Sonic dB

Ive got my eyes on 2 cars, both 911 cabs. Both have low mileage, 44000 on the 87 and 64000 on the 86...

However the 87 is priced at $7000 more. It does have the whale tail and a "performance chip" but Im wondering if those options + lower mileage + one year younger = $7000 difference in price..

Any thoughts?

dbelleperc

The difference between the two is the 87 has the G50 transmission and about 10 more HP stock but the choice is not up to me.

JeremyW964

$7000, G-50, ten more HP and 20,000 miles difference. Maybe $4,000 difference - not $7000.

Sonic dB

Thanks fellas. What about fuel injection? Im told that the 87s were the first year that fuel injection was stock.

This guy with the 86 said that he had fuel injection added recently. Does that sound possible?

Jay H

Sonic dB:

Porsche has been using fuel injection in the 911 since about 1969 or so. The 3.2 liter Carreras from 1984 to 1989 all use Bosch Motronic 2 DME engine management (i.e. computer controlled) system with LE-Jetronic fuel injection.

The guy with the '87 is wrong about that being the first year of fuel injection.

I'm not sure what the deal is with the '86 with "recently added fuel injection". Both those comments cause a bit of concern. Either both parties are just plain lying to cover up something else or simply don't know much about the cars they own. Proceed with a bit of caution.

I also agree with Jeremy that the spread of $7000 is a bit much. Yes, the G50 tranny is usually more desirable, but not $7000 worth of added value. Condition is everything on these aging cars. I'd take a very nice '86 with it's 915 transmission over a beat '87 with it's G50 transmission.

Some sources state that the '84 - '86 cars were underrated by the factory and actually do make the same amount of hp and torque as the '87 - '89 cars. The 1987 10 hp and 10 ft. lbs. of torque increases can't be easily felt over the '86 cars with supposedly less power.

Good Luck,
Jay
<a href="http://www.jays911.com" target="_blank">90 964</a>

Sonic dB

Good info Jay. Both cars look very clean. Im checking out the 86 tomorrow, if it checks out its a sale.

I just bought the Red Book tonight so I can learn a little bit more BTW

Porsche930

One other important thing is that 87 has the improved hydraulic clutch mechanism while 86 retains the cable. In addition, I personally like the newer design on the highlight from 87 and beyond although the pre-87 can be retrofitted with the H5 or H4 light. All 3.2 Carrera are excellent driver, you just need to find one that has been properly care for by its owner(s). Good luck in your search!

tony
89 930

CN

I would explain the choice you must make to the guy with the 87. Indicate that you appreciate the fact that his 87 is worth more than the 86 for these reasons however, $7000 is pushing it. The fact is, you can't afford to pay $7000 more for his car but if he is willing to accept $3500 more than the 86, you would favor his car. It really depends on how motivated he is to sell it. If he needs the money, you may get the G50. I just think it's worth a try.

sschmerg

I've had both the 915 transmission car (like on the '86) and the G-50 car (like on the '87). I prefer the G-50, but if the 915 is in good shape, it's fine.

The 915 is more prone to bad synchromesh, and the cable actuated clutch is a bit antiquated, even by 1980's standards. But if in good shape, it is a nice, light unit -- you can't be too rough with it though. I've had one rebuilt, and it was not cheap.

The G-50 feels much more heavy-duty, with a nice, smooth hydraulic clutch. The 87-89 cars feel heavier to drive than the cars with the 915, but I think the extra hp makes up for the difference in weight. They apparently can have a problem with the throw-out bearing, though I haven't personally experienced it.

In my experience the 87-89 cars with the G-50 are a bit more desirable, and command a higher price. I think they are a little easier to sell.

$7,000 sounds like a big difference, but 20k miles can also a big difference for a 911 cab. Depends if you're going to keep it low-mileage, or use it as a daily driver. Also the tail, if factory original, adds some value in my mind.

But really condition is everything on these. I'd say go for whichever car is cleaner. Ask yourself which one looks more like it did when it came from the factory; which one is fresher, more original, cleaner?

Once you've figured that out, get a pre-purchase inspeciton done to see if there are any mechanical problems. Use that as leverage on the price if there are.

I couldn't really tell you if the $7,000 extra is worth it because (1) I haven't seen the cars, and (2) I don't know the prices. It could be the '86 is priced low, or the '87 is priced high.

You can't go wrong with either year, if they're both in good shape. All things being equal though, and if the '87 is a reasonable price, that would be my pick.

Good luck!

-Sean

88911coupe

I guess an obvious question may also be what are the asking prices. It may be a different decision if the cars were 20k and 27k or if it was say, 8k and 15k. I agree though that a 7k difference is hard to justify.
Both sound like good cars though. I have had an 87 Cab and now have an 88 Coupe and loved them both.

86NOH2O

7K is too much of a difference assuming both cars are in equal condition. The G-50 and the lower mileage would be worth about 4K max to me. The interior was updated in 86' so it's basically the same as the 87'. If it's going to be a daily driver I wouldn't pay any premium for a low mile car cause you will just drive it off. What colors? Maybe one grabs you more.

I went thru the same situation almost 2 years ago. 87' w/20K mi for 32.5K or an 86' with 28K mi for 28K, both were triple black though the 87' had a factory tail. The 87' sold before I got there so I bought the 86' and love it. Prices have dropped since then, bought not nearly as much in some areas and the "low milers" are getting real scarce.

Sonic dB

Thanks for the advice fellas. This is a very helpful forum.... the situation has changed a little.

The guy with the 87 and 43000 was a ***** on the phone, so he is out and Im not going to buy from an a-hole.

So, now its between 2 cars:

87 Cab - 87,000 miles. Blue. Clean car, very condition with records for $22000 This car is located 500 miles away.

or

86 Cab - 65,000 miles. Guards Red w/new top. Clean car, Very Good condition with records for $17000

* I drove the 86 today. The shifting was a little notchy but I think I can get used to it. I didnt notice any major issues with syncro...but you never know.

It was kind of a Bitch to steer. I know that the 911s have rack and pinions...so this is normal, correct.

I told the owner of the 86 that I will buy if it passes PPI ok. I think thats reasonable and hope Im making the right choice.

Any thoughts?

JeremyW964

Did you drive the '87? Any '87? There is a difference with the Hydraulic clutch and G-50...

gerry100

$17K for the '86 sounds like a pretty good deal if everything is in order.

I'd ask if the clutch has been replaced - my "86 had it done at 73K by the original owner who I don't feel was a abusive driver. From what I've read and heard , clutches in the 915 equipped cars usually don't make it to 90K- so plan on a $1500 bill in the next 10-25K.

Notchy shifting can be a result of adjustment of the linkage or wear in the bushings in the linkage($50 and 2-3 hrs in your garage to replace). I wouldn't worry too much about the synchros at 65K.

"bitch to steer" I'm not sure if this means you're noticing lack of power steering, serious front end misalignmanet/damage or something in between. The fact that you commented suggests you might investigate further.

Good luck.

Sonic dB

Im going to purchase the 86. Maybe I will post pictures later. Its a good price for a clean car, and Ive been advised by a Porsche mechanic that even if there were some issues, Id still be able to sell it for about the same as I purchase it.

Steering was just more difficult than my Acura. Im thinking that this is due to the rack and pinions and also the wide tyres.