SC or Newer 3.2 motor better?

[Mikey83835]

OK, I have been away from Porsches for awhile, a '61 Roadster in the 70's, and a '71 911S Targa in the 80's, but want another Targa. Many have the opinion that the SC motor is the best "6" that Porsche ever made, but what about the 84 thru' whenever 3.2 motors, not so good?

And specifically, opinions about this car, seems to be priced too well almost, owner says the paint code is L661, Slate Blue Metallic;

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1984-Porsche-911-Carrera-Targa_W0QQitemZ130276431751QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Truc ksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash =item130276431751&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms= 65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Thanks for any help, Mike

[umfan866]

Indeed some say the SC was the best motor ever produced, its just that they are now almost 30 years old. The 84-89 3.2's are almost as reliable, except sometimes they get the valve guide problem and need a rebuild. Do some searching in the technical section. For example I like the 3.2's w/ G50 transmissions (87-89). I don't want to comment on the specific car as it is a Targa and I don't like Targa's. I think Coupes have cleaner lines and better resale.

[Macroni]

Looks well priced. These tend to be very reliable cars w/o any of the dreaded rust issues. I would have it PPI just because that is the best money you can spend.....

[Cal44]

I hear this all the time about the SC (3.0) verus Carrera (3.2).
This is what I know............and it ain't much.

1.'84 thru '86 has a 915 transmission. Racers like the transmission and waxers don't. The engines had decent valve guides. My '86 has over 107K and does not burn a drop.

'87 thru mid '89 has a G50 transmission. Racers as rule don't use em' and waxers like em' . The engines had so-so valve guides. My nieghbor has an '88 with 74K and had to do valves.

Pick you poison.

I always stick with coupes, much easier to sell when the time comes. I always by the cars with a 915 transmission. Cheaper to repair and lighter. O.K.....so the shifting is not perfect like a G50............I'll live with it.

* Make sure you buy Peter Zimmermans book on Porsche purchase.

[aigel]

The 3.2 had smaller rod bolts and if you over-rev, you more likely stretch the bolts. An over-rev is a top end rebuild in the SC, it is a split case on a 3.2.

My two cents!

George

[richde]

The valve guide issue in the 3.2 seems to be something that happens before ~80K, you either get it, or you don't. Maybe it's the Porsche God punishing owners for not driving their car enough.

The car in the evilbay ad is past that point and should last a very long time.

[Mikey83835]

Thanks for all the input

I like the open cars tho' so want a Targa, and not worried about possible easier resale of a coupe as I want one that will last as long as I do, heeh...

[VinceQN]

Cool. This thread has been a lot of help since im debating on which motor to buy between these two thanks guys

[techweenie]

I have had both 3.0 and 3.2, and I haven't experienced much difference in performance between the two. I think the reliability points above are well made, though after enough heat cycles (like 30 years' worth) the 3.0 does tend to break head studs.

But Mikey, aren't you dealing with 5 feet of snow on the ground? What are you doing thinking about Targas in this weather?

[Mikey83835]

Originally Posted by techweenie

I have had both 3.0 and 3.2, and I haven't experienced much difference in performance between the two. I think the reliability points above are well made, though after enough heat cycles (like 30 years' worth) the 3.0 does tend to break head studs.

But Mikey, aren't you dealing with 5 feet of snow on the ground? What are you doing thinking about Targas in this weather?

Had 112 inches of snow in 19 days, set all sorts of new records, haha, that is unusual tho'. But our Summers make it worthwhile, highs usually in the upper 80's, low humidity, the scenery consists of large lakes, Evergreen forests, and mountains, perfect Targa area.