77 911S value?

[redstack]

Ok so some time ago I had mentioned this car as belonging to the wife of a fellow I work with. She is kind of interested in selling, but not desperate.

77 911s only 42Kmi, thermal reactors removed, 11 blade fan installed, body straight, babied garage kept car. All I know is what I can pick up from the husband. So I don't know if it's got a/c.
There has been a steady porsche shop taking care of the car since she's had it. I don't know the status of the head studs. I know this can be a weak point on this engine.

So a super clean low mile 77 2.7, she wants somewhere near $15K and because I work with her husband I don't think I can beat her up too much on price, but what do you think?

BTW what makes it a S vs just plain 911? on this year and model?

[redstack]

No thoughts at all on what I should pay? Is 15$ a good price for this low mile beauty? If I get the ppi and find no real engine problems?

[ael911]

$15 sounds very reasonable for a nice original car, especially an S model. Having said that, I would be cautious not only with head studs but also valve guides. It wasn't unusual the valve guides went bad between 30k to 60k miles on cars due to reactors, especially in hotter climates. As for differences, I believe S models had viper green engine shrouds and standard one had red shrouds. If you plan on making this your daily driver and you are a newbie, I would probably recommend saving some more money and buy an SC or Carrera. But, if you are a concours nut, this could be a great preservation class winner.

FWIW, I love the mid year 2.7 because they are light and are a near cousin to the the early car feel and simple drivetrain, but then again, I love to work on my car and consider it a hobby.

[JohnKo]

Originally Posted by redstack

BTW what makes it a S vs just plain 911? on this year and model?

For a U.S. car, maybe trim, etc., but nothing in terms of engines except perhaps the shroud color.

[racer]

A '77S is the last of the narrowbody cars. Its also the heaviest. As an S, it is likely nicely optioned. I know there was a NonS from 74-76, maybe also 77? 1977 was one of those transition years.. the Turbo was out.. the 924 was coming, the 914 and 912e were phased out.. not sure if they had a base 911 or not. In '74 the S had 167hp, the nonS had 150hp. In '75 they lost 10hp. So, by '77, you'd have about 157hp in an S. On the plus side, by 1977, you had the beginnings of rust proofing.

The real issue is the motor. Even though its low mileage, the 2.7s are know to fail in the 30K-50K mile range. At least that's when my parents and several others let go. A PPI is needed to check the engine health at the least.

$15K sounds reasonable for a well maintained, original example. On the other hand, $15K can get you an already sorted out SC and even a Carrera, both of which have more HP, Larger brakes and more reliable motors.

You would want to update to Carrera tensioners at minimum (what's that, $1k for shop to do?) How's the clutch? (theres another $2k), Any rust? you get the idea. This is a 30 year old car. Be smart.

[GarryW]

My book is at home, but someone help out. I have a 76 and a 77 and if memory serves, there was only an S offered in those years. So, the S designation was effectively devalued after 74. On the specific car mentioned, get a PPI and find out what you are going to have to spend money on up front. Figure if the paint is great, the car is a true 40k miles car with no costly engine issues, pay them 15K and it will probably be fair for all.

[Chris'85]

In 77 there was only the S. Stock HP was rated at 165. I had one for 9 years that had just about every option on it, except headlight washers and LSD. It was a blast to drive but I do enjoy the extra power the the 3.2L produce. Hving owned both I would opt for an 84-89 Carrera. Just my 2 cents.

[StefanC]

I owned a 1977 911S also. The good is the bodies were galvanized that year so rust is rarely a major problem. Mine was absolutely rust free. They were very nice cars body and interior wise, sort of a transition between old and new. Still had some chrome, etc. The engines really need to be gone over though, as mentioned. It needs the pop off valve, and the upper and lower valve covers need to be looked at. You also should make sure it has been upgraded to the Carerra style chain tensioners. Personally, I think the price is a bit on the high side, but then again, it may not be for your area.

[budge96]

Redstack , I would tread very cautiously here, if you've never had a porsche, 1st off thats
a 31 year old car.. Technologically, design,performance and reliability are essentially a
classic car(ie not to be used as a daily driver)
These cars often had failures attributed to airboxes,valve guides and rebuild woes..and
were vastly underpowered...All the "S" of the earlier long hood cars was about gone since
'74 and increasing emmission laws emasculated 911 engines(US delivery)
With more powerful and reliable SC's going in the low teens high singlr digit, mid year
Carreras having difficulty acheiving mid teens..unless this is a super immaculate low mileage
pristeen in and out and drives like new ,my estimate would be 10K maybe 12.5 if all records
are available ,it drives and performs as new and miles are under 50k and their confirmed
only owners...then and only then would I coach you to spend that coin in this market..
There are far to many substantial deals to be had on inherently better performing ,later
models today...
Oh yes there is no difference in engune shrouds for 2.7 models ,most all should be green;;
you may come across a black but no discernable difference in HP ratings or performance.
(Didn't mean to burst any bubbles) thanks Bert