The Cleaner

Im looking for opinions on which SC between 79-83 would be the best to look for in purchasing, condition aside, and why. Both from a performance standpoint, and reliability. Any insight is appreciated from you guys. Thanks,


Jeff

Edgy01

I think you'll find that the basic rule of Porsche buying applies here. (Buy the newest one you can afford. Each newer year offered a bit something over the last year,--making it a better value).

Hands down, the 1983 will be better than a 1978, 79, 80, 81. Along with 1982, they were close to perfection. Of course, in 1984 they solved the chain tensioner problem on the 3.2 ltr Carreras.

Early SC cars had the rubber clutch centers,--certainly long gone on all those cars. Thus, that becomes less of a factor.

Dan

KC911

I'm going to respectfully disagree with Dan on this one. If you were looking at brand new cars off the show room floor (comparing apples to apples), then what he is saying is true insofar as Porsche's subtle but incremental improvements on the 911s. If you're looking for an SC now (25 years later), I'm of the opinion that you look for a well kept example from any of those years. There are tons of cars out there that vary widely in their condition, and you'll be better off finding a 'good' one from any one of those years rather than letting the model year dictate your purchase. Good luck!

Keith
'87 CE coupe

ps: I specifically wanted a G50 Carrera, so I when I purchased, I was looking at all cars from '87-'89. Imo, the changes between the years was insignificant compared to the condition of the specific cars for sale at the time.

Gary R.

And don't leave out a well sorted 78!

DB_NC_95C2

I got very lucky, found an 83 SC in the condition that Keith advocates above, best of both opinions, PLUS previous owner had done the Carrera tensioner upgrade. I've replaced the clutch and bunches of other stuff... I LOVE the car, as long as I give it everything it needs, I don't believe I'll have the urge to go newer (although the 993 will always be my favourite)

Chuck Harmon

I also had an 83SC. Fantastic car !! unfortunately... I totaled her out two years
ago. It had 250,000 miles on it and was running great, problem was loose
nut behind the wheel ! The car was farily easy to work on... parts easily
obtainable, even used parts were out there. I do not think there is much
difference in the 82 to 83 models, none that I am aware of any way. Most
owners of these have already done the necessary upgrades, pop off valve,
tensioners, clutch. Do your homework, search local PCA web sites for cars
starting here on Rennlist was a real good idea, so you are on the right track.
Good Luck
Chuck

Peter Zimmermann

Keith's post is solid, but I would like to offer that the '78/79 cars still have a smog pump, while the '80-83 cars have the wonderful, reliable, more flexible Lambda system. Also, the early two years do not often have factory A/C, while '80 and later cars all do. I realize that A/C is an expensive system to deal with and keep in working order, but at least the opportunity is there. Suspensions are much the same, but a change exists in the transmissions. '78/79 models have a taller 2nd gear ratio (18/33 vs 18/32) than the '80-83 cars. This is a minor change on paper, but results with the later cars feeling slightly quicker. The early transmissions are identified with the marking "915/61," the late trans is "915/63." Both transmissions are stamped with the numbers near where the clutch cable connects. Let the search begin!
Pete

Bill Gregory

If you haven't already, you may want to read the 911SC FAQ on tech.rennlist.com regarding differences between the models.

The Cleaner

Thank you all for the responses, I was thinking of finding a nice example of an 83, but wanted to be sure I wasnt overlooking something in my quest for the newest SC I could find. What is the average life expectancy in miles that the 3.0 will last if properly cared for and not abused? Thanks again all of you,

Jeff

redidrum

Jeff,

I have a very strong 82' 911sc. I have had to go over several areas to make the car mine, almost perfect, and I am happy. You'll want to address the Rotary A/C Compressor, blower, receiver/ dryer, and barrier hoses on A/C system if applicable. Look into cleaning up exhaust for better flow... pm me and I'll tell you how. My second gear is extremely strong and fast, don't know about earlier years. I love my car with the bullet proof 3.0 liter engine. Fuel accumulator, filter , and fuel frequency valve should be changed first since so many of these cars sit around too much. Made a huge improvement in my performance. Just make sure to use Pete's PPI and get an unbiased inspection. I did all new brakes, targa top, wheels, tires, and stereo too. Did all this in a year and $7000 extra. Look for the best one you like, but, you'll most likely sink in an extra couple grand at first. I thought about selling mine and then decided to keep it since I know what I have is fantastic in and out, at least in my heart.

I love my SC !!!

Ron

ked

Cleaner, if you consider an early SC, along the lines Keith described, beware of CA emission-spec cars w/ thermal reactors. Just what an air-cooled engine needs - rebreathing heat!

JBO

I knew about the 78-79 differences, but I thought there was no difference mechanically among the 80-83 cars. Is this not correct?

Chuck Harmon

Most 3.0's need upper engine rebuilds at or around 100,000 miles, mine was done at
111,000. I had 250,000 miles on mine when I totaled it, she was starting to smoke some
under deaccelaration, which is a sign to start saving for the complete rebuild.
I do not think there is a 3.0 that has ever just wore out.

David R. Schlegel

I bought my first Porsche about 6 mo.s ago, an 82 sc coupe w/factory turbo wing. I was originally shopping for a Carrera, then talked to my mechanic to be, who in conversation, mentioned that there were "SC Freaks" as well. I queried him and, while he had no bias towards either car, bought the SC because I wanted to return to simplicity & lightness, avoiding techno electronic wizardry as well. I was hesitant about the 915 trans as opposed to the more positive shifting G50, but learned that it didn't allow shifting significantly, if at all, faster than the 915, and was heavier.

I feel I lucked out in that my car is Euro spec., which I believe develops 20 HP more than the ROW SC. I came to my SC after a 99 Vette 6spd hardtop which was very fast and handled very well and was nowhere near as much fun to drive as the SC, which , even puddling around town feels like it thinks the yellow is out and can't wait for the checkered.

I had real doubts about the 915 trans after the Vette's 6 spd, which could be speed shifted, but now that I've accepted that a 911 is not a dragster, I get great satisfaction using the gearbox despite the very slow shift 1 to 2.

I love my SC, and have no desire to "upgrade" to a later, heavier, less visceral feeling Porsche. Besides, I wanted the classic air-cooled 911 in more or less the same body style as the first ones.

I don't know how available Euro spec. cars are, but it seems that that extra 20 HP saves a sizeable sum in bring a ROW model up to that power.

r911

I think you need to carefully go thru a good book on this - isn't there a new one just out? Also, Peter Z's 911 story might have something. Also read the relevant portions of Frere. Some of the posts above don't seem right to me, but I don't know much that happened after 1973....