Palting

Ok. I'm in the "planning" stage for a 911 project car. I came into Porsche somewhat late, so I am ignorant of the nuances of the 911 evolution. I'm looking at the 1980's 911 as a starting point. Aside from the "get the latest you can afford" tenet, can anyone give me some pointers on what/why a particular year is a better starting point?

I know it's a lot to ask, but I also know it's a challenge to the collective minds of Rennlist. Thanks!!

old man neri

It really depends on what you are looking for. Is this going to be a DD, a track *****, a weekend toy? Do you want a more raw driving feeling or do you want a bit more modern conveniences? Maybe you want a really old 911 long hood as a project? What kind of work are you looking to put into this project?

If you don't know a lot about the 911 history there is a great book called 'the used 911 story' by a Pete Zimmerman that will tell you the difference between each year and the pros and cons of every year.

-matt

JackOlsen

If you like the 80's, then an 87-89 Carrera has the G50 transaxle and a host of other incremental improvements on previous years' shortcomings. Still, there are things to worry about on any 911. Carreras are known for premature valve guide wear.

Palting

Thanks for the quick replies.

This will be more of a weekend car, something of Porsche history that I can own and drive, and tinker to perfection.

ked

Palting, if I had your criteria; "...something of Porsche history that I can own and drive and tinker to perfection." and "...the 1980's 911 as a starting point.", I would focus on a very fine to excellent condition, w/ records, late SC to last 3.2 ('82 - '89). I would be willing to pay top $ (whatever that is this Spring-to-Fall) & take my time. In fact, that is what I did (except I'm a little weak on the pefection part) about 8 yrs ago & I'm quite pleased.

Palting

Nice car, Ked. It looks perfect to me.

OK. The search for late SC's and 3.2 starts. Thanks.

Expect me to hang out here more once I find the car, with lots of questions regarding what and how best to tinker with it. Woohoo!

Daniel Dudley

I say this all the time, but you really need to drive a few. Some of us really like the earlier cars, and some are sold on the 87 and later. Don't buy the first car you see, unless it comes with a golden reccomendation and a great PPI.

Also, but Pete Zimmermans book, ''The Used 911 Story''. You will learn more in a day than you will pick up here in a month. Also, get a copy of ''101 projects for Your Porsche 911''. A good way to get your feet wet without going into the water.

Chris M.

What's your budget? Any particular colors you're looking for? Coupe, cab, targa?

flatsixnut

Yeah its hard to say whats best for another person. If your a late comer as you say, it makes it even harder to say whats best for you. All of the air/oil cooled cars are fun to drive, but they all have dif quirks and characteristics that are unlike the model before them or after them.

Its just like some people say the SC's are a poor mans 911. Well for me I liked them because they were old enough to give me that old raw mechanical feel, but new enough to give me just enough creature comforts if I needed them. Plus it was right there at the cusp of me still being able to work on them without too much worry.

My good friend has a concourse 1969 911S, that I have been in lust with for many years....but that car is way out of my price range.

I say Buy Pete's book and the 101 projects. They will both give you tons of insight into these cars and things to look for. They might even turn you away from them...who knows. I would also try chatting it up with your local PCA members and trade test drives so you can get a feel for them.

flatsixnut

Oh and one other thing...."ALL" older 911's are a project car.

ked

I know of people w/ new 996s & 997s who've put more $ in tires, wheels, seats & carbon graphite than I paid for my '87. I guess it all depends on how you define "project". I've avgd under $1000/yr in maint & parts over 7 years / 7K mi/yr. Just pick a good one & be lucky.