1976 911S Targa

[wiredmeyer]

Hello all! I am in the process of putting together pictures of my new car. My neighbor/friend sold me his 76 Targa that has 126k on it. It was rebuilt in 93 at 105k. he bought it in 2005 with 120k. My mechanic/ better friend took a look at it and says I need to sell it. The body is great, no rust and the interior is very good. It looks as though the transmission needs to be rebuilt and the motor is leaking oil from everywhere it can leak oil. My mechanic said he would guess the issue is related to the car sitting for too long. My neighbor said that he had no idea of the issues, stupid me already bought it and he does not want it back. This is a Bay Area California car. What can I expect to be able to sell it for? I really want a 70's 911, but I do not want to spend the $15k to get this back into shape.

-Michael

[dhg1337]

Put it on Craigs list, should be able to get most of your money back, if it has a nice body. May take a bit of a loss, consider it a learning experience on what not to buy. It won't hurt as much.

[racer]

IIRC, all 75-77 year 911's leak oil like there is no tomorrow... Short fix is to just keep adding oil. A trans issue is expensive.. but does it need a new trans today? or can it wait a month.. 3 months.. a year.. Do you need to dailyt drive this car or is it a weekend/hobby car?

You may not need to spend $15k this minute.. but spend some time out here on the board.. learn to do some of the fixes yourself.. Find a used motor perhaps rather than rebuilding the current one...

[wiredmeyer]

It can run with the tranny it has for months I would guess as long as I baby it, real issue is finding 5th. It is my daily driver, but my commute is 10 miles round trip. I will drive it for a few months and see where I am at then. Was thinking of fixing the tranny when I have to and just keep adding oil . Certainly is great fun to drive. Thanks for the advice. Reading this forum nightly now.

[911K]

Your transmission "rebuild" could end up just being worn shifter bushings in the linkage which are cheap to replace and make a big difference.

Is your mechanic a Porsche specialist? If not, you might want to get another opinion on the work needed.

[wiredmeyer]

My mechanic is a Porsche guy. Pretty sure it needs a rebuild. I think I can get a few months out of it. Looking to buy a rebuilt one. Any suggestions?

[wiredmeyer]

I found a used 915 on craigslist. Really nice guy who said it worked. My mechanic is prepping it and should get it installed next week.

[Matt Monson]

While it's out(which will include the engine) fix any and all leaking engine seals you can get to. There's a number of things that are a challenge when it's in the car that are easy with the engine on the bench. There may be a lot more life to that engine than you give it credit for...

[wiredmeyer]

Absolutely the plan Matt. Will replace everything I can without tearing it down.

[wiredmeyer]

Looks like the motor is in better shape than previously thought. Transmission coupler was broken, turns out only second needed replacing, should be back together this week.

[Mel Birkey]

Michael, Interested in your tran switch, my 75 911 tran has never been rebuilt, drips oil at the front at the shift rod. Would you or your mechanic know if that could have a new seal without dropping the tran.
thanks, Mel

[wiredmeyer]

Unfortunately everything we have done trans related has required dropping the engine. Have her all back together and running great, but looks like the oil cooler is leaking. I will ask him what he thinks with regards to your question.

[Sunroof]

Michael.
The 1974 through 1977 911's came with the infamous 2.7 liter engine and to be honest kept the Porsche mechanics in gravy through the 80's due to its inherit issues. The casings on these engines tend to separate from loosening studs and leaked like a sieve. Today, a 2.7 can be lovingly rebuilt and last a long time with the proper studs and sealing and thats what a prosepctive 1974-1977 buyer looks for first. It appears your engine might have to be rebuilt or resealed if this is the issue. You won't spend a fortune and you may wish to consider taking on the project yourself. Take a look at Waynes new book about engine rebuilding and see if you can take on this challenge. At a minimum you can save $$$$ by just removing and reinstalling the engine yourself. With the engine out, its a good time to look at what you can freshen up in the engine compartment (hoses, fittings, insulation, etc). It seems like you love the car and have the tranny issues in order. The 76 is a nice car (they started rust-proofing in 1975) and worth hanging onto. You'll find with coming to Pelican for help along with some great repair guides (Waynes 101 Projects, Haynes Repair Manual as examples) you can accomplish much on your own at home.