'77 Euro Carrera 3.0
06-27-2002, 02:27 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
'77 Euro Carrera 3.0
Hi folks - new to the site here.
I recently acquired a '77 911 Carrera with the 3.0 motor. It went into service in Europe and made its way over here in the 80's. I have wanted a 911 ever since I was a boy. My dad had a beautiful Targa the 70's - unfortunately he had to sell it. I still have pictures.
My question is this - what are the major issues I need to be aware of in regards to the Euro version of the Carerra? In what major ways (other than compression) is it different from its American counterpart?
When I bought the car, it had just received an overhauled transmission. This was installed in place of its old Sport-o-matic (thank god!), which bit the dust. Other mods include the tensioner upgrade, and the new spring centered clutch.
Any big gotcha's I should know about? I did my research before buying this car, and everything about it looked great - but I am always looking for additional info.
Thanks!
Rob
I recently acquired a '77 911 Carrera with the 3.0 motor. It went into service in Europe and made its way over here in the 80's. I have wanted a 911 ever since I was a boy. My dad had a beautiful Targa the 70's - unfortunately he had to sell it. I still have pictures.
My question is this - what are the major issues I need to be aware of in regards to the Euro version of the Carerra? In what major ways (other than compression) is it different from its American counterpart?
When I bought the car, it had just received an overhauled transmission. This was installed in place of its old Sport-o-matic (thank god!), which bit the dust. Other mods include the tensioner upgrade, and the new spring centered clutch.
Any big gotcha's I should know about? I did my research before buying this car, and everything about it looked great - but I am always looking for additional info.
Thanks!
Rob
06-27-2002, 06:10 AM
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Anchorage AK
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Rob,
Congratulations on your new 911. The head studs are a major issue. Have your mechanic pull the valve covers and inspect these and while he is in there have him adjust the valves.
Clinton R Hodges II
Anchorage, AK
PCA/Rennlist member
Congratulations on your new 911. The head studs are a major issue. Have your mechanic pull the valve covers and inspect these and while he is in there have him adjust the valves.
Clinton R Hodges II
Anchorage, AK
PCA/Rennlist member
06-27-2002, 08:31 PM
#4
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Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The 3.0 Carrera is basically a 78SC when it comes down to it. If properly cared you the 3.0's are very strong motors and can last a long time. The head stud issue above is *usually* related to rust, rather than from pulling out of the case as in the 2.7. Either way its's a good idea to check them when you have the valve covers off.
One potential issue with your car is finding parts when things go bad. As the suspension/brakes/exterior are pretty much SC, engine components can be a little tricky. Assuming you still have the Euro fuel distributor you cant subsitute the US version, for example. I wouldnt worry too much about this, but would check part #'s on any CIS components before you order new ones. I have heard stories of after years of repairs some euro cars have a hodge podge of US/Euro parts and can a tricky to tune.
Good luck and have fun! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
One potential issue with your car is finding parts when things go bad. As the suspension/brakes/exterior are pretty much SC, engine components can be a little tricky. Assuming you still have the Euro fuel distributor you cant subsitute the US version, for example. I wouldnt worry too much about this, but would check part #'s on any CIS components before you order new ones. I have heard stories of after years of repairs some euro cars have a hodge podge of US/Euro parts and can a tricky to tune.
Good luck and have fun! <img src="graemlins/drink.gif" border="0" alt="[cherrsagai]" />
06-29-2002, 01:19 AM
#5
Congratulations on your purchase--you are part of a small and elite group of Carrera 3.0 owners. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are the finest and most discriminating Porsche owners. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />
Here is a little more info about your car: The compression ratios are the same as the '78 and '79 SC's, 8.5:1. The main difference is that the C3 used, essentially, the early 930 case, so it had the 2.7 crank. The C3 also used the 3-pin CD ignition and distributor of the 2.7 cars. Its fuel distributor was higher-flowing, though, but it is not true that other FD's don't work. My car when I first bought it had a 2.7 FD. When it eventually failed, I installed an SC FD, and everything works beautifully. The SC warm-up regulator, however, does not work (ask me how I know this...).
I'm curious that it was a sportomatic--you must have one of the very few!
As far as special maintenance, there is none required. Just the regular old 911 stuff. And I wouldn't pull your valve covers off and have the valves adjusted unless you have reason to believe they are out of adjustment (such as a noisy valvetrain) or the car's maintenance records show that it should be done. No point in creating work for yourself. Enjoy!
Here is a little more info about your car: The compression ratios are the same as the '78 and '79 SC's, 8.5:1. The main difference is that the C3 used, essentially, the early 930 case, so it had the 2.7 crank. The C3 also used the 3-pin CD ignition and distributor of the 2.7 cars. Its fuel distributor was higher-flowing, though, but it is not true that other FD's don't work. My car when I first bought it had a 2.7 FD. When it eventually failed, I installed an SC FD, and everything works beautifully. The SC warm-up regulator, however, does not work (ask me how I know this...).
I'm curious that it was a sportomatic--you must have one of the very few!
As far as special maintenance, there is none required. Just the regular old 911 stuff. And I wouldn't pull your valve covers off and have the valves adjusted unless you have reason to believe they are out of adjustment (such as a noisy valvetrain) or the car's maintenance records show that it should be done. No point in creating work for yourself. Enjoy!
06-30-2002, 02:03 AM
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks Noah -
I would love to hear about the SC warm up regulator - please elaborate.
And just for the record everyone, I have a 5 speed in her now. I would not, in a million years, ever have an automatic transmission in a Porsche 911. I know that will stir the pot a bit, but I can't imagine having an automatic in a weekend car. Maybe in a daily driver, but never in a second car.
So - dish on the warm up regulator. I am eager to learn anything about these relatively rare autos.
Also - I am leaning toward adding an oil cooler in the passenger side fender well. Currently she only has the trombone, but I am considering a radiator type arrangement, as I live in central Texas and the temps down here are pretty high.
Thanks Again -
Rob
I would love to hear about the SC warm up regulator - please elaborate.
And just for the record everyone, I have a 5 speed in her now. I would not, in a million years, ever have an automatic transmission in a Porsche 911. I know that will stir the pot a bit, but I can't imagine having an automatic in a weekend car. Maybe in a daily driver, but never in a second car.
So - dish on the warm up regulator. I am eager to learn anything about these relatively rare autos.
Also - I am leaning toward adding an oil cooler in the passenger side fender well. Currently she only has the trombone, but I am considering a radiator type arrangement, as I live in central Texas and the temps down here are pretty high.
Thanks Again -
Rob
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06-30-2002, 05:39 PM
#8
Re: the warm-up regulator, mine was bad, and I took a gamble that early SC one would work. It didn't--I obtained the pressure/time specs on the C3 and SC WUR's, and they're a little different. I did the sensible thing (what I should have done in the first place) and had the original WUR made adjustable. One other point about the C3 engines is that because of the lower internal rotating weight of their engines, they rev very willingly. Much fun to drive. SSI's and an early (or sport) muffler are a must, upgrade-wise. MSD ignition is also terrific (and inexpensive).
