Greetings All,
I'd been reading the Pelican 911 Forum for years and submitting the odd comment, thinking I'd never be able to have one of my own. When I had back surgery back in the noughties, I'd even bought the buyer's guide and better yet, Wayne's 101 Projects to read during recuperation. A string of Alfas had been my focus to that point, remarkably fine and interesting cars, especially two 74 GTVs in which I did many miles and a number of trackdays. There was a first foray into Porsche-dom in the form of an 89 944S2, but I'd stretched the family budget too much for that (beautiful) ride, so after getting in some track days - without killing the rod bearings - I sold it to put the dosh back into my young family's account.
Sold in 2018 after a twenty year friendship, this delectable machine now lives in the SF Bay Area.
A purchase I made somewhat recklessly, but it was sweet while it lasted.
I work in the automotive industry, and in 2013 a car dealer friend bought an 82 SC coupe from a gentleman (whom we'll meet further in this thread) who had basically aged-out on manual transmissions. Those with long enough memories will recall that 2013 was
just before what I'll call the First 911 Bubble - I'd submit we're in the Second Iteration right now - so my friend bought the car for what would seem like a ridiculously low sum, yet it was probably fair market at the time. The car had a dream maintenance history, but 180K miles nonetheless and had some iminent needs, as he discovered when a valve adjustment revealed some broken Dilavar head studs. One of the Boston-area dealerships with which he was affiliated had a former Porsche tech, who tore the motor down as far as removing the (Alusil) jugs. But then, the repair project came to a halt, my friend obviously disappointed that this car which he'd bought quite reasonably, would now need at least a similar sum expended to repair the engine, along with the inevitable while-you're-in-there's. I was watching, offering some thoughts here and there but in no way envisioning myself in this car's future ... indeed, I hadn't even seen it.
My first glimpse. I wasn't to sleep for a week in anticipation.
This stalemate extended into months. One day while we were shooting the breeze about business, I asked what was going on with the black SC. Thirty minutes later I'd agreed to buy it in its disassembled condition. I had not talked to my wife. It was a favorable deal for me, but still a big chunk of money and would worry her as much as what it could mean for my repaired lower back as for the family finances.
A neighbor was kind enough to tow it home. I didn't even know the fellow, just saw he had a trailer and walked up, asking if I could rent it. "Let's go together, and use my truck" he said. It's the friends we make through our interests that matters most.
I'd sort-of promised to sell whichever one I preferred less. The Alfa went, but it was like selling a kidney.
That was July 2014. Now in April 2021, the car has been on the road since September 2016 and I've put about 12K miles on it. In fact, it's become such a trusted member of the family that in the summer of 2019 I was ready to wrap my head and hands around another big project, the 87 924S I'm going through now and documenting with a thread here on Pelican (link attached, below):
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-technical-forum/1046846-johnjs-87-924s-rehabilitation.html
For reasons which seem goofy now, I didn't write a thread when I did the bulk of the work on the SC, and quite a lot of work there was. I've thoroughly enjoyed writing about the 924S and, as those who post their projects know, I received more back than I've invested, in the form of advice and tips but mostly, new friends.
I'd therefore like to share some of history and stories of my ownership of this SC, both retrospective and current. A couple of the repairs I made, I'd now do differently but overall it's been a successful ride thus far.
We'll look at the engine rebuild...
... and the way I put it back together.
There was some rust remediation and new paint here and there.
I put it away when there's salt on the roads, pretty much December to March, but the rest of time I drive it any time I can and have done a couple of 600 miles days in it. Best car I've ever owned.
Part of the family and three seasons daily life.
I hope you'll find this thread of interest. I'll do my best to make it a good read; feedback is always welcomed.
John