Hi folks! I'm usually on 914 World since I'm a 3x 914 owner, but I just sold one of my 914s and am looking to replace it with a 911. I "long" for a long hood, but since reluctantly accepting that they are far out of my financial reach, I am looking for a '74-'83 SC or a '84-'89 Carrera since that are a'plenty and affordable (still). The F and G models are my favorite 911s, btw.
You guys are the experts and owners, so I'd love to pick your brains about owning a G model SC or Carrera and hopefully get some guidance on what to look for, what to be aware of, what to avoid and how to select a good car. Any advice and input is greatly appreciated! I'll start off with a few basic questions but feel free to elaborate a/o expand on them and other things I should be aware of. I would like to find a well-sorted car that doesn't need a lot of mechanical work, reliable, good cosmetic condition and doesn't need new paint (I've seen a lot of botched paint jobs, painted and re-painted). I'm looking for something that I can reliably drive, is mechanically sound and enjoy right away. Also, if you or someone you know has a car I may be interested in, let me know! Thanks!
1. Other than horsepower, what are the differences in the SC models? The body and interior pretty much remained unchanged for 15 years (save the whale tail). Anything else to look for?
2. I understand the SC horsepower changed 3x during the G model run - 180 hp, 188 hp and in 1981 204 hp. When did it go from 180 hp to 188 hp and is there a difference in the reliability/mechanics with each engine incarnation? Is there much of a noticeable difference in each? Pros and cons?
3. How many different engines were in the G model run, what/when was the difference in horsepower in each and is there much of a difference in them regarding reliability and mechanics? Pros and cons?
4. I understand there was a different transmission between the SC and Carrera models. What are the differences in them? How reliable are they mechanically and is there frequent or costly maintenance on them?
5. What are the differences in the Carreras over the G model span? What are the pros and cons of them?
6. What are the main differences between the SC and Carrera models (other than varied hp)? Is there a noticeable difference in performance in hp among the models? Pros and cons? to each?
7. What should I look for when shopping for a G model SC? How to determine the best car, mechanically sound and reliability, areas of rust to look for, cosmetics (things that may be expensive to replace), etc.
8. What should I look for when shopping for a G model Carrera? How to determine the best car, mechanically sound and reliability, areas of rust to look for, cosmetics (things that may be expensive to replace), etc.
I'm very much looking forward to any input you guys can give me to lead me to a satisfying purchase of being a first-time 911 owner!
PS - Here's me with my very rare 1974 914 LE Can Am "Creamsicle" aka "Valentine" (Production Date 14 February 1974)
