Is a 912 right for me?

[Sicklyscott]

Hi -

I've been lurking around these parts for several years now and have sworn to own a Porsche one day. I absolutely love the styling of the 911/912 but love the performance of the 911. Recently i have been bitten by the "restoration bug" and would love to pick up something I can do a rolling restoration on. Here's where things get interesting....

My budget is no more than $7500. I have seen a few 912's go for this and a ton of 914's. I am drawn to the 912's for styling and think it would be cool to be driving a classic Porsche. The 914's interest me because they're so ugly they're almost cool. I also feel it wouldn't be a big deal if I screwed up a 914 but I'd hate myself if I ruined a 912.

With all that said, am I going to be bored with the speed of a 912? In the recent past I've owned a 220 whp Miata turbo, a 300 hp Subaru, a 300 whp Cobalt SS and a 2004 M3. I understand the balance of the car is spot on but it'd be slower than the stock 1.6l Miata was which concerns me.

While we're on the topic, what performance can a 2.0l motor provide? If the car came with matching numbers I would not try and seperate any of it. Though if numbers didn't match I wouldn't mind a Subaru conversion.

Any insight would be appreciated!

-S

[JT912]

You will need to adjust your standards. A 912 is no Miata, Subaru, Cobalt, or M3. You seem to hit on the speed of things and a stock 912 is not a fast car. It is a nimble and quick car that benefits from a skilled driver and proper setup. You are going to quickly exceed your budget trying to make a stock 912 into some sort of rocket ship. I would go and test drive some that are for sale to get an idea of what to expect.
I'd look into a 914 or find a mid '70s 911.

[Matt Monson]

You sound like a candidate to become a Raby customer if you pick up that car...
Welcome to Raby's Aircooled Technology Web Site

[Jaems]

First of all, you are going to have over three times the $7500 in a decent 912. Plus your mine set is all wrong to be a 912 owner---If you expect to stomp on the throttle and smoke the tires. These cars were built in an era to match the condition and the engine to car. They love to be driven in the proper gear and the proper rpm to stay at their peak torque. When the driver negotiates twisting turns and up -downhill esses, heel and toe down shifting to setup for the next corner, dancing down the narrowest of lanes in a graceful ballet. If you do not understand this scenario---then a vintage Porsche is not for you.

You are not going to make a street-able legal 912 fast enough for yourself and keep the handling that it was originally designed.

[Brad Brownell]

A 912 is an interesting beast. It is equal parts 356 and 911, and as such, is the best of both worlds. The Typ 1 Super 90 engine in the 912 is FLAWLESS. I LOVE IT. reliable, sounds good, decent power, etc.

The balance is just stellar. 200+ pounds lighter than an equal year 911, and it shows. Tractable power everywhere, you are never out of control, and it is just so well attuned to what you want. Slightly wider wheels and tires, and you have a nearly unstoppable combination.

I just can't say enough good things about the 912. (contrary to this, I HATE how early 911 models handle, they just feel like they are going to kill you if you look at them wrong).

[Sicklyscott]

This is exactly the input I'm looking for.

I'm not really looking for something that does smoke burnouts at the blip of the throttle. I am more of a corner chaser than a straight line person. I'm just worried that I'm going to step foot in a 912 and not feel comfortable merging into traffic (especially here in NJ).

As I said, the $7500 wasn't for a perfect 912, it was for a good base for MY perfect 912. I understand these cars and their parts aren't cheap but from what i can find in classifieds that isn't an unheard of price for a little to no rust example.

Keep those opinions coming!

[Rick Becker]

Porsche designed the original 911S for 160-180HP and 145MPH speeds pushing the chassis limit. So the 912 is one of those cars that keeps you within the limits of the chassis, even if you tweek the engine somewhat.

Also, for a moderate bump up from the range of funds you mentioned, you could look at an early Boxster. But you won't have 2+2 seats; those extra two seats can come in surprisingly useful.

[racer]

914's outhandle 912s

both are underpowered by todays standards.. 90-100hp. When you drive a 914 and realize you hardly come up over the running boards of an Explorer/expedition, whose driver is no doubt on the phone, it could make you nervous. Twisty back/mountain roads devoid of these issues, sure makes a great way to spend the day.

That said, they can both be quite rewarding to drive, but realize every minivan out there will smoke you in a straight line.

[Rick Becker]

Check out this 912 at Road Atlanta using the link below, watching with the highest HD setting and volume on loud. YouTube has other great 912 videos, including autocross and drives on twisty roads.

Porsche 912 at Road Atlanta 02/19/11 - YouTube

Not a feat easily duplicated by a minivan...

[Jaems]

Rick, it sounds a lot like my engine.

[dion914-6]

I always wondered how a 912 would do against my Formula Vee. Now i saw a good comparison.

I'm in the same boat. I currently have a 3.2 powered 914-6 conversion ( for sale by the way http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-cars-sale/635508-1974-3-2-914-conversion.html ), and the 912 s have caught my eye. Even though the 914 is a beast with this engine, I'm looking for something older with the 2+2 seats and also maybe something that needs to be restored. So threads like this interest me.

It was funny, last weekend I was having breakfast with our local PCA guys. One guy at the table has an early 911E, another has a 912 Targa, another has a 914 v8 conversion, and the last guy is the best local mechanic and has a collection of Porsches. I asked the mechanic what he would buy with $15k, a 912 or early 911 that needs work. His answer; buy a VW r32 or Subaru WRX. . Guess that's what you get when you work on these all day.

Dion