Current modded 930 owner, thinking of 'backing down' to a 73-ish car.

Why?

The 930 is too much for the driving conditions. Its too stable, too quick, etc.
I'm using it as a daily in Boston stop and go traffic on freeways and on surface roads.

don't get me wrong, you hit the gas, count to 3 and it GOES! However...you immediately have to hit the brakes as you've run out of room, or are significantly over the speedlimit (see my thread on ticketkiller.com). It's all just too fast, too smooth.

So, what I'm looking for is a car that 'feels like 90 at 60', that you have to work for a decent 0-60 time, that when you take that 30 mph exit at 45 you'd best have your wits about you!

In other words a car that will let me extract the most fun out of the real world conditions and limitations.

So... Light, low-ish powered, great handling, and FI so I don't have to mess with carb tuning. Sounds like a 73.5 MFI to me.

Any thoughts or comments? Opposing opinions? Alternate suggestions?

Thank you in advance,

Lomotpk

 

Since you specified a 73.5 911, I think you mean CIS. I own a 73.5 T Targa with CIS and I love it. Sure the 140hp is on the low side, but low-end torque is still there - just not the top end legs. For city driving with some freeway cruising it's tough to beat that motor. Reliability is great, parts are pretty cheap and it's well behaved - gets my vote!

 

Depends on what MFI (which as explained is early '73 not 73.5). The "T" meets your low power needs, however the E and S are both decent screamers. Any of the above would disappoint your need to go 45 in a 30 mph exit as any of them would probably be able to do 60mph. Any of the T, E or S would probably be able to out handle your 930 in any situation other than acceleration and the E and S may just surprise you in that area also.

 

My 2.4S MFI is an absolute screamer. Runs like a top ... turn key performance at its best. From off idle to 3600 RPM I sort of wish I had a little more torque, but that wish soon fades as the tach flys like a bat-outta-hell once 3800 hits. The 10.8:1 compression ratio makes low rpm lugging a PITA, but the top end rush makes life worth living.

 

For dealing with L.A. traffic, my 911E 2.0 w/MFI is a great daily driver.

I bought an E because I like the smooth low end torque/power/acceleration in stop & go traffic.

Definitely drive/compare the T, E and S. Good luck with your search.

 

I have an E motor on webbers.
love it.
plenty of spirit.

 

Lomotpk:

I'd suggest that you make an effort to drive a 72-73 E or S and see if that is what you want. They are VERY different from your Turbo.

I would also offer that a 72-73 T, E, or S modified with a 2.7 motor is a very exciting machine and would be a good match for you, following the Turbo.

Those are not so slow, especially with close-ratio gears....

 

Ihave a 2.4E, and love it. Make sure the MFI is in good shape. I converted to a 2.7. Screaming fun. I got into the whole 911 thing for the same reason as you. Current cars are so easy to go REALLY fast in (relative to speed limits), and so refined, that it is easy to be way over "reasonable" behavior quickly. After getting pulled over every time a certain cop saw me in the town I lived in, I sold the RX-7 turbo, and grabbed an early 911. Never looked back.

 

All this said, MFI, when it goes wrong (pump, linkages, etc.) will be VERY expensive to fix. There are very few people left that can rebuild these pumps or make the delicate adjustments required to keep the system in a high state of tune. I have a 73 2.4L MFI and it has slowly (over the past year) started shifting towards a very lean condition. This is after it was at a full rich condition.
During the couple of months that the MFI was in tune, the car was a blast to drive. I believe my problem may stem from a sticking pump rack.
Either way, good luck in your search.

 

Also, The MFI throttle response is unbeatable.