bullfighter

Hi all, I am new to the vintage Porsche world, although I've had a 993 and my brother had a 964.

I'm considering buying a 356B or C cabriolet - I'd rather pay a premium for great, restored car and don't need one that's rare or unusually collectible. Mostly I want a weekend driver that I can show sometimes.

Newbie questions:

1. Are the post-1960 cars easier to shift, due a gearbox change? (I may have the year wrong.) I definitely want something to drive, and not just to stare at.

2. Can you use modern gasoline in any of these cars without additives? I'd guess they were designed to run on high-test, leaded stuff that's non-existent now.

3. Are the 356's fast enough to keep pace with freeway traffic (in San Diego you can't get too many places without hopping on a freeway or interstate...)

4. Would you take a 356 to a Porsche dealer or independent for servicing? (Or is it just a matter of $?) We have two dealerships in San Diego and probably hundreds of independents.

Thanks all. I've enjoyed browsing the forum and hope to contribute sometime after I have real experience in 356's.

Max (SD)

where in San Diego are you located? I am currently in Poway, just picked up a 65 356sc several months ago. It will definetly handle local Diego traffic, will easily keep in in the mid 80mph and always puts a smile on my face as I pass up newer cars. I don't know how it is for older models, but I find that at speed acceleration from 60 to 80 is quite good. The overall feeling of the car, engine noise, windows down, just adds that much more to the driving experience.

I am currently looking to purchase a convertible, hoping to get a 59 convertible D, and also very interested in getting a short wheel base 911 prefereably a 68 911s.

Good luck in your search, let me know how it goes, or if you wish to see my 65 your a welcome to stop by.

Pedro356C

Hi Bullfighter...

1- Porsche improved the tranny a lot along the years...the 356C(64/65) has the best tranny of them (#741)...it shifts smoothly and the synchros are great...

2- Yes...you can use the regular modern gasoline...the more octane, the best for your car...I use 93 here in Florida...if you are in CA, you'll not find it...

3- You can easily cruise down the freeway at 80 or 85mph...no worries here!

4- Don't take your 356 to a Porsche dealer...look for an independent shop runned by some "old timer" with experience with boxer engines...advise your location and ask for help to locate a good wrench!

5- before 1,2,3 and 4...get a 356 registry membership and buy James Schrager's book "Buying, driving and enjoying the Porsche 356"...

Good luck...

RJT

Exactly what Pedro said.........

But even though you may not find 93 octane in SoCal, a 356 will run fine on "super" grade gas (with the exception of ARCO!). Ours did great for all the years we lived there.
You live in 356 heaven! There are more 356s in SoCal, and especially SD, than anywhere. There are 356 owners in SD that bought their 356 brand new. And some of the best wrenches anywhere are in SoCal.
As Pedro suggested, go to www.356registry.org and join, you'll get the Registry magazine. And go on 356talk, you will, as I do, learn something new everyday!

Robert

bullfighter

Thanks everyone for your replies. Max, I live off of Scripps-Poway Parkway, near Lake Miramar, which is probably very close to you. Great roads out here for cruising. I'm recovering from a nasty cold caught on a flight back from Orlando, but once I'm healthy I'll send you a private message with my contact info (if this site lets us do that?)

Pedro, if you know of a 356 specialist in San Diego, I'd welcome your recommendation as well. I'm not sure if Pioneer Centres Porsche (dealer nearest me) has anyone who even does carbs...

The 356registry site looks great. Also good to know the cars will keep up at 80mph+. I'm sure they feel plenty fast at that.

I think our Mobil station has 93 (92?) octane premium - with attractive financing available to anyone willing to fill the tank at $3.25/gal

I'll post here as soon as I find a car, or come up with other questions. In the meantime thanks once again!

356wannabe

Try to find one you can borrow for a test drive before doing too much fantasizing. Cars have come a long way in the last 40-50 years and a 356 may not be what you are imagining it to be. I was shocked when I drove one for the first (and only) time 2 years ago. It was noisy, incredibly underpowered, the shifter was vague and clutch lever travel overly long. Still, the steering was light, visibility good, interior space ample, and I love how it looks/sounds. If you cant find a 356, try an old VW-they are more similar than you might think. The car remains on my fantasy list so I am not knocking it, just saying know what you are getting.

UberXY

Many dealers won't work on older 911's now, much less 356s. More than a few of the dealer mechanics were born after Porsche stopped using carbs.

Ub

BTW I drive a 1700 lb, 160 HP 356 race car. It feels just about right, powerwise!

Stratman

I've had highly modified VW's and they still can't compare to a relatively stock 356. If you don't know they made a 65, 75, and 90hp 356's. The S-90's obviously the fastest, but you can easily improve the earlier models. There are 4-5 places probably way more that will take your basic 75 and make it a bullet proof 125 hp car. The transmissions can be tailored to suit your needs, the suspension, anything you can think of. Or you can just get a late model SC that has been restored and drive it. No, the basic 356 is not modern car but it will get more looks and comments, and give you more satisfaction than the majority of any modern car.

Michael Jekot

I can only strongly encourage what others here have said. Before you buy learn as much as you can. This list is good as is the Talk356 list but you must join to get the full impact of the many vendors and friends available to anyone with a 356. This starts with helpful 356 hunting tips to full blown inspections. The later here I would heartly recommend. Secondly, I would hope you can make the Ventura show September 10 and 11. Go to http://www.german-autofest.com there is a swap meet and for sale area with always good looking cars and there are many vendors that specialize in 356's that you will want to meet and see some of their work. This ranges from interiors to electronics to engines and transmissions. Let us all know if you can make it... we will happily show you around. Mike

Pedro356C

Hi 356Wannabe...I'd say you did not drive a well sorted 356...especially if you compare it to an "Old VW"...a well sorted 356 has nothing to do with a beetle...it's another league completely...a good 356 will handle like a slot car, good fun power between 3 and 4,000 RPM in 2nd and 3rd gears and it can easily keep pace with highway traffic...check picture below (85 mph by the time another Rennlister took the pic).

I'd encourage you to test drive more examples in order to make your mind about the them...I'm pretty sure when you drive a well sorted one, you'll fall deeply in love...

Take care...

Ray G

I'm also interested in acquiring a 356 roadster. Where do people advertise them, if at all? Are there particular publications or sites that have heavy classifieds traffic? Do you have any tips for finding ones for sale?

Thanks!

RJT

Ray,
John Willhoit has one for sale right now and it looks like a real beauty at a very fair price.
www.willhoitautorestoration.com

Also check www.europeancollectibles.com

Check the classifieds at www.356registry.org

Robert

hoffman912

if your near san clemente your best bet is Jack Staggs.. hes about as close as i know to san diego.. probably too far. anyways.. if you do by chance end up using him, tell em hollywood sent ya

im sure there are good people that are closer though.

as far as gas goes you guys bring up a point that not many realize. while these cars dont have a staggering performance compared to todays cars, they do need the highest octane level you can give em. their compression roughly 9 to 1, is much higher than the average car, and unless you really like pinging, go with 91 or higher.

these engines can do quite well on freeways. while they wont win a drag race with a 930.. they will hold their own. 3-4 grand is where you want to keep the revs anyways.. anything under 3 will lug it. 4 grand is a good cruisning speed... unless you get out into some open road.. nothing like 5 grand fun :evil grin:

after you get the car and do the normal post purchase maintenece stuff (1st thing you shoudl do is change all fluids and adjust vales etc)... you need to find a good mechanic who knows 356s, someone who knows their stuff, who you can trust. a very good wrench is priceless. btw.. just cause he knows porsches doesnt mean he knows 356s..

Ray G

Thanks for the tips, guys.

Any opinions on this particular car?
http://www.europeancollectibles.com/..._inv_id=Po1460

TIA!

RJT

No first hand knowledge of the car, having not seen it in person. It does look pretty clean in the pics though. Nick told me they were asking 95K for it. Lately, prices for REALLY nice Speedsters have been over 100K++, and EC is never shy about asking top dollar for those REALLY nice Speedsters. So, at 95K, this one may be in need of something. Only a call to EC and talk to Chris or Nick will tell. They have always been extremely up-front honest with describing cars to me over the phone. If it sounds like something you are interested in, follow up with an independant PPI by one of the 356 gurus in SoCal.

Robert