TR

I am considering the purchase of a 1980 911.

Does anyone know of any potential problems or weak links with this particular year?

Anything that I should look for?

Any ideas on price for a good condition model?


Thanks...

Rick Lee

Is this your first Porsche? If so, you should know buying an SC will make you eligible for the club of fanatics known as SCWDP.

A few absolute musts for SC's which don't already have these mods are: Carrera chain tensioners - around $250-$400 and I hear not impossible to DIY. Also need the pop-off valve upgrade/mod. SC engines are pretty bulletproof, except for the dreaded broken head stud problem. I would look for a car that has had these things fixed on it. Even if it has high mileage, you'll have an excellent car and one owned by a lot of very knowledgeable people who can help you out.

john d 81SC

Also make certain that the rubber-centered clutch has been replaced - if it hasn't, it will be after it explodes. Factor a clutch replacement into your negotiations (sorry, but I have no idea what a new clutch & labor will run). Also, check out the FAQ section on this board for Bill Gregory's excellent article on 911's. Good luck with your search!

zzopit

A 1980 can run you anywhere from $8000 to over $20000 depending on the seller, condition and mileage. Also factor in where you live. There are pleanty of good cars out there for $10000 or so if you are willing to put up with a few nominal issues such as A/C, paint/interior and light fix-ems. A $10000 car needing $7000 of tranny work, a $7000 rebuild and $2000 in brakes does not a bargain make....

I found a rather minty 84 Carrera for $12000 after looking at more than 15 years. Check out Ebay "daily" and search your home area first. They pop-up every few days in the Metro-NYC area. Find a lazy seller and convince him that the car needs this/that, offer a lowball$ and walk away. With any luck he will call back - GOT EM'!!!

-Jason
Long Island
84 Carrera
ex-68 912
ex-83 944
ex-75 914 2.0
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

rayjay...'80SC

Get a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable mechanic and know realistically what you are looking at. The more records/receipts from previous owner(s) the better. Upgrades like tensioner & pop-off valve are necessary. If you sense that the seller is lying or dishonest in any way, walk. Take your time buying...there are a lot of nice cars out there that have been pampered all their lives...be selective!! Price is relative to care & condition...I would prefer to pay more for a car that has been treated well than less for one that has been neglected. I love my '80 SC!! Good luck & have fun!! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Bob Hodges

I own a 80 SC ...it was my first Porsche. I walked into buying without a clue what to look for. I was very lucky as all the upgrades had been previously accomplished. You would be amazed at how much you notice after you own the car for a while. One thing that I got stung on was the heat exchangers, they were rusted out and I am buying new ones now. The whole SSI set up cost 1,500.00. Other than the car has 81k now and I bought it with 75K. The low miles, upgrades and good show of the car brings top buck. Do a good inspection under the bumpers for rust...good luck

Bob 80SC

Flyin Elvis

If you shoot me your email address I'll send you the most complete q and a I have ever seen. I followed when I bought the Rat and it was spot on. I copied out of sight last summer and it's url is about 1500 digits long. Good advice here re; clutch, air box valve, chain tensioner, and headbolts. And if you get the 84 they were galvanized and corrosion becomes less of a factor. the Rat is an 83SC with 160k and was painted in a back yard (black over what was rosequartz)but I got it for 6500. It had the above updates all done, and right now she is being stripped and painted, and I have the engine out for a synchro replacement and a few other updates/mods. I love this car more than anything I've ever owned! (sorry honey) One thing that has held true; the 3.0 engine is one of the best if not the most bullet-proof engine built. Have fun!

Perkins

I bought my '80 SC Coupe in April of last year.
65K miles, and all upgrades. My first Porsche. The car has been a genuine pleasure to own and enjoy driving it more as each day goes by.
Best purchase I've ever made.

best of luck!
Maurice

Martin S.

Pete Zimmerman's book, The Used 911 Story. is full of interesting info, what you should be looking for. I had a 80SC..put 70,000 miles on it, ran it at the track for 4 years, at least 6 events a year, sold the car, and the new owner is still tracking the car, no major problems to report, a super car.

REad the book, look for your car, get a PPI and you be ready to join the club. <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Speedraser

The Rat's reply suggests that only the '84 and later cars are fully galvanised -- not true. All Porsches '76 and later are fully galvanised. I bought my '81 SC in '94 with 39,000 miles. It now has 67,000 miles and has been absolutely wonderful -- great fun to drive, totally reliable, no squeaks or rattles, etc. It literally looks and feels like a new 1981 car.