So, I'm a guy that is never satisfied.

I currently own a 1988 944 Turbo that is in great condition, but I've always been captivated by the '80's 911's. Finances being what they are, a perfect car is probably not in the cards.

Does anyone know of an SC (in the midwest would be nice) that needs mechanical work (As in, blown engine, bad trans, etc.)? I've got a friend that can help with the drivetrain replacement/rebuild. I would like the car to be in pretty good shape as far as paint and interior. Assuming I can get $8,000 for the 951, is it possible to buy an SC in such condition?

Thanks in advance guy's/gal's

 

Yes it is very possible but do you want one? If you really look hard you can probably find a beautiful 95% SC for $14-17K that needs virtually nothing.

An engine rebuild in an SC will cost $3-4K if you do all the work or $8K if you have a good shop do it. A decent used 3.0 will cost $4-5K... and you could get a dud... You are already at $12-16K and you haven't touched the rest of the car.

Chances are a car with a blown engine may have been neglected in other areas too... so this is not the end of it.

Unless you find an absolutely pristine car that only needs an engine, or this is just something you want to do expense be damned, I'd swallow hard a buy the top condition car.

 

What JCP said

 

That's what I'm hoping for-the pristine car with a blown motor. I understand the expense of rebuilding, but that is something I can do over time-and learn a little. I also have access to parts and technical support at a discount through friends. Of course, I guess I can just save money over time, and buy a nice car in a year or two, but I want it now (spoken just like my 2 year old). And I always seem to spend any extra money on goodies for the turbo-amazing how that happens-eh?

I've found a couple that are "cosmetically challenged" but none with mechanical issues. Just looking around to see if I'm in the ballpark. I guess, worst case scenario-I keep the 951 and enjoy it while saving money.

 

There are a lot with the head stud problem that don't know about it. Keep your eyes and ears posted. Better yet go to a shop that does a lot of valve adjustments. I'm sure they have seen more than a few with broken studs. Then buy the puppy and do a top-end. SCs ususlly don't need anything in the bottom until 200-250k.

 

It costs nothing to shop around. If you do happen to find the pristine SC that just needs motor work... and it is a needle in a haystack, but they are out there.... and you can do the work yourself, you may end up with a good SC for a reasonable price and an known good tight motor... but be picky.... make this an 18 month program....BTW you can probably re-do a tired but solid 915 transmission for about $1K in parts if you do the work yourself.... worth doing.

But building up a car is like a savings plan... you put a $K or 2 onto it every few months or so as you can afford.... and 18 months later you have a car you might actually be able to drive....

Or you can have a ball in your 944, and put the same money in the bank, and buy a done car in 18 months.... your car will not depreciate.... and the SC prices shouldn;t dramatically change....frankly, I'd rather drive the 944 in the interim.... but that;s just me.

 

Just a thought, the '74-'77 cars have a really bad rap and so you may be able to get one that doesn't need too much for your price. Maybe a tired interior with a couple of dings but strong drivetrain. Just a thought. Remember those are the lightest of the late cars and are easier to work on.

 

I second the 74-77 thought. There are plenty that have had good work done and it is the same basic car. They are also easier to find de-contented if that is of interest.

I bought a 75 carrera that is beautiful to look at, but some assembly required. I also have a 944 and I question how much I will actually like the 911 after driving the 944.

 

On my previous search for a 911 a few years back what I have found is that usually the cars with "blown" motors are owned by people who could not afford the cars in the first place and mostly have a lot of miles on therefore very neglected all around. People with pristine cars usually are fanatics with time and money to fix any problems. Besides the engine/tranny on 911's is really bulletproof and I have yet to see a 911 engine ( aircooled) blown to pieces unless there was a money shift or something really wrong involved.
I would actually not worry about the interior work at all! This I have found to be the cheapest part of the deal!
Used seats in excellent condition can be had for little money on ebay these days, Interior parts like dashes etc the same and there is nothing "sufflex" could not do to bring back the black color of a discolorated dash for example. I bought a brand new carpet set for my race car for little money and if you want to do yourself the job a rejuvenated interior I bet will not cost you more than 2K. Paint is usually pretty good for the most part and if you can find a car that at least the paintwork is decent you can have a nice running car for a bit more than 8K. Then as the years go by and you can rebudget you can tackle the engine tranny. Usually there are more things that you would want to do anyway like suspension and brakes so having a running car it is going to be a wise decision. Better look for a car with bad cosmetics on the interior as there is where the bargains lie... Usually a lot of not hands on people will stay away from them because they look worn on the inside therefore sellers have a tough time selling anyway and you can pick it up much cheaper from a motivated seller...
Case in point my deal on the race car. This 993 was in pristine mechanical condition ,never crushed etc, but the interior was worn out and the carpet heavily stained beyond cleaning possibilities... I picked it up for no money really just because noone wanted to touch the car... I wanted a race car so I could care less about the interior. My gain their loss really.

Just my 02. Good luck!

 

I have an 82 SC with high miles that I bought to make a track car out of. The body/paint is in good condition. I have a complete RS interior kit and racing seats. I kept all of the original equipment also. The engine has 200K on it, but runs and drives great. THe previous owner spared no expense on upkeep and I have a lot of the reiepts to show. If you are interested give me a call. 651-336-2179 St. Paul, MN

Luke

 

Very interested, Luke. e-mail me some pics, and I will reply with pics/info on my car. ben@msg-llc.com cell 913.706.7073