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Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » 911 SC - Talk me down

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May 19, 2009 8:05 a.m. Rangeball Reader

Jump, jump!!!

I took a break from studying Corporate tax law over the weekend and watched TV with my wife. "Failure to Launch" was playing and throughout the movie Matthew McConaughey drives a 73 911. My wife looks at me and says "you should get an older Porsche." I know she wants me to actually be like McConaughey but that is certainly not in the cards. However, I have not been able to get out of my mind, the idea of owning a Porsche. Especially since I drove my buddies 996 GT3.

So after thinking this through, I have fallen in love with the 911 SC (78-83). A clean example of a SC can be found anywhere between $13k-$18k. Not exactly Grassroots for a 30 year old car. Also I would want to swap in a G50 transmission. Another $2-3k.

I have looked on Pelican Parts quite a bit to learn more about these cars. Any insight you all could provide would be awesome. This car would start out as a DD and then slowly transform into a dual purpose DD/Track car.

Lastly, am I crazy to think a LS1 would be awesome in a widebody 911 SC?
May 19, 2009 8:33 a.m. modernbeat HalfDork

Why an SC and not an '86-88 Carrera? Better AC and the G50 is included.
May 19, 2009 8:36 a.m. snipes New Reader

they can look nice...

I think its a great idea. But if you want a V8 car just buy one that is finished. It will be way cheaper that way. Just a good solid SC with a nice set of wheels is the way to go. Once you go wide body then you need more of everything (power, brakes, tires,ext).
May 19, 2009 8:53 a.m. Rangeball Reader

modernbeat wrote:

Why an SC and not an '86-88 Carrera? Better AC and the G50 is included.

Did not know this. Thank you!
May 19, 2009 9:03 a.m. Matt B New Reader

I've been toying with the same idea for years (minus the V8). However, the cost of parts and service have always kept me at arm's length. I kept hearing horror stories about $5K repair bills from the local used Porsche shop when I was considering for a 944 a couple of years back.

Nice photo btw.
May 19, 2009 9:18 a.m. Rangeball Reader

This is the eventual tract I had in mind:

That is a 72 RSR but it has the look I want to go for.
May 19, 2009 9:31 a.m. Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director

I've seen some cool long-nose conversions on SCs. Seems like a good way to get the earlier look with modern reliability.
May 19, 2009 9:44 a.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

www.gt-racing.com has the fiberglass parts to backdate the SC and 3.2-liter Carrera. You can also keep the short nose, add the duck tail, and call it a '74 Carrera.

I know a guy who has been looking at the SC cars for a long time--classic looks, super-reliable engines plus galvanized bodies. The SC also has just enough flare. However, this "friend" is going with a 3.2-liter Carrera--a little more power plus updated injection. Aside from the engines, the cars are quite similar. Prices are similar as it seems to come down to condition.

As far as not being "grassroots," I totally disagree. The 911 is one of the most iconic sports cars ever built, and today you can buy a nice one for less than a new econobox. The cars are fully depreciated. If anything, the Porsche experts expect prices to start to creep up. Come on, jump.
May 19, 2009 9:53 a.m. 914Driver Dork

My neighbor Ed just sold his round headlight VR6 powered Jetta and a Rabbit to buy a 1969 911. Not a concern in Jacksonville as it is here, but look for rust. His ran fine for two weeks, then the pedal cluster started pushing away from the driver and through the floor.

An LS1 would be cool, but a stock 911 is tail happy enough, throw a SBC behind the axles, yikes !! Personally I prefer filling the back seat; better balance.

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/#

Dan
May 19, 2009 9:59 a.m. dyintorace Dork

It's an entirely different animal, but the 1999.5 - 2004 Carreras are almost as cheap as the price range you quoted for the SC cars. Early 996's are now below 20k. Amazing.
May 19, 2009 10:14 a.m. RossD Reader

I wonder if parts are cheaper for a 99 or 00 compared to an older SC or Carrera? I've often wrestled with the expensive new car becomes mildly inexpensive old car (but with expensive parts) and the dichotomy that it represents.
May 19, 2009 10:18 a.m. Travis_K HalfDork

I dont think id want a 911. I havent driven one, but from what people say the handling is pretty scary with the engine way in the back, and parts are $$$$$. I read something on here when someone who had several wanted to get rid of them becasue they cost so much, i think an engine rebuild is like $30k. If I wanted an aircooled porsche id rather have a 914, at least they handle better. lol
May 19, 2009 10:19 a.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

There are some deals out there on early 996 cars, too. In fact, that's where my "friend's" search began.
May 19, 2009 10:23 a.m. Per Schroeder Technical Editor/Advertising Director

Don't "say" "anything", but I think "David" is "trying" to "tell" us "something."
May 19, 2009 10:25 a.m. JFX001 Dork

I would actually like to have a C4 Cabrio in white, manual please.

I don't think that you can go wrong with a 911.....
May 19, 2009 10:25 a.m. dyintorace Dork

RossD wrote:

I wonder if parts are cheaper for a 99 or 00 compared to an older SC or Carrera? I've often wrestled with the expensive new car becomes mildly inexpensive old car (but with expensive parts) and the dichotomy that it represents.

Good question...I don't know the answer. But a buddy who is well versed in the Porsche world has told me that engine rebuilds on 996's are close to 1/4 what they are on 993's. That makes me sad, because the 993 is the car I really want, but I'm thinking the 996 would be cheaper to own.

Not that I'm getting ready to buy a Porsche though!
May 19, 2009 10:33 a.m. Rangeball Reader

Oh God; more considerations!

Now I am balancing the iconic look vs. modern amenities idea. 996's are running between $22k-27k on eBay.
May 19, 2009 10:36 a.m. minimac Dork

As some one who has an '82 SC,(see mine in the Readers Rides) I feel I can speak with a little bit of credence. You don't need stinking air. A g-50 is not necessary either. You will want a short shift kit, though. In fact, you don't even need a radio-the sounds of the engine and trans are sweet! Personally, I prefer the classic SC look-no whale tail, nice fat tires tucked inside(like Wallens said, just enough flare), and classic Fuchs. The 3.2 might be nice, but my 3.0 is bulletproof and not enough difference to justify the cost of a swap. BTW, I paid way less than the range you stated(from a reputable dealer!).The short nose doesn't handle or ride as well, the motors are much more problematic, and hidden rust can be a problem. I guess it's a matter of personal taste, but for my money, you can't beat the SC. And yes, you are crazy to think a LS1 and wide body go together!
May 19, 2009 10:55 a.m. Strizzo Dork

do a search on here for the guy that was about to plunk down the cash for an older 911...right up until the pre purchase inspection happened. that guy's story alone scared me far, far away from even thinking about a porsche for a long time.

EDIT: found it http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/killer-body-evil-heart/5763/page1/
May 19, 2009 11:19 a.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director

minimac wrote:

The 3.2 might be nice, but my 3.0 is bulletproof and not enough difference to justify the cost of a swap.

I'd second that. I'd let overall car condition rule the decision. The SCs and 3.2-liter Carreras are pretty darn close.
May 19, 2009 12:14 p.m. mad_machine UltraDork

I had a 72 911E. Great car, scary in so many ways (especially for a 21year old) but the repair bill got me bad.

The engine broke a rocker shaft and basically needed to have the head pulled to make all the repairs. I thankfully sold the car for what I paid for it and still managed to get 6 months of enjoyment out of it
May 19, 2009 12:27 p.m. Xceler8x Dork

Buy AngryCorvair's SBC powered 944. If he'll part with it that is.
May 19, 2009 1:36 p.m. snipes New Reader

911 SC + PROPER WHEELS = Done
May 19, 2009 1:50 p.m. Ian F Reader

As much as I like those wheels in general, on that car, they just look wrong...

There was an article about used Porsches in another rag recently. Reading that article sent me scurrying to the classifides... In general, you can't go wrong with any of them. All have their quirks, pluses and minuses... A pre-purchase inspection is a MUST. If well cared for, the air-cooled engines last damn-near forever... If pressed for "one year to buy", a few of the "experts" recommended an 89 non-turbo (and in general, avoid any turbo car if you're on a maintenance budget) for a few reasons: updated trans and overall improvements.

From what I've read, old Porsches are like Ferraris to a lesser degree and BMW's a greater degree. Maybe you can afford to buy one, but can you afford to own one? Think about insurance costs. And while nowhere near as needy as a Ferrari, they apparently still like to get a few $K per year in specialized service - especially if used as a DD.
May 19, 2009 1:53 p.m. DILYSI Dave UltimaDork

Xceler8x wrote:

Buy AngryCorvair's SBC powered 944. If he'll part with it that is.

He will.

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