912e lunacy -- have I lost my mind?
03-02-2010, 01:46 PM
#16
Drifting
All looks, no umph
An early VW Beetle with a 1 liter motor wuld be more fun
75 911 for $7,500
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=908696
or a Longhood 912
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=898732
John
An early VW Beetle with a 1 liter motor wuld be more fun
75 911 for $7,500
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=908696
or a Longhood 912
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=898732
John
03-02-2010, 01:55 PM
#17
Addicted Specialist
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
A big "No" for me! Huge, no, actually. For that kind of cash, What you're getting is a really nice tub with a drivetrain that would (ok, I'll put this nicely) "lose its charm" pretty quickly.
If it were a 912 longhood body, then I would say yes, if all were in great shape. The longhood cars are a different era; the look says it all. A classic from yesteryear! But with the "modern" 911 lines, the 4-banger is more than just wrong, it is overpriced, IMHO.
Edward
If it were a 912 longhood body, then I would say yes, if all were in great shape. The longhood cars are a different era; the look says it all. A classic from yesteryear! But with the "modern" 911 lines, the 4-banger is more than just wrong, it is overpriced, IMHO.
Edward
03-02-2010, 02:10 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
If you have $14K to spend get a 911. There are very good examples out there just do your homework and a PPI.
'89 928S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black sunroof
'89 928S4 GP White/Black
'76 912E Silver/Black sunroof
03-02-2010, 02:27 PM
#20
Instructor
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I've driven SCs and a 912, though no 912Es, to be perfectly honest and frank. I'm just sort of figuring if I liked an early year 912, I'd *really* like a 1976er w/ a slightly souped up engine.
As far as Raby goes, from what I've read, he's the go-to guy for these types of engines.
As far as Raby goes, from what I've read, he's the go-to guy for these types of engines.
03-02-2010, 02:59 PM
#21
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Not sure where you are located but this 87 coupe has an asking price of ~$16k
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...ced-right.html
No affiliation with the seller or the car, but read the description as it seems to have lots of recent service.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsc...ced-right.html
No affiliation with the seller or the car, but read the description as it seems to have lots of recent service.
03-02-2010, 03:07 PM
#22
Addict
Just a couple years ago by boss purchased a very nice '76 912E very similar to that one for $6,000. After just two months he returned it to the seller. We drove it to the guys house, he signed the pink, got back in the boss' 997, and drove away. He was out his $6,000 but very very very happy to be rid of the 912E.
https://rennlist.com/forums/4316035-post5.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/4316035-post5.html
03-02-2010, 03:23 PM
#23
Race Car
That red coupe is real pretty. A 912 sucks to be honest. I don't care who the engine builder is. 912s were sneaky autocross cars, thats about it. Absolutly no comparison to a 911. It's going to "market" for a reason. Nothing against a type IV motor, but not in a 911.
03-02-2010, 03:25 PM
#24
Race Car
All looks, no umph
An early VW Beetle with a 1 liter motor wuld be more fun
75 911 for $7,500
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=908696
or a Longhood 912
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=898732
John
An early VW Beetle with a 1 liter motor wuld be more fun
75 911 for $7,500
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=908696
or a Longhood 912
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifie....php?id=898732
John
03-02-2010, 03:50 PM
#25
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aron: thanks, lovely car, but that car has a story; for one thing, it's got a branded title. this E, otoh, has no such stories. i'm not saying anything other than that. 
let me also say that i'm still on the fence here. One thing I believe about buying a car like this is that, in a sense, you're also buying the previous owner, not only what he did for and to the car but also the kind of person and car owner he is and was. In this regard, I believe that the owner of this E is tip top.
Below is an email I got from him, outlining in further detail what has been done to the car, what comes with the car, along with his opinion of life expectancy for various components and his thoughts about the car vs an SC.
Further considered opinions welcomed and appreciated.
He writes:
1. New engine. Less than 10k miles. Good for at least 50k more before anything other than setting the valves once every two years will be needed.
2. New clutch and pressure plate.
3. Rebuilt transmission. All new parts.
4. Carburetors recently rebuilt - this means they were taken apart completely and all of the jets (dual carbs, each having multiple jets) cleaned or replaced. You will not have any trouble with them for at least 5 years (if you add a stabilizer to the gas that emulsifies the ethanol. In older cars ethanol is a problem and you have to put the stabilizer in, several ounces every time you get gas.)
5. You will never have to put in points as the distributor has been fit with electronic ignition.
6. Brand new supplemental oil cooling system (Setrab - the best there is). Since installed the engine has never gotten near the heat red line, and I have never had to switch on the fans (there is a switch on the dashboard).
7. New muffler good for at least 4 more years.
8. New battery good for three more years.
9. Recent tune up with valves set, good for two years.
10. Four brand new tires, best brand, good for 50 to 60 k miles.
11. New master brake cylinder. Good for 8 to 10 years.
12. New brake hoses. Good for ten more years.
13. New brake pads. Good for 3 to 5 years.
14. Completely rebuilt disc brake calipers, and re ground discs. Good for 10 or more years.
15. Rebuilt pedal cluster (clutch, brake, gas). Good for 10 or more years.
16. New shifter and shifting mechanism. Porsche factor short shifter. Good indefinitely.
17. All new shift linkage between shifter and transmission. Good indefinitely.
18. New shock absorbers. Good for at least 4 more years.
19. New front struts. Good for twenty years.
20. New clutch and brake cables (from pedals to clutch and brake). Good for 15 years.
16. New steering wheel.
17. Custom dual speaker system with upholstery to mount on rear ledge.
18. New radio (loose connection just developed. Needs to be fixed).
19. New custom center arm rest....so when you drive your left arm can rest on the door arm rest and your right arm on the center arm rest.
20. New windshield with new gasket.
21. New dashboard cover to mitigate glare. You can take it off if you don't like it.
22. New interior rugs The best.
23. Just ordered new coco mats -- the original -- in black with gray fleck.
24. Had an complete wheel alignment last year. Good for another year.
In addition I have a collection of parts, manuals, and other equipment (including two GPS's) that will go with the car.
Since all this was done the car has performed flawlessly -- now two and a
half years.
On to your question: SC, Carrera, my car.
The SC and Carrera are super cars. Of the three I would have to go with the one that has had all of the things done to it that my car has had. If they were all equally restored I would take the Carrera.
Remember the bonus. The engine has been built out to 2,100 cc making it almost the equal of a 911 of the same vintage.
-- end of owner's commentary --
Obviously, he is biased in favor of a car that he has spent so much money and time on. But I've talked to outside observers who know this car and they back up his thoughts.
Anyway, I think one salient thing he says is as concerns any other car I might buy and what's been done to it and what remains to be done to it to make it "equally restored."
Anyone care to weigh in with fresh thoughts, given this additional information?
Seriously, I am still on the fence.
But it would be nice if someone could argue the positive should-buy point of view, if for no other reason than to balance out the negs. 
Thanks!
let me also say that i'm still on the fence here. One thing I believe about buying a car like this is that, in a sense, you're also buying the previous owner, not only what he did for and to the car but also the kind of person and car owner he is and was. In this regard, I believe that the owner of this E is tip top.
Below is an email I got from him, outlining in further detail what has been done to the car, what comes with the car, along with his opinion of life expectancy for various components and his thoughts about the car vs an SC.
Further considered opinions welcomed and appreciated.
He writes:
1. New engine. Less than 10k miles. Good for at least 50k more before anything other than setting the valves once every two years will be needed.
2. New clutch and pressure plate.
3. Rebuilt transmission. All new parts.
4. Carburetors recently rebuilt - this means they were taken apart completely and all of the jets (dual carbs, each having multiple jets) cleaned or replaced. You will not have any trouble with them for at least 5 years (if you add a stabilizer to the gas that emulsifies the ethanol. In older cars ethanol is a problem and you have to put the stabilizer in, several ounces every time you get gas.)
5. You will never have to put in points as the distributor has been fit with electronic ignition.
6. Brand new supplemental oil cooling system (Setrab - the best there is). Since installed the engine has never gotten near the heat red line, and I have never had to switch on the fans (there is a switch on the dashboard).
7. New muffler good for at least 4 more years.
8. New battery good for three more years.
9. Recent tune up with valves set, good for two years.
10. Four brand new tires, best brand, good for 50 to 60 k miles.
11. New master brake cylinder. Good for 8 to 10 years.
12. New brake hoses. Good for ten more years.
13. New brake pads. Good for 3 to 5 years.
14. Completely rebuilt disc brake calipers, and re ground discs. Good for 10 or more years.
15. Rebuilt pedal cluster (clutch, brake, gas). Good for 10 or more years.
16. New shifter and shifting mechanism. Porsche factor short shifter. Good indefinitely.
17. All new shift linkage between shifter and transmission. Good indefinitely.
18. New shock absorbers. Good for at least 4 more years.
19. New front struts. Good for twenty years.
20. New clutch and brake cables (from pedals to clutch and brake). Good for 15 years.
16. New steering wheel.
17. Custom dual speaker system with upholstery to mount on rear ledge.
18. New radio (loose connection just developed. Needs to be fixed).
19. New custom center arm rest....so when you drive your left arm can rest on the door arm rest and your right arm on the center arm rest.
20. New windshield with new gasket.
21. New dashboard cover to mitigate glare. You can take it off if you don't like it.
22. New interior rugs The best.
23. Just ordered new coco mats -- the original -- in black with gray fleck.
24. Had an complete wheel alignment last year. Good for another year.
In addition I have a collection of parts, manuals, and other equipment (including two GPS's) that will go with the car.
Since all this was done the car has performed flawlessly -- now two and a
half years.
On to your question: SC, Carrera, my car.
The SC and Carrera are super cars. Of the three I would have to go with the one that has had all of the things done to it that my car has had. If they were all equally restored I would take the Carrera.
Remember the bonus. The engine has been built out to 2,100 cc making it almost the equal of a 911 of the same vintage.
-- end of owner's commentary --
Obviously, he is biased in favor of a car that he has spent so much money and time on. But I've talked to outside observers who know this car and they back up his thoughts.
Anyway, I think one salient thing he says is as concerns any other car I might buy and what's been done to it and what remains to be done to it to make it "equally restored."
Anyone care to weigh in with fresh thoughts, given this additional information?
Seriously, I am still on the fence.
But it would be nice if someone could argue the positive should-buy point of view, if for no other reason than to balance out the negs. Thanks!
Last edited by floete; 03-03-2010 at 02:55 PM.
03-02-2010, 03:58 PM
#26
Nordschleife Master
If that thing's got a Raby 2100 in it, it will walk all over any stock engined midyear 2.7l car. And it will go twice as long between rebuilds. I think the car is very fairly priced but only a 912e guy would think so.
I sold my barely running, in need of a repaint, 912e for $6500 about six months ago. The buyer didn't even negotiate the price. He was a 912e guy and knew what he was buying. Either you like type-IV powered 911's or your don't. I loved the car. The short ring and pinion and RS style gearing are a great match for the engine. It's light, and nimble and will run with a 911sc in the mountains. And it will get you 30mph on the hwy. It's a momentum car like a 901, but has mid-year looks. It's still got chrome trim and a svelte narrow ****. I love how they look and drive.
You can see what I would do...
I sold my barely running, in need of a repaint, 912e for $6500 about six months ago. The buyer didn't even negotiate the price. He was a 912e guy and knew what he was buying. Either you like type-IV powered 911's or your don't. I loved the car. The short ring and pinion and RS style gearing are a great match for the engine. It's light, and nimble and will run with a 911sc in the mountains. And it will get you 30mph on the hwy. It's a momentum car like a 901, but has mid-year looks. It's still got chrome trim and a svelte narrow ****. I love how they look and drive.
You can see what I would do...
03-02-2010, 03:59 PM
#27
Race Car
You are going to have a hard time finding any 912 love around here. I've driven many of them - some with hot motors and it's not the same as a stock 911. HP figures aside, a 911 six is about flexibility, silky smooth, tactile and aural pleasure.
On the positive, i do think that this 912 is a spectacular example without a doubt. No comparison to a 911. The previous owner has a collection as you stated and this is a great addition to a collection, just not a first time, singular Porsche. I think you would be disappointed after a short time of ownership.
On the positive, i do think that this 912 is a spectacular example without a doubt. No comparison to a 911. The previous owner has a collection as you stated and this is a great addition to a collection, just not a first time, singular Porsche. I think you would be disappointed after a short time of ownership.
03-02-2010, 04:46 PM
#29
I haddah Google dat
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I agree. I have driven 4-cyl and 6-cyl aircooled Porsches. Huge difference. The 911 motor is not to be missed in this lifetime.
03-02-2010, 04:51 PM
#30
I bought the 85 targa pictured
<----------Here
for $13,700 In July of 2009
It had 79k on it. 100% original paint, new carpet, 1 very small crack in the dash (1/2 inch) and had had a PPI done by a knowledgable porsche mechanic. During the PPI Chuck Miller of Millersport in Hillsboro NC found that the A/C did not work and one cylinder did have marginal leak down tests. Despite the test He felt thet the engine was in quite good shape. He knows the car as he has has worked on it for a few years for the PO. The paint is beautiful and the car is a very nice driver with over $5,000 spent on maintenence/leaks etc in the last 3 years. I am in the used car business by trade (although not european/exotic cars) so I know a thing or 2 about buying cars. I have purchaced over 200 cars in my career. I did not steal this car but it was a good deal for a nice car.
I'm not giving advice but I thought the recency of this purchace could help give you a comparison
<----------Here
for $13,700 In July of 2009
It had 79k on it. 100% original paint, new carpet, 1 very small crack in the dash (1/2 inch) and had had a PPI done by a knowledgable porsche mechanic. During the PPI Chuck Miller of Millersport in Hillsboro NC found that the A/C did not work and one cylinder did have marginal leak down tests. Despite the test He felt thet the engine was in quite good shape. He knows the car as he has has worked on it for a few years for the PO. The paint is beautiful and the car is a very nice driver with over $5,000 spent on maintenence/leaks etc in the last 3 years. I am in the used car business by trade (although not european/exotic cars) so I know a thing or 2 about buying cars. I have purchaced over 200 cars in my career. I did not steal this car but it was a good deal for a nice car.
I'm not giving advice but I thought the recency of this purchace could help give you a comparison