e-PPI - 1980 911 SC Targa 3.6 - Value/Comments/Suggestions?

[PcarPhil]

Hey there folks -

I've had my eye on an interesting toy and have been in negotiations with the current owner of this:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?t=373720




I haven't seen the car in person, or driven it. I have been collecting info from the current owner and the PO (who installed the 3.6). At the moment I'm working on PPI stuff. Without seeing or driving the car this is what I've come up with:

Virtual e-PPI 1980 911 SC Targa 3.6

Pros:

-Very nice looking car inside and out.
-Bare metal repaint done 7 years ago.
-Dash, windshield, carpets, targa top replaced at time of repaint.
-Sport seats.
-1990 3.6 engine with cylinder heads updated. The top end of the engine had been rebuilt with new pistons, cylinders and the heads machined somewhere during this time to do the cylinder head seal update. Work done in first 90k miles.
-Cams, valve springs, and valve seals replaced in 2005. Camgrinder DC 20 cams.
-Nice mix of parts. 993 DME, induction, exhaust. 964 engine. Fiberglass bumpers. Fikse wheels.
-Very clean 3.6 swap.
-Runs like a bat outta hell!

Cons:

-Some chips in paint.
-Tires 50%.
-Bone stock 1980 suspension with the exception of turbo tie rods.
-Stock SC brakes.
-Oil leakage onto heat exchangers on both sides of engine. At very least cam seals probably need to be replaced.
-Mileage of 3.6 engine unknown. Over 100k perhaps close to 150k.
-Mileage on chassis over 155k.
-Transmission grinds into second gear under quick acceleration.
-Custom 3.6 install using some custom parts. Some parts may be difficult to replace.
-DME aftermarket chip unknown.
-No muffler installed. 993 HE's run to 993 cat's exiting through resonator tips. Slightly to somewhat loud.

Comments:

-In 2005 the top end was torn down to replace the injection, cams and valve springs. Valves and guides measured fine, so only the valve seals were replaced and the top end sealed back up.
-Oil change due.
-The existing cooling system would be fine for DE, the front Mocal cooler would be fine on its own for DE, the fender cooler was there for stop and go to give some more cooling when not moving. If you are moving at all the car stays quite cool with the current setup. For true daily driving in a stop and go environment you might want to replace the 28 tube fender cooler with a radiator type setup so you could add a fan.
-Leakdown test should be performed before purchase.

I'm looking for comments - primarily what you think this car is worth in the condition described above. The seller is asking $22.5k. Thanks for the help!

[Gogar]

I've been in that car, and it is fantastic. And fast. You could NEVER, EVER, EVER build it yourself and do that good of a job for $22.5k.

That said, If you have him take it to an experienced shop who can do the usual checks and make sure its not a grenade (which I'm sure it isn't), I'd say go for it. the "cons" are pretty reasonable, IMO.

And the exhaust of that car is one of the coolest sounding ones I've heard. I remember commenting to him over and over how cool it sounded.

[Jims5543]

This car is still for sale, feel free to ask any questions about it here. I will do my best to answer them.

PPI was performed issues that were addressed:

Oil leak is now fixed new lower valve cover gaskets installed.

Oil change performed.

Rear brake caliper acted up on the way over to PPI after 700+ mile road trip - new caliper installed.

Valves adjusted in last 4K miles including new spark plugs.

Power antenna does not function correctly, I have replacement in had and will replace it this week.

Oil level gauge on dash does not indicate level correctly, could be sending unit or wiring, this was like this since I purchased 2 years ago, never an issue with me, I check my oil level regularly and tire pressure.

Tires are Mumho MX's and have appox 7K miles on them, the rears are worn down to 25% treadlife, fronts are at 50% . PPI shop felt they were done, the Autocrosser in me felt they just got good. But the rears will need replacement in the next 3K miles or so. I personally would do all 4 but again thats me.


The shop that did the PPI did not like the rear Rear engine mount, said it "might" break. IMHO if it was going to it would have by now. Todd, the previous owner drove this car a lot, I put 8K miles on it and was not driving it like an old lady. I also did 2 Autocrosses problem free. This, again is a matter of opinion. The replacement part is in the $400 neighborhood. If I kept this car I would not bother .


I just spent about $1000 to make this car everything I advertised and more. I am also throwing in another $1000 in new parts.

I am not entertaining anymore tire kickers, first one to put a deposit on it can dictate a PPI and will be first in line for purchase.

[GarryW]

Hey Scott, that is a nice ride. I have talked to the guy who put that car together several times two or three years ago. He did more than one of those conversions. He advised me on my first one and is very knowledgeable. From the info I got from him and from the info I have attained since then, I fully believe he did it right. I do not think you can do the job yourself for what it will cost you, assuming a favorable ppi. How is the RSR project coming?.........Garry

[ashirji]

I had a look at this car a week ago for an out of state board member that was interested in it. It presents and drives very well. If anyone who is interested in the car would like my thoughts, please feel free to contact me at
g50carerra@hotmail.com. I have no affiliation with the seller, just trying to be helpful to anyone thinking about the car.

[Superman]

Quite frankly, I feel I have all the information I need to assess whether this car is worth a $22.5K selling price. It is. I'd probably put stiffer torsion bars in it, but that's me. There is no question it is worth every penny of $22.5K.