2002M3Drew

Hi all,

I've been posting here now for a while, basically through my whole 911 search. Thanks for all of the great insights...there is a lot of vry helpful information here.

I found and bought a 1983 911SC Coupe in Ruby Red Metallic. What a great car! I had looked at this car early in my search, but the seller actually decided to keep it at the time. I then almost bought a 1982 SC...a really nice looking light blue one with a whale tail...but the PPI showed some issues. I looked at a ton of 911s, mostly Carreras, and then came full circle when the PO of the '83 SC called to say he had made a final decision to sell it after all. He is such a nice guy, I almost hated buying the car from him! But, if not me, then someone else...and the car has a good home.

It is a really clean example with only 57,000 miles! As much as these cars will seemingly run forever with the right maintenance, it's still a nice thing to have the low miles...call it psychological. It is Ruby Red Metallic, a rare color made only on the '83 SC and the '84 Carrera, with a black leather interior with factory sport seats. Everything works on the car, even the clock! It's truly in amazing condition...people have no idea it is a 21 year old car! I knew I had made the right call after I washed it the first time.

It sure doesn't drive like one, either. Getting used to how the car drives, having never owned a 911, is a steep learning curve. Once you learn how to drive it, though, it is smooth and powerful...truly a surprise! I had expected more of a novelty...a nimble sports car. The engine on this car is superb, though...I can now appreciate the 3.0 Carrera afficianados' love for this car. The balance of power to weight is just right.

After driving it for a month or so, I'm sorry I waited so long! Well, here's a link to my photo album of the car....enjoy!

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4286835537

AZ911

Looks good. Only thing needed is to lower that 4x4

Bill Gregory

Congratulations! Welcome to Porsche ownership! If you haven't already, you might want to read the 911SC FAQ on tech.rennlist.com.

Clipboard

Congrats! I got my 83SC Feb03 - haven't stopped working on it since. There are a number of upgrades/mods you should check to see if your car has. Plan on a weekend each. If you don't have 101 Projects, you'll want to pick up a copy, also a Bentley book.
Good luck!
john

2002M3Drew

You know, I bought the 101 Projects book, and I have to say I don't like it. It just seems as if there is at least one crucial step missing from each project. I have the Bentley and another service manual as well (Haynes, maybe?). Right now I'm stuck on the chin spoiler. With those bolts sticking out, it's like hit or miss. seems to me that someone should have come up with a stick on cutting template for this by now! Oh, well...I'm researching this now...maybe remove the whole valance?

joeblow

Nice car! Congrats! We can take both our 4X4s out for some rock climbing!! Mine is getting a serious drop ASAP!!

Clipboard

I used 101 to get some idea what I would be getting into. This forum and Pelican have been of great help. So far I've upgraded the headlights and added Sucro's relay kit. Replaced the carpets and floorboards, added a strut brace, Turbo tierods, lowered front, added bumpsteer kit. Removed a/c and engine heater boost stuff, cruise control, radio (and eight miles of wiring). Adding an Autopower rollbar at the moment. The valance is a pain, but I think there was an 'I did it this way' thread. But I'm still having fun!

joeblow

I know what you mean! I just got headers, sport muffler, strut brace, alum floorboards, RS steering wheel, coilovers in the rear, pedal box rebuild, rear seat delete kit, early RS door panels, heater delete, radio delete, Euro amber fog lights, rally scrape bar for the front. I'm getting RSR struts, custom roll bar, 5 points, 'R' 1/4 glass, Lexan rear glass, RS valence, large front mount oil cooler, RS carpet kit, Fuel cell with hood fill. Of course the wife might put the brakes on too oh yeh polished 'S' calipers with S/S pistons and X-Drilled rotors with race pads and S/S lines and ATE Fluid is going on this weekend!

2002M3Drew

Well, so far I have the turbo tie rod kit sitting ready to be installed, ditto the factory short shift kit. I installed the rear fender stone guards...in the short time I've had the car I can already appreciate the abuse those rear fenders get! I am also about 1/4 of the way on the front chin spoiler. The car already has the pop-off valve and the Carrera tensioner upgrades.

I'm going to lower it as well when I do the tie rods and bump-steer kit...Clipboard, did you drop the rear as well, or just the front?

joeblow

I put coilovers on the rear and removed the torsion bars completely so I can go up or down to my hearts content. I can also change spring rates for $140 vs $400 for torsion bars! I hate adjusting torsion bars in the rear!!

Clipboard

I forgot - I also did the pop-off valve and the factory short shift kit. I only lowered the fron the amount of the bump spacers (I think about 10-12mm). I didn't do the rears for the obvious reasons - too damn hard. I do like the idea of coilovers - I didn't know that could be done. Is there a tread on this mod??? Headers come after we move. In two years she becomes an antique - like her owner - and headers are OK. Once the new house is built, I'm going fibreglass front end and rear decklid + quarters and bumper and lexan windows. With MFI I'll have a 911SCRS clone for 25% of the price. I'm also contemplating 15x7&9 Minilites to complete the picture.
john

Jay Gratton

WELCOME to your new addiction. Because that is what this car is going to become for you. Owning a 911 is one of the most amazing things you could ever do for yourself. She is gorgeous, what a nice find. What are your plans for her? Consider doing a DE event and you will be even more amazed by what she can do. Best wishes and enjoy her - Jay Gratton

Perkins

Hi Drew, you have a PM

john d 81SC

Drew,

Congratulations on your car! A suggestion - if you haven't already, check out your local PCA. As great a resource as this place is, your local PCA may be another good resource - plus the oppportunity to meet some really nice P-car enthusiasts. And remember - keep the shiny side up!

2002M3Drew

Thanks...I'm in the club already! They are great people.