jeebus31

Topic.

Would you trade a 997.1 C4 6MT for a 1981 911 SC? Both cars in excellent condition, low miles, good documentation.

A situation may be presenting itself and I’m wondering if it’s time to scratch the air cooled itch.

groovzilla

As owner of many 911sc's I'd go for it - As long as market value of both is mid $30's should be a fair deal
Curious what are the color/condition/miles/condition of both?
Does 911sc suffer from bad transmission syncros, have head studs been changed out or has it had a top end rebuild? Does it have Chain tensioner upgrade?

snethss

i wouldn't. I dont have near enough time to wrench on an old car. It doesnt matter how well maintained it is, a car from 1981 is going to have issues.

Doug H

I began my Porsche racing journey racing these in the mid 80s and driving them on the street when I was kid in the mid 80s. They were fun back then so very dated now. If you want something with an old school vibe, get a 964. The clutch, the steering, the AC, the shifting and the performance are all much more satisfying and the car retains the looks. The only pre-964 non-turbo air cooled I would consider would be a long nose or something much earlier than the SC. The SC is just too slow, heavy clutch, heavy steering, poor turn in and poor creature comforts, specially if you live in a place where you may need an AC from time-to-time.

Beezztie

I suppose it all depends on what your plans are. I have a 997 and a 3.2 (pretty similar to the SC) and tbh I hardly use the 3.2. 997 is soo much more comfortable to drive (think of lack of AC, which makes it pretty hot inside in the summer, even in the Netherlands, more noise, tiring during longer drives) and IMO more fun. If you are considering an SC to use your wrench and screwdriver more often then it would be good option, there is almost always something to improve or fix (I replaced front window gasket & trim, left rear window gasket, door seals, rear window wiper motor etc., and now my fuel gauge is acting up).

jeebus31

Thanks for the thoughts. I do like turning a wrench and my other car is a 2001 SL500 that has been fairly fun to work on. Even though it actually died at a red light yesterday - not cool. The 997 is fantastic but it's fully sorted and I'm maybe a little bored with it. Maybe.

I think the biggest concern for me would be the lack of Houston-ready AC. It would be a shame not to use a car for 5-6 months.

997.1 is a C4, arctic silver with full leather, 46.5k miles and another 11 months of platinum warranty left.

The SC is an 81 model, wine red, 51k miles, top end rebuild in the last year with upgraded chain tensioners (no expenses spared, apparently, per owner who is PCA member). I did not ask about the synchros but I will.

Mr. Merk

I have an '88 Carrera and my wife has a 997.1 C4S.

To each their own, we both prefer our own cars. They are so much different.

I would definitely say NO to an SC, if it were a Carrera 3.2 it would depend on your taste. My friend is a tech at a Porsche shop and he has an SC. When we were driving the other day he commented on how much more power, specifically torque, the (stock) 3.2 has over his SC. In a straight-line highway pull, my car is not much slower than the wife's although on a high-speed run she will stayed glued to ANY car in front of her and leave me in the dust. That's just her competitive nature.

groovzilla

not crazy about tan interior - sc's look much better with H4 headlights with color matched trim rings
have fun whatever you decide

Petza914

I think Doug H's advice is spot-on here. 964 or maybe slightly newer to a 993 for a more developed air-cooled. You're going to love the novelty at first, but then start to get irritated with not just being able to get in and go. Don't lift up on that, hold here when you push that - 81 is an old car - believe me, I know as I have a 74 914 and a 79 928. I just had the intake off the 928 yesterday. The 997s just sit there ready and waiting to go without much more care than oil changes. In Houston, you need better A/C than an older air-cooled car will give you.

Again, this all depends on how you use your 997, how much car-hobby vs driving you want to do with it, and what backup cars you have. An old Mercedes and and old Porsche as the two options may not give you enough reserve vehicle capacity where both could actually need something at the same time. I'd add the '81 if you like it, but not replace the 997 with it.

groovzilla

The other way to look at it is there are not many opportunity's to find/buy a nice 911sc - Most you see for sale now for a decent price are condition challenged
You can always find another 997 to buy

Balr14

I will never understand the nostalgia for any of the cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s, even though I grew up with them. The average modern Toyota or Honda sedan will out-perform and out-handle anything made in those days. I wouldn't mind driving one of these old Porsches for 1/2 hour, just for comparison. But, I sure wouldn't spend good money on one.

groovzilla

I used to drive my 1959 356 to the LA swap meet every year and back to Seattle - Did it probably 5 or 6x - also did a few trips in my 911sc.
The excitement with driving the 356 long distances is you really have no idea if you will actually make it
I remember lots of times I had to stop due to overheating(tiny oil cooler) and drive in shade of tractor trailer to avoid sun so car stayed cool - those are fun times when I look back.
Early 911's and 911sc had crappy heat/Def and AC - Can be uncomfortable but is a more raw experience than a cruise controlled P-Car with comfy seats/great HVAC/etc.
To each his own but I love cruising around town in 356 on occasion
Older aircooled cars are fun

groovzilla

I used to drive my 1959 356 to the LA swap meet every year and back to Seattle - Did it probably 5 or 6x - also did a few trips in my 911sc.
The excitement with driving the 356 long distances is you really have no idea if you will actually make it
I remember lots of times I had to stop due to overheating(tiny oil cooler) and drive in shade of tractor trailer to avoid sun so car stayed cool - those are fun times when I look back.
Early 911's and 911sc had crappy heat/Def and AC - Can be uncomfortable but is a more raw experience than a cruise controlled P-Car with comfy seats/great HVAC/etc.
To each his own but I love cruising around town in 356 on occasion
Older aircooled cars are fun
Heres a photo my friend tool of me crossing the SF Bay Bridge in one of my 356's on a road trip down to SF in 2010

Own Goal

porscheconvert