77s Feeler/Assessing Value/ Sell or Rebuild Engine

[Robbylou]

Hi all- Would love some opinions on what to do with my 77s. I did a full overhaul of the suspension (elephant), upgraded the shifter (wevo) + bushings/linkages, cleaned up a bunch of small things from prior owners, and upgraded the interior (lightweight). TLDR I spent probably as much as I paid for the car in mods. This was all when the engine was running pretty well, about 2 years ago. More on that below.

I have thought about eventually backdating it (keeping narrow fenders), converting to a competition rally spec, or group 4 bodywork (in that order). I think the backdate adds the most value and I love the early cars. I loathe cutting the fenders. I sort of think it’s “too nice” to rally having banged around Tuthill’s cars at Below Zero. On the plus side, I know it’s a great starting point with a great chassis (Speedsport did the suspension and dialed in everything including fixing a damaged mounting point). it’s far from original. It is painted slate grey (originally copper brown) and interior is now black (orig. cork). Engine/trans are original but you’d really have to love copper brown/cork to return it to original.

Fast forward to now, the engine is tired. I’ve since picked up a 83 sc backdated to 73RS look (and a 68 912). Trying to make sense of whether to keep the car and either rebuild the 2.7 to RS spec/efi ( +~30k) or source a 3.0 or sell it. If I sell it, I’m not sure whether to address the engine before or sell it as a “project”. I don’t need to sell it so I don’t want to take a bath on it because of the engine. Interested in what you all think it’s worth.

Thanks
Rob

[kc911s]

The classic dilemma. Sell as is or do a rebuild.

[matt930s]

Nice car the way it is. Maybe come up with a price assuming a good motor, then back off a percentage for rebuild. As a buyer, I would expect the engine overhaul to be a negotiation point.

[juanbenae]

a 77 is not smog exempt in CA, and I think Colorado.... could possibly take a number of perspective buyers out the mix.

30k? a motor done could be another 20k for a buyer. Is it a 50k car is the real question.....??


do love the car. I might have kept my 75 had it been a narrow body....

[NYNick]

$45K I think, all day long. Metro NY prices.

[ItzaMe]

Post some pics of the 83SC and 912

The 77 motor might be tired, but if it ain't broke - don't fix it.

Adjust the price accordingly and sell it.

I have a 77S with a turbo widebody that needs full paint job and TLC.

Someone was offering me "in the 40's" for it, so I would say your car is also worth 38-40's

[Dan J]

Originally Posted by NYNick

$45K I think, all day long. Metro NY prices.

This

[Robbylou]

Thanks, all. I had been thinking I'd let it go for high 40's.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a complete 911 for 30 that doesn't need everything, incl. some amount of bodywork, even if it is "running"

[Robbylou]

5 speed swap + Fuchs added. It’s now wearing a silver prototipo. Still have the original trans and wheels. Probably will replace the sugar scoop headlights this summer and adjust that brake pedal, but otherwise “done” for now.

[Robbylou]

Early front latch panel backdate. Still need to convert the window trim to bright and swap the wheels to RS finish 7”/8”

[ItzaMe]

Super nice cars!!

[Otter74]

I like that steering wheel - what is it?

Early-look seats look good in it.

Originally Posted by Robbylou

Hi all- Would love some opinions on what to do with my 77s. I did a full overhaul of the suspension (elephant), upgraded the shifter (wevo) + bushings/linkages, cleaned up a bunch of small things from prior owners, and upgraded the interior (lightweight). TLDR I spent probably as much as I paid for the car in mods. This was all when the engine was running pretty well, about 2 years ago. More on that below.

I have thought about eventually backdating it (keeping narrow fenders), converting to a competition rally spec, or group 4 bodywork (in that order). I think the backdate adds the most value and I love the early cars. I loathe cutting the fenders. I sort of think it’s “too nice” to rally having banged around Tuthill’s cars at Below Zero. On the plus side, I know it’s a great starting point with a great chassis (Speedsport did the suspension and dialed in everything including fixing a damaged mounting point). it’s far from original. It is painted slate grey (originally copper brown) and interior is now black (orig. cork). Engine/trans are original but you’d really have to love copper brown/cork to return it to original.

Fast forward to now, the engine is tired. I’ve since picked up a 83 sc backdated to 73RS look (and a 68 912). Trying to make sense of whether to keep the car and either rebuild the 2.7 to RS spec/efi ( +~30k) or source a 3.0 or sell it. If I sell it, I’m not sure whether to address the engine before or sell it as a “project”. I don’t need to sell it so I don’t want to take a bath on it because of the engine. Interested in what you all think it’s worth.

Thanks
Rob

[Matt Monson]

$40k for the ‘77 might be a little reach. But not much. Here in Colorado it has to smog when it comes in. Then it needs it every 6 years on collector plates. Plenty of time to rebuild the engine and have some fun.

[Robbylou]

Originally Posted by Otter74

I like that steering wheel - what is it?

Early-look seats look good in it.

The steering wheel is a prototipo that I had re-wrapped by carbone liveries. I had them wrap it thicker (I think they call it double wrapped). Horn button is from Manuel Campuzano, who also did the custom tall shift knob/extension.

Seats are from GTS classics (911R/50th anniversary centers). Those are moving over to the red car. I think I waited a year for that fabric.

[Robbylou]

Suspension mods below plus elephant spring plate reinforcements welded in, which was a separate section on the invoice.

[ItzaMe]

I would say you are in the correct realm trying to get in the 40's especially seeing you have some nice parts and modifications done over the length of your ownership.

[MrBonus]

I think it makes sense to sell it as-is and let the buyer figure out how they want to rebuild the motor.

[Robbylou]

Thanks- I will probably take some pictures, get the compression/leakdown numbers and create a listing. If no interest around 45, I’ll probably add a cage and skid plate and go the rally route. Getting the interior stripped and cage welded will give me some time to hunt for a motor

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Robbylou

Thanks- I will probably take some pictures, get the compression/leakdown numbers and create a listing. If no interest around 45, I’ll probably add a cage and skid plate and go the rally route. Getting the interior stripped and cage welded will give me some time to hunt for a motor

Ask Speedsport if they know anybody who wants your car. They way you have it, it'll sell in a hot minute.

[Macroni]

sell as is.