79 911SC or 87-89 Carerra?

[craigwlsn]

I'm trying to decide whether to keep my 79 911SC or move up? to a 87-89 Carerra. I've done the SSI HX upgrade and am pretty happy with the performance. One thing I've never liked about the car is the poor shifting transmission. Most shifts are good, but when I'm accelerating hard, it seems to sometimes take forever for gear changes.

I've heard that the G50 transmission is much better and the Motronic is far better than the CIS. I'm guessing that 3.2l is better than 3.0.

Does anyone have experience owning both cars? Any comments would be appreciated.

[morganb]

I have not owned both but have driven both and own a late model 3.2. My 87-89 Carrera is much easier to shift. I also felt the 3.2 has a lot more pull at low and mid revs and a little more at the top end. Note mine is a ROW model. The SC felt a little slow in a straight line. I have driven many 3.2's but only 2 SC's so I may have got some not so good ones.

[tebe1]

Hi,
you want to compare two cars with the difference of 10 years.
Of course the 88 is the more comfortable car, it shifts easyer, has a liitle bit more power, but i donīt know if istīs worth to sell a good car and gambling by looking for one of the most desired Modell.

And the shifting of the 915 isīnt so bad, a lot of people say.
What about adjustment ? There are a few parts, which makes it better.

[Jay H]

My brother has two SC's and I've spend hours and hours behind the wheel of each car. I've got an '84 3.2 and used to have an '86. One of my brother's SC's has a fresh 915 and the other has a very nice 915. My '84 has a fresh clutch, new bushings and fresh fluid. It shifts pretty well for a 915 with 95k on it.

It's been my impression that the harder you are driving, the easier the 915 goes into gear. It's a racing type transmission to some degree, so it would make sense that it would operate easier under more stress. My brother's car with the fresh 915, new clutch (as well) and a factory short shift all set up by a master mechanic shifts exceptionally well. It's a hoot to drive that car with that perfect transmission. It's no Honda tranny, but it's good for an old school type transmission.

I would also assume that your '79 is a bit lighter than a late 3.2 car would be, so, while the increase in power will be noticeable if you moved from the '79 to an '88 for example, it won't be a huge increase that you would feel if you went to a 964/993.

If your car is in good working order and you like it (condition, colors, options), try to get that transmission in proper order. The move up to the G-50, while a nice upgrade, may not be worth giving up your car that you are comfortable with and know very well.

The late 3.2's are very nice cars. It all depends on what you find for sale and what you can live with for trade up costs and then repairs on the new car (they all need something!).

I gave away my '86 911 to 'upgrade' to a 964. I ended up having to get another 915 equipped car because I missed the involvement of the older car.

[umfan866]

BTW I have been test driving various flavors of these cars and I drove an SC with SSI headers a few days before a stock 3.2 with G-50 and the SC felt quite a bit stronger, had instant throttle response and was more fun than the Carrera, which seemed a little heavier and sluggish. I'm told I wasn't driving the Carrera hard enough, but I think the SC is more responsive at the low end WHEN the ssi headers are there.

I agree about the shifting. THe G-50 shifts a little heavy but like a 'normal' car - and 915s vary from somewhat awkward to downright nasty (eg. owners have accused me of never having driven stick when I drove stick for 20 years in my bimmer). Its not my fault that they made 2nd gear impossible to find in the 915 tranny! I know some Porschephile find the 915 more of a racing style shift or "old school" but hey I prefer to find the gears instead of grinding them. If you basically like your car, you could try to have the 915 tuned up etc -- or get a short shifter. I've also read about the Swepco upgrade kit that can also help the feel alot. Let me know (post here) what you find out because it seems everyone wants the G-50 87-89 cars..

Thanks, Marvin.

[Rot 911]

Personally if I was going to get a Carrera I would get the 84-86 version and not just because I own one. The 915, when sorted out with new bushings, shifts quite easily as long as you remember to take that brief hesitation when shifting between 1st and 2nd. Hardly a reason to go to the G50. The earlier Carreras are a bit lighter and I feel more responsive. Put in some SSI's and a Steve W chip and now you have your low end back.

[craigwlsn]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to keep the SC, do a partial rebuild of the transmission (or pay someone that knows what they're doing!) and install the short shift kit. I do like the car and know what I have vs. taking a chance on another one that might only be marginally better.

[Jay H]

Originally posted by craigwlsn
...do a partial rebuild of the transmission (or pay someone that knows what they're doing!) and install the short shift kit.

You'll absolutely love your car with a freshened up 915, new clutch, and a good (Porsche makes a good one) short shift kit. When my brother's '83 came back from the shop with all this new stuff, it was a dream to drive.

[hytem]

Depends on what you are looking for. The SC is more of a classic--perhaps the best 911 overall in terms of style, durability and character. But the gearbox is a pain, and the fuel injection isn't great, either. Life is a tradeoff.