SC vs. Carrera
#47
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In the interest of staying on topic & taking Bill's very good advice (sometimes we just can't help ourselves), I think Tony is referring to the cams one would install to optimize performance matched to the stainless steel exhaust from SSI. For everyone thinking of getting into Porsche 911s for the first time, especially if you must (or wish to) consider the pre water-cooled era, you would do well to join Rennlist, maybe even PCA (if in USA).
The must-read books are those by Peter Zimmerman, Randy Leffingwell, Paul Frere, Peter Morgan (esp for you folks in UK), Bruce Anderson, & Patrick Paternie (Red Book of VIN & MY data). The best mags are Excellence & 911 & Porsche World (good review in Jan issue on early 911s).
At last year's Rennsport Reunion, one could compare all 40 years of 911s all at once, parked side by side & circulating the track. Enjoy!
The must-read books are those by Peter Zimmerman, Randy Leffingwell, Paul Frere, Peter Morgan (esp for you folks in UK), Bruce Anderson, & Patrick Paternie (Red Book of VIN & MY data). The best mags are Excellence & 911 & Porsche World (good review in Jan issue on early 911s).
At last year's Rennsport Reunion, one could compare all 40 years of 911s all at once, parked side by side & circulating the track. Enjoy!
#48
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Originally Posted by g-50cab
Ok which is better, blonde's or red head's?
OK, so the bottom line is this: as long as you get a good example, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH EITHER.
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#49
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Having driven the SC for only a short drive but having owned a few 88-89 Carreras, I definitely prefer the G-50 tranny for everyday driving; just additional food for thought.
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Are there visible signs to look for regarding broken headstuds? Oil leaks? On Carreras, a compression/leakdown test wouldn't show condition of valve stem seals, so unless a seller can be trusted regarding amount of oil consumption how can you test? Exhaust analysis?
#51
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Stark: Good questions! STUDS: With the car on a lift, sometimes (only sometimes!) you can see baked-on black crud (kinda like the bottom of your BBQ) in the area where cylinders meet heads, and that crud might be an indicator of one or more broken studs. The only way to be absolutely sure is to have your PPI guy remove the valve covers and check with a flashlight. Any broken studs will either (1) Fall out on the ground, or (2) The nut that holds the head on will be gone, along with about two inches of its stud - 100% proof that someone already knows the stud is broken! Do that part of your PPI first, unless you feel a quick visual regarding a possible wreck is in order. A leakdown test on any car will not show valve guide condition (stem seals don't really play into this), it's the guides that fail. With the car warm, drive it a city block at 4K rpm, then let off the gas and use the side mirror to check for smoke from the exhaust. Other than that, you have to trust the seller regarding consumption. Look around in his garage, if he buys oil by the case that could be a tip-off.
Pete
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#53
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IMHO, for purchase purposes, consider 78-89 911s to be the same model ( forget the SC or Carrera part). Then go out and find the best example you can for the money... Look for
1) a loving owner
2) service history, documentation
3) signs that factory recommended mods were performed
4) proper care and attention
DO:
1) get a PPI
2) ask if he/she has the original parts of anything that was enhanced/removed ( ac, power seats radio, etc )
3) ask if he/she has the original owner's manual, service manual, dealer sticker
4) talk to his/her normal mechanic
5) buy as much car as you can afford
6) test drive as many as possible ( to form your own baseline 'feel' )
7) insure it to the hilt ( jeolousy can be expensive )
8) get the color(s) YOU LIKE ( changing the color is expensive )
DONT:
1) Buy the first one you see !
2) get hung up on specs too much ( all 911s are GREAT cars )
3) save some money for 'upgrades' ( you will ALWAYS find money for this later on )
1) a loving owner
2) service history, documentation
3) signs that factory recommended mods were performed
4) proper care and attention
DO:
1) get a PPI
2) ask if he/she has the original parts of anything that was enhanced/removed ( ac, power seats radio, etc )
3) ask if he/she has the original owner's manual, service manual, dealer sticker
4) talk to his/her normal mechanic
5) buy as much car as you can afford
6) test drive as many as possible ( to form your own baseline 'feel' )
7) insure it to the hilt ( jeolousy can be expensive )
8) get the color(s) YOU LIKE ( changing the color is expensive )
DONT:
1) Buy the first one you see !
2) get hung up on specs too much ( all 911s are GREAT cars )
3) save some money for 'upgrades' ( you will ALWAYS find money for this later on )
#56
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as far as valve guides on the carrera.....ask to be able to see the car and start it when its cold, if it smokes a ton when you start it, valve guides are leaking oil over night, if it smokes when its warmed up, they are realy gone, but it could also be rings but a leak down test would confirm rings. deduct from the sellers price accordingly.
#57
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5 years ago I had a 88 Carrera
3 years ago I had a 964 WTL.
Last year I had a 87 Carrera.
Now I have bought a 82 SC...........I think the SC is the best car - but only by a close margin.
But I have never driven an SC yet, it is on its way from CA to Denmark, but it is definetly "better"!
3 years ago I had a 964 WTL.
Last year I had a 87 Carrera.
Now I have bought a 82 SC...........I think the SC is the best car - but only by a close margin.
But I have never driven an SC yet, it is on its way from CA to Denmark, but it is definetly "better"!
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#58
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While I have only owned an '88 convertible, I will say that if I were to replace that car it would be a G-50 coupe without a doubt. Set up right with bilstein sport shocks, lowered, bump steer kit... It is a great road car. And since most of us use it mostly on the road, what's not to like about a well set up road car. With more money, give me more HP. but for every day driving it works for me. I need the "sound" thing every day to keep me happy.