1977 Porsche 911S

[sdremillard]

Hi All,

This is going to be a very vague question but I am going to ask it anyway. If you lived in California, would you stay away from purchasing a 911 (1976 - 1979) given the reputation of about the engine quality/durability during these production years and the inability to make modifications and stay within smog regs?

I have a line on a 1977 one owner 911S with 120K but I a hesitant because I live in CA and will need to smog (legally) every 2 years.

[thamlin000]

Maybe 20 years ago, I’ve drove a 77 with all the smog equipment and stock exhaust and it was a dog; slower than my 944. My current 77 with no smog equipment and SSIs with magnaflow exhaust is much quicker. Given my limited experience, I’d pass on a stock 77 in a smog state and look for a 74 or 75.

Or you could start an LLC in Montana and register the car accordingly as a company car. There are plenty of risks/legal stuff to consider and you’d have Montana plates but I know people who do this.

[LUFTKUL]

I had a '77 setup similar to thamlin's described above. It wasn't fast, but quick and enjoyable. If I had to keep all the '77 Smog stuff - probably the most restrictive equipment of all years - I don't think it would have been nearly as fun. I'd pass.

I think '78/79 was less restrictive and self-destructing than the mid-year smog equipment.

[75 911s]

Thought there was legislation that might move to this model being exempt soon. Might be worth checking into. The above comments are true. The 2.7 is a dog with emissions exhaust and equipment. Freed of all that and a bit of weight and they are super fun.

[Matt Monson]

I wouldn't look at it unless it had been updated to an SC engine.

[racer]

I'd skip it.. then again, I've never wanted any midyear (U.S. spec) besides a '74. IIRC, the brochure HP of a Cali '77S was about 147hp. A '74S was 167.. then there is the additional weight, more delicate motors due to the smog, 5 blade fans etc etc.

As mentioned by Matt, perhaps if it had an SC or 3.2 motor in it.

I certainly wouldn't look at it as an "investment".. and you've made no mention of general overall condition. Coupe or Targa blah blah.

75-77 are the bad midyear years imho.

78 was the beginning of the SC.

[nathanbs]

Originally Posted by racer

I'd skip it.. then again, I've never wanted any midyear (U.S. spec) besides a '74. IIRC, the brochure HP of a Cali '77S was about 147hp. A '74S was 167.. then there is the additional weight, more delicate motors due to the smog, 5 blade fans etc etc.

As mentioned by Matt, perhaps if it had an SC or 3.2 motor in it.

I certainly wouldn't look at it as an "investment".. and you've made no mention of general overall condition. Coupe or Targa blah blah.

75-77 are the bad midyear years imho.

78 was the beginning of the SC.

I thought it was 175hp for 74 911s and 165hp for 77 911s

[ficke]

I too suggest passing on the car since you live in Cal.
That goes with any body in a smog compliant state with the 74-77 911's.
But , there is nothing wrong and a lot right with the 2.7 engine with the smog stuff removed.
Very fun cars and very reliable.

[1979-930]

Bolting the emissions on and off every two years is not that big of an issue.
You're stuck with CIS though; unless the laws do move to 81.
But I've been hearing that rumor for so long I just when I hear about it and think; Newbie.

[sdremillard]

Thanks for all the replies. I decided to pass. I have a 76 International Scout II and had to deal with the referee process after putting a brand new LS3 eRod motor in it. Fortunately the 50 state certification helped reduce the stress in that process. The search continues!

[pmax]

$25K is reasonable for a good one owner 77, could be a possible flip.

I wouldn't pass it up.

Marketplace wise, $$$ mods are overrated and return you pennies for the dollar.

[High Hope]

I bought a '77 CA car in Cali. I swapped the engine for another 2.7 49-state, with SSIs and no smog. It was a revelation. Before requiring another smog I moved to NC w/ no smog. I still sold the car, it was kind of doggy.

[quattrorunner]

I'd rather a 74' or 78-83 if it's cis car but I'd buy a good deal 77' without worry. Just update the fan to the later with more fins for better cooling, and knowing me I'd also have two exhaust setups. Check the head torques first but I wouldn't worry.

[Fixer]

Would they really be able to tell if you've got thermal reactors in place or SSI? I highly doubt they would.
My 77S was plenty fun without the TR and early exhaust

[Cornerlot]

The 2.7L in my '77S was was turned into a 11:1 twin-plug 2.8L years ago. Torquey and lots of fun, but I suppose not CARB friendly.

[racer]

Originally Posted by nathanbs

I thought it was 175hp for 74 911s and 165hp for 77 911s

Depends where you read.. some ratings are still given in DIN, some are SAE (gross) and others SAE Net

Excellence and wiki mention 175hp for US 1974 911S/Carrera and 150hp for the base model, then 160hp for the S/Carrera for 1975. Period road tests (Car and Driver, Road and Track) mention 167hp for the 911S (net) and 143 for the base 911. Cali numbers were 10hp less due to emissions controls in 1975-77. Then consider it could be an old tired motor with even less

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by Fixer

Would they really be able to tell if you've got thermal reactors in place or SSI? I highly doubt they would.
My 77S was plenty fun without the TR and early exhaust

Here in Colorado they have a book, which includes the diagrams of smog equipment. They do a visual insiection. Same thing in CA. So, yes, they can tell and do fail you

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Here in Colorado they have a book, which includes the diagrams of smog equipment. They do a visual insiection. Same thing in CA. So, yes, they can tell and do fail you

Buy reproduction federal non-catalyst decals and replace the factory ones. Most shops will stop researching there and go with the non-catalyst diagram.

[Matt Monson]

Thermal reactors and smog pumps aren’t cats.

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by Matt Monson

Thermal reactors and smog pumps aren’t cats.

Hello,



I dare you to find someone at Smog N Go that knows what TR stands for.