything on these things. If the engine choice doesn't matter to you, then buy the one that's in the best shape and appeals to you most. They really are very similar 911's.

Just my $.02.

Jay
90 964 & 84 3.2

Answer: The proverbial slippery slope. The PO of my car had 2 broken head studs. His wrench went in to fix them and do a top-end while in there. Then he decided to split the case and replace the bearings. Then he decided to use APR rods and bolts. Then he decided to replace the chain ramps. And on, and on, and on.

If it was a quality, documented rebuild, go with the SC. Great cars!

I thought the same thing about why rebuild after only 70-80K.

The original problem was some cracked or broken rings on one piston, and a chunk missing or a crack or something on the skirt of that same piston. The shop convinced him to get a new matching set of P&Cs, so why not do a total rebuild?

I don't know if it was just a top end or complete rebuild. I imagine if there was a chunk missing from the skirt of the piston they had to split the case to get the chunk or the pieces of the broken rings out, right? but regardless, it seems like a good build from a quality shop (Bob Hindson's in KC MO.) And he used euro 9.8 Pistons, so that could be a bonus, depending on how you look at it.

Which on a side note, makes me ask: Is the only difference between SC euro and SC US spec the compression ratio and the exhaust? Or is there more to it?

As much as I like the SC, in this case, I'd go for the 3.2 - after lowering the price a bit! ;)

George

Here's an update:

So, after looking at the build sheet from 2000, I see that

The rebuild was done because of 3 broken headstuds. New set of Ps and Cs because of scoring on one of the pistons. So a new set of 9.3 (not 9.8) mahle Ps and Cs, dilivar studs (a 993part#. Is that 993 studs?) So basically, a full (bottom and top) stock rebuild. with 2500 miles.

Also, 5 new synchros, sleeves, couplers, and new teeth for 1 and 2.

So, now my question is:

SC with a brand new quality stock rebuild and basically a fully rebuilt trans for $16-18K, or

A 80K-100K Carrera for the same price?

Man that SC will probably go forever if it was done right.

For a full bottom end too, I would want to see that the bearings were changed. Even so, this looks very good. IMHO, the SC is the car to buy.

Rod bearings, Nose bearing, crankshaft bearing, and countershaft bearing halves are all listed on the build sheet.

Full rebuild. Go with the SC for sure.

I"m not sensing any bias from you, am I, Halm?

Just Kidding. I'm definitely leaning towards the SC route. Especially since the nice 80K carrera I was looking at has sold. I'm not sure I wanna wait around for another good one.

The equation has changed with all this new info on the why the SC motor was rebuilt and to what extent. PLUS, with a fresh tranny rebuild, it's almost a no brainer. Even though the Carrera is sold, I'd pay the premium for the SC now verses waiting for another Carrera to come along IF you still like the rest of the SC's package (color, options, etc).

Yes buy the SC, since you know the rebuild is good, and a tranny rebuild. The Carrera COULD all of the sudden show the valve guide issue and start smoking needing a top-end or rebuild itself - even at 80k. Myself I've decided I just cant risk buying an SC or Carrera unless its got at least a recent top-end done.

16-18k is a ton of $ for an SC, new powertrain or not. Unless the car is very nice in body and paint as well, it should be less than 15k. It may be different in your neck o' the woods, but here you certainly would not shell out 16-18. Cheers,

George

Yes I know of a red/black 1984 Carrera for sale with full rebuild and recent paint (just a crap interior) for 14k, so an SC should be MINT
at 15k.

I don't recall if it was this thread or another one but the quote was that SC's and early Carrera's are $20k cars. You either buy it in that condition to start with or you end up spending that amount over a period of time. IMHO, it is just a personal preference. Drive all of them and see which one you like best.

Geez...I've had the opportunity over the years to own a 78 and 79 SC and an 84,86 and 87 Carrera. I remember distinctly back when I had my 79 SC, I was seriously contemplating selling it for an 87 Carrera (would have been my first Carrera) but held off after driving both side by side. The SC's just seem to have more lower end punch which I found more usable for street driving. The Carrera seemed to have just a little more torque but just always needed to be wound out hard to get a similar feel as the SC. Thats due mainly to the larger intake manifold runners and intake ports. My 84 Carrera seemed to be the best of the three Carrera's and I'm not really sure why. In fact, I remember being behind an SC (almost a couple of car lengths) and racing down a long straight at the track. I got by him but it wasnt like I blew his doors off (I was in my 84 Carrera). My 78 SC was also a more responsive car too than the Carreras.

I dont know....I like them both but I dont know if I could even judge one for myself now. I recently drove an SC that seemed like a snail to me. Then I drove a Carrera not to long after that didnt seem any better. Then I realized how spoiled I have been driving over 400+ RWHP 930's and how out of touch they've put me with the 911's I grew up on!

Look the point really should be can you buy a Carrera in equivalent condition to this SC for the same price. I think that with patience you can.