84 911 for a mechanic?
12-04-2010, 10:06 AM
#1
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Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, WNC
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84 911 for a mechanic?
The '82 SC I looked at last month was nice, but the owner cheaped out on his maintenance. That concerned me, plus a recently broken valve spring with no known cause given.
Yesterday I drove 3 hours to check this 84 Carrera with 130k, Quartz Grey w/burgundy interior, Bilsteins, 7 and 8 Fuchs, 3 owner car. It comes with a RUF front spoiler/air dam, has a K&N cone air cleaner, Optima battery, very good Yokohamas, otherwise completely stock. The current owner is a stickler for maintenance, PCA member who is a very talented electrical engineer who does his own mechanical work.
It has chips and dings, needs a headliner and a really good detailing. Carpet is weak, seats very good, dash is perfect. Sunroof and power windows work, power antenna has it's own switch, new ignition switch electrics. It has been driven and enjoyed, which is exactly my intention. The 1st and 2nd synchros are weak, but shifted better as it warmed up. No oil engine oil leaks, (hasn't been cleaned either), no smoke on startup, excellent oil pressure, runs cool. The A/C has been upgraded to the point that it actually works in Southern heat. The heat and defrost work, which is more of my concern since I live at 3800 feet elevation, and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway often. My wife would be impressed that I could actually drive this one home instead of hauling it, like so many projects before. I think it needs me. The price? Less than $12k. We are open for your excellent advice.
Yesterday I drove 3 hours to check this 84 Carrera with 130k, Quartz Grey w/burgundy interior, Bilsteins, 7 and 8 Fuchs, 3 owner car. It comes with a RUF front spoiler/air dam, has a K&N cone air cleaner, Optima battery, very good Yokohamas, otherwise completely stock. The current owner is a stickler for maintenance, PCA member who is a very talented electrical engineer who does his own mechanical work.
It has chips and dings, needs a headliner and a really good detailing. Carpet is weak, seats very good, dash is perfect. Sunroof and power windows work, power antenna has it's own switch, new ignition switch electrics. It has been driven and enjoyed, which is exactly my intention. The 1st and 2nd synchros are weak, but shifted better as it warmed up. No oil engine oil leaks, (hasn't been cleaned either), no smoke on startup, excellent oil pressure, runs cool. The A/C has been upgraded to the point that it actually works in Southern heat. The heat and defrost work, which is more of my concern since I live at 3800 feet elevation, and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway often. My wife would be impressed that I could actually drive this one home instead of hauling it, like so many projects before. I think it needs me. The price? Less than $12k. We are open for your excellent advice.
12-04-2010, 10:24 AM
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sounds like a great car - a little dirt and wear is better than wires falling out and things not working. Cheaper to fix too 
I say offer $20k (but that's because i want the market to go up - damn that's CHEAP !!)
I say offer $20k (but that's because i want the market to go up - damn that's CHEAP !!)
12-04-2010, 01:52 PM
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I have already emailed two different shops about midway from the car, hopefully one will be able to do a PPI fairly soon. Unless there is something terribly wrong with the engine that I missed, I am really excited about this one. The downside is the weather, as Whalebird can verify. It is snowing flakes about the size of a silver dollar, with about 4 inches on the ground and counting. The NCDOT uses a corrosive "brine" that does as much damage as battery acid. I could drive the car within 12 miles of my shop, but I would want an enclosed trailer to bring it on through the road salt. The forecast is not good for at least 10 days.
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12-04-2010, 06:27 PM
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To give you an idea on the market I got my 88 for a few thousand more with 110k on the clock. It is due for its major service (valves, fluids, etc) which I am doing next week. This will be my first valve adjustment btw.
The only issue so far is the AC. It was working fine when I got it but now the fan will not engage so it is something I will need to tackle. A few of the oil lines need replacing which I am also doing but the parts were relatively inexpensive.
My interior is perfect and has brand new tires. It does smoke on startup but does go away when I drive away.
On my PPI my leakdown test was marginal so I am prepared for a top end rebuild in the future. So far oil consumption is not bad but not great either (about a quart every 700 miles). Tranny and clutch feel great.
For now I am just driving it and will tackle the issues as they come up since this will be a long term car for me. I have had a ton of cars but this one is keeper.
The only issue so far is the AC. It was working fine when I got it but now the fan will not engage so it is something I will need to tackle. A few of the oil lines need replacing which I am also doing but the parts were relatively inexpensive.
My interior is perfect and has brand new tires. It does smoke on startup but does go away when I drive away.
On my PPI my leakdown test was marginal so I am prepared for a top end rebuild in the future. So far oil consumption is not bad but not great either (about a quart every 700 miles). Tranny and clutch feel great.
For now I am just driving it and will tackle the issues as they come up since this will be a long term car for me. I have had a ton of cars but this one is keeper.
12-04-2010, 07:03 PM
#9
Your comments sum up the attitude we all must have to remain sane owners of these great old cars!
To give you an idea on the market I got my 88 for a few thousand more with 110k on the clock. It is due for its major service (valves, fluids, etc) which I am doing next week. This will be my first valve adjustment btw.
The only issue so far is the AC. It was working fine when I got it but now the fan will not engage so it is something I will need to tackle. A few of the oil lines need replacing which I am also doing but the parts were relatively inexpensive.
My interior is perfect and has brand new tires. It does smoke on startup but does go away when I drive away.
On my PPI my leakdown test was marginal so I am prepared for a top end rebuild in the future. So far oil consumption is not bad but not great either (about a quart every 700 miles). Tranny and clutch feel great.
For now I am just driving it and will tackle the issues as they come up since this will be a long term car for me. I have had a ton of cars but this one is keeper.
The only issue so far is the AC. It was working fine when I got it but now the fan will not engage so it is something I will need to tackle. A few of the oil lines need replacing which I am also doing but the parts were relatively inexpensive.
My interior is perfect and has brand new tires. It does smoke on startup but does go away when I drive away.
On my PPI my leakdown test was marginal so I am prepared for a top end rebuild in the future. So far oil consumption is not bad but not great either (about a quart every 700 miles). Tranny and clutch feel great.
For now I am just driving it and will tackle the issues as they come up since this will be a long term car for me. I have had a ton of cars but this one is keeper.
12-04-2010, 10:52 PM
#11
I love Quartz Grey Metallic and almost got a car in that color.
Sounds like a good, honest driver to me.
All these old cars need work, but this one sounds like it had a good home...have a chat with the owner and see where he's coming from.
Whatever you do, enjoy the hunt and good luck to you.
Sounds like a good, honest driver to me.
All these old cars need work, but this one sounds like it had a good home...have a chat with the owner and see where he's coming from.
Whatever you do, enjoy the hunt and good luck to you.
