PeterP Posted 29October, 2010 Report Share Posted 29October, 2010 Folks, looking feedback from the experienced...... Today I looked at a 78 911 SC. Let me say I won't be buying anything without a full appraisal from a specialist: however a couple of observations, and questions: * The car was Australian delivered, but had not had airconditioning fitted at all. Is this common for that era? * Essentially the centre console had nothing in it (like at all) What should have been there? Having driven this, my thoughts are now pretty focused on a Carrera 3.2, even though it will cost me more. What can I expect to be different?? Appreciate feedback, cheers, Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex 3.2 Posted 6November, 2010 Report Share Posted 6November, 2010 Folks, looking feedback from the experienced...... Today I looked at a 78 911 SC. Let me say I won't be buying anything without a full appraisal from a specialist: however a couple of observations, and questions: * The car was Australian delivered, but had not had airconditioning fitted at all. Is this common for that era? * Essentially the centre console had nothing in it (like at all) What should have been there? Having driven this, my thoughts are now pretty focused on a Carrera 3.2, even though it will cost me more. What can I expect to be different?? Appreciate feedback, cheers, Peter I have an 86 911 Carrera, so I am somewhat biased but went through the same SC vs 3.2 comparison. First of all, many of the older cars do not have airconditioning and the pre '84 aircos are pretty useless anyway. From 86 onward the dashboard vents got bigger so well serviced aircos have acceptable performance from then on. Also before the eighties there was indeed only a gearstick coming out of the floor and no centre console. Here's a quick summation of the key issues: -From 1975 bodies got zinc plated so rust is generally not an issue in Australian delivered cars from there on. Neither in some imports but a thorough check is always recommended -The 2.7 litre engines were somewhat troublesome, the later 3.0 ltr units much more reliable. Unfortunately the early 3.0 ltr power output dipped below 200 BHP (180BHP to be precise). Models after 1980 had 205 BHP so these are quite fast. -If you buy an SC I would go for a post 1980 model because of the power issue. They are not quite as fast as the 3.2 and the engines are slightly less robust than the 3.2. Also the aircos from this era are now most probably useless. - The 3.2 got a more powerful (231BHP) engine which is also very reliable, and a better airco. The 1986 models got bigger dashboard vents to help the airco buy the catalytic converter reduced power to 219BHP. - From 1987 the 911 got the slicker shifting G50 gearbox, however the downside is it is heavier by 50kg than the previous 915 gearbox. And all of this weight sits at the rear. Bottom line, you should be able to get a well sorted post 80's SC for $5000-$10,000 less than a well sorted 3.2. The main difference in the SC is probably little or no airco and somewhat less power than the 3.2. Cabrios and Targa's can be had for a further $5000 less in both models, but they are less popular as they are heavier and have less structural integrity (affecting handling) than the coupes. Irrespective if you buy an SC or 3.s, always go for a well maintained model in standard spec with full service history. And always use a reputable Porsche mechanic to do a full pre purchase inspection. Buying a fixer upper will in the end cost a lot more than the premium you pay for a pristine one with nothing to spend. I suggest you drive a few SC and 3.2's and decide if you feel the 3.2 warrants the premium. Hope this helps. Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterP Posted 6November, 2010 Author Report Share Posted 6November, 2010 I have an 86 911 Carrera, so I am somewhat biased but went through the same SC vs 3.2 comparison. First of all, many of the older cars do not have airconditioning and the pre '84 aircos are pretty useless anyway. From 86 onward the dashboard vents got bigger so well serviced aircos have acceptable performance from then on. Also before the eighties there was indeed only a gearstick coming out of the floor and no centre console. Here's a quick summation of the key issues: -From 1975 bodies got zinc plated so rust is generally not an issue in Australian delivered cars from there on. Neither in some imports but a thorough check is always recommended -The 2.7 litre engines were somewhat troublesome, the later 3.0 ltr units much more reliable. Unfortunately the early 3.0 ltr power output dipped below 200 BHP (180BHP to be precise). Models after 1980 had 205 BHP so these are quite fast. -If you buy an SC I would go for a post 1980 model because of the power issue. They are not quite as fast as the 3.2 and the engines are slightly less robust than the 3.2. Also the aircos from this era are now most probably useless. - The 3.2 got a more powerful (231BHP) engine which is also very reliable, and a better airco. The 1986 models got bigger dashboard vents to help the airco buy the catalytic converter reduced power to 219BHP. - From 1987 the 911 got the slicker shifting G50 gearbox, however the downside is it is heavier by 50kg than the previous 915 gearbox. And all of this weight sits at the rear. Bottom line, you should be able to get a well sorted post 80's SC for $5000-$10,000 less than a well sorted 3.2. The main difference in the SC is probably little or no airco and somewhat less power than the 3.2. Cabrios and Targa's can be had for a further $5000 less in both models, but they are less popular as they are heavier and have less structural integrity (affecting handling) than the coupes. Irrespective if you buy an SC or 3.s, always go for a well maintained model in standard spec with full service history. And always use a reputable Porsche mechanic to do a full pre purchase inspection. Buying a fixer upper will in the end cost a lot more than the premium you pay for a pristine one with nothing to spend. I suggest you drive a few SC and 3.2's and decide if you feel the 3.2 warrants the premium. Hope this helps. Good Luck Alex, thanks so much for the feedback, it is really appreciated. From all the research I have done(and what I have learnt), I am certainly leaning toward the Carerra. regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wobbly Posted 7November, 2010 Report Share Posted 7November, 2010 What are you wanting to do with the car? Just get in and go with the least worries? Or turn it into a bit of a project? Both are very reliable by all accounts ... the only reliability diff on the 3.2 if memory serves is the hydraulic tensioners, but these are often back fitted to other models (my 2.7 has had them added at some stage in its past). Both the 3.0 and 3.2 are much better build starting points than a 2.7. If you aren't looking at doing any engine work then the 3.2 is probably the better option. If you're the sort that likes to build motors though then arguably the 3.0 is a better starting point if you intend to retain the standard rods and bolts, and the money you save on the purchase price will buy quite a few nice bits for the motor, though this can be a slippery slope. The SC is also a bit lighter than the 3.2, but the 3.2 more luxo no doubt... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randall Posted 6September, 2011 Report Share Posted 6September, 2011 On the subject of SC versus Carrera: Which one would you pick? 1980 SC 1986 Carrera Carrera seller is prepared to sell his car for about 30K where SC owner is not keen on letting it go for much less than asking price (36K) so call it a 5K price difference. SC is Australian delivered and has freshly rebuilt engine, reupholstered interior, new wheels and tyres and has been repainted. Carrera is imported (Hong Kong) has had a top end and gearbox rebuilt, has decent history for the last 12 years but not much prior to that. Odometer is not showing true mileage but engine and gearbox have been rebuilt within last 30K km. I would prefer the Carrera as it has more powerful engine - 230HP versus 188HP(I think) in the SC but SC looks nicer and seems to be a safer bet having had a lot of work done to it (engine rebuild 11K, re- upholstery 4.5K, paintjob 5.5K) Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-banger Posted 6September, 2011 Report Share Posted 6September, 2011 Interesting dilemma randall. Any rust issues on either car? Looks like they might have both been serviced at the same garage. Have you spoken to the mechanic about the cars? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randall Posted 7September, 2011 Report Share Posted 7September, 2011 According to respective owners there is no rust on either car. Yep, both cars have been rebuilt by Mark Buik, I spoke to him about them and will get him to do a PPI, still in two minds about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted 7September, 2011 Report Share Posted 7September, 2011 Hi. I'd be more concerned about which of the two cars you're looking at now is the better car. Not which one was better when they were new. Australian delivered is a something that would sway me but is not that important to some others. Known history and the maintenance carried out on the SC are also something that would help me decide. I have an '84 Carrera and it is a great car. It has aircon but it is really aircon in name only. If it didn't have aircon at all it would not bother me. Suitable for mild weather only anyway. Good luck with whatever you decide to get. I hope you end up with a great car. Glenn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterP Posted 9September, 2011 Author Report Share Posted 9September, 2011 Hi. I'd be more concerned about which of the two cars you're looking at now is the better car. Not which one was better when they were new. Australian delivered is a something that would sway me but is not that important to some others. Known history and the maintenance carried out on the SC are also something that would help me decide. I have an '84 Carrera and it is a great car. It has aircon but it is really aircon in name only. If it didn't have aircon at all it would not bother me. Suitable for mild weather only anyway. Good luck with whatever you decide to get. I hope you end up with a great car. Glenn. Hi Glenn, I am interested in your comment...suitable for mild weather only. I ended up buying an Australian delivered SC, which is a lot of fun, but I am at a loss to understand how hot these things run, and wonder how hot it will get in summner.I mean sometimes after a decent squirt through the hills, is spells hot and the back bumper is very hot. Any idea what is normal here? Temp guages and oil levels etc all good an checked each weekend. Be interested in your comments, regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted 9September, 2011 Report Share Posted 9September, 2011 Hi Glenn, I am interested in your comment...suitable for mild weather only. I ended up buying an Australian delivered SC, which is a lot of fun, but I am at a loss to understand how hot these things run, and wonder how hot it will get in summner.I mean sometimes after a decent squirt through the hills, is spells hot and the back bumper is very hot. Any idea what is normal here? Temp guages and oil levels etc all good an checked each weekend. Be interested in your comments, regards Peter Hi Peter. I meant the aircon was suitable for mild weather only, not the car. Sorry for not being clearer. The previous owner spent thousands on the aircon and yes, cold air does come out and you can feel it if you put your hand right in front of the outlet and use your imagination a bit, but effective in hot weather? No. As for the heat coming from the rear after hard driving, my limited experience would say it's normal for an air cooled engine. My car does the same thing after a hard drive and makes all sorts of noises after turning the engine off. No doubt just a bit of noise due to expansion / contraction. I've owned an air cooled BMW bike which did the same thing. As long as the gauges show all is well I wouldn't be too bothered. If your engine gets really hot you will notice a drop in power. Others with more experience may have something else to add. Regards, Glenn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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