Buy the Newest you can afford, right?

[Karb]

Can someone tell me What the (realistic) life on a 3.0 would be before it's rebuild time? I've been patiently surfing the web for a nice 911(sunroof coupe), and keep seeing 100+k miles 3.0's ranging bewteen 8-12k. I realize the life of an engine depends on how hard someone could get, and stay on it, but I'm asking about the average number +/- range.
The answer will certainly help me with my purchase. I've seen a few early 80's SC's that caught my attention, but the mileage makes me wonder.......is the owner tired of the car, or is the car just plain tired?
Thanks for any help
Sc in Va.

[Gogar]

From what I understand, an SC engine can go a long, long way UNLESS it snaps its head studs. Some do, some don't. If your head studs stay intact, you'l probably doing a clutch or tranny bits long before you'll need to do the engine anyway.

That said, the SC I just bought had 79k when it broke a few head studs. PO did full top and bottom engine and new tranny just for kicks, replacing the studs with 993 studs, among other things. From what I understand, that engine can easily go a few hundred thousand before a rebuild unless I drive like a jacka$$.

[racer]

SC motors have been known to last 200K miles or more if cared for. Heck, some still do it with almost no care. They are perhaps the hardiest 911 motor out there, besides, say a "t" motor (2.0-2.4l)

Course, now that SCs are getting on in age, there is some concern of Ethanol being used in these older motors causing rubber parts to fail quicker. Also, depending on condition, other components will need attention (suspension, transmission etc, and well, they aren't cheap either).

[DanielDudley]

They can go a long time, but some consider a higher miles car with a top end and tensioner upgrade a plus.

You should get a copy of The Used 911 Story by Pete Zimmerman. An easy read, and very informative. Also, make friends with a good 911 mechanic. He's the one who is going to tell you if your head studs etc. are in good shape BEFORE you plunk down that hard cash.

I love my 81 Euro SC. A very fast and fun car. But a Boxter is in the same price range, and they shift nicer and are arguably the best handling car Porsche ever made. If you are buying the newest you can afford, consider a Boxter.

As you ask, do the SCs wear out or do their owners tire of them. Poor AC, combined with wanderlust can do in an owner. Also, a good Porsche that has been loved is a joy. A bad one that has had important repairs postponed is a super money pit that will make the most ardent enthusiast miserable if not broke. Many will stretch the truth to get back ''Their money''. Don't give them yours.

There are plenty of SCs out there. Choose well, and realize that some nice bargains exist if you are diligent.

LOL

[hytem]

Originally posted by racer

Course, now that SCs are getting on in age, there is some concern of Ethanol being used in these older motors causing rubber parts to fail quicker. Also, depending on condition, other components will need attention (suspension, transmission etc, and well, they aren't cheap either).

The manual for my 82SC specifically says E10 gas is fine, but no higher than 10% ethanol. That's true for most cars today. E15 will require some design changes in new cars--by 2015, if they go that route. I doubt they will unless they go to cellulose-based ethanol. Hybrids are inevitable.

[aigel]

An average cared for 3.0 SC engine should make 180k fairly easily. That said, the 3.0 can break head studs and that's not even necessarily proportional to the mileage on the engine.

George

[EarlyPorsche]

With Porsche 911's its actually buy the oldest you can afford and old is EXPENSIVE with them. If you creep up to a short wheelbase then boy are you in for a ride.

[real550A]

Along the same lines as EarlyPorsche, I'd say decide which
model suits your fancy, and buy the best example of that
car you can find.
The newest model you can afford isn't neccessarily the one
you want. It's not about settling for one, it's getting the model/year that you want.
Early cars rock! The WWII motto of Grumman Aircraft Corp.
was "KISS....Keep it simple stupid". It works.

[Sunroof]

Hey Karb...
We have all been where you are now deciding which 911 to buy to fulfill a longtime desire to own a 911. I have had four over the past 30+ years so I can add some insight here..........

Virginia? Your in the snow belt and older Porsches (first year dipped in 1975) are very prone to rust. The SC's in a salty road environment can suffer as well. My suggestion for starters is try to locate cars in the southern climates like Georgia. Or one that has never been out in the winters.

Atlanta has the second largest P-car population in the country next to California, so I am always promoting that location. Yes, I live in Altanta and can tell you that we do not salt our roads, P-car drivers drive them year round and many here abound. Try Craigslist (Atlanta), Atlanta Journal Constitution, Peachstate PCA Region Classifieds...to name a few to see whats around.

Although I own a 1973.5T, my favorite car was my guards red 1979SC. The SC was in its day a modern vehicle with many refinements with the ever popular 3.0 liter engine. Mechanics back then refrerred to it as "bullet-proof". You should consider the 1984-86 Carrera as well with the updated DME fuel management system that takes the hassle out of the CIS, comes stock with the hydraulic chain tensioners (a must when buying an SC) and the air-box pop off valve. With the early Carrera series you get the SC body but an updated 3.2, fuel management system and a few other refinements. The 1987 Carrera on have the G50 transmission that is the same in the 944's that has the hydraulic assisted clutch............

The key like anything else is doing your HOMEWORK.....There are hundreds of cars that you will find are well taken care of, with maintenance records, dedicated owners and had loving care. All Porsches need maintenance and often that can be pricey. This board, Waynes 101 Projects, Haynes manuals, etc are very valuable resources to have. The 3.0 liters have been known to go over 250K without a rebuild, and yes, headstuds have been known to break and cases have been known to come apart, even on the 3.2 engines, but remember you can buy a fantastic car, head on home with your new pride and joy, mess up a shift at high RPM and blow the engine or bust the tranny! I guess, its all relative........

You know its 7K-9K to rebuid a P-engine these days!!? ALWAYS, have a pre-inspection survey at a reputable shop before buying.
The guys on the board can even direct you to a local shop in their area and give you a hand looking at the car...

With patience you will find your 911SC or Carrera and maybe help others down the road who may be asking the same questions you are right now.

Good Luck

Bob
73.5T