looking to add a 911 to the family, thinking the 911SC targa or convertible Options

[SKL1]

914's will always be my sentimental favourites, but have enjoyed several 911's over the years.
Never had a longhood though and just found a really nice '72 targa that needed to be put back together after a repaint/restoration. Always wanted a '72 because of the unique oil tank etc and first year for the 915 transaxle. Even matches my "original owner" '71 914...
Can't wait to hear the unmistakable sound of the early AC cars!

[somd914]

As others have said, they are completely different. I greatly enjoy the 914 for redline to redline fun without getting illegal - the Carrera gets illegal quickly with its tall gearing, nearing 45 in first and 80-ish in second.

Agree there is not much difference between an SC and Carrera beyond engine, but I'd go the Carrera route for hydraulic chain tensioners (though 3.0 can be upgraded) and for Motronic electronic injection/engine management over CIS mechanical - added bonus for Motronic is a Steve Wong performance chip to bring the engine up to approximately Euro performance numbers.

For me, the useless A/C has been removed, RS door panels installed, boat anchor battery replaced with an Odyssey, and a few other trimmings have removed close to 100 pounds of fat.

Another excellent upgrade is a Rennshift or Wevo shifter, likely the best $500 you can spend. As for the G50, not convinced its worth the money, but it's not uncommon to be looking at 915 work within 100k miles which can get expensive.

As for a wife's car, mine started down the path looking for 911 SC or Carrera and wound up with a Lotus Elise SC... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

[Unobtanium-inc]

I have a running project SC on ebay right now, no reserve, so high bidder wins it and owns it. Good car for someone who wants to spend the winter sorting it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Porsche-911-9...ve/283226683020

---Adam

[rgolia]

getting close on an 89 silver edition cabriolet...any thoughts?

[Maltese Falcon]

Can't go wrong with a '78 -'83 sc coupe...these are hot right now. Cab's >>expect to pay more. If you subscribe to instagram, check out Ryan's SC at the @eibach_world site. Maybe the most photographed Porsche at SEMA 2018 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[ThreeV8s]

Can't go wrong with a '78 -'83 sc coupe...these are hot right now. Cab's >>expect to pay more. If you subscribe to instagram, check out Ryan's SC at the @eibach_world site. Maybe the most photographed Porsche at SEMA 2018 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

It might vary slightly by region, but generally, coupes are the most valuable while targas and cabs can be had for less $. It was the opposite when these cars were < 10 years old. If you look at the highest selling 911s on BaT, etc., especially including the backdated cars that are fetching serious $, coupes are the highest.

[Ferg]

getting close on an 89 silver edition cabriolet...any thoughts?

Great looking Cab.

[jim912928]

That’s pretty!

[My 914]

That silver and black is a nice combo.

[ThreeV8s]

Does the dealer have any (service) history on the car? The ad only has pics of the topside and the google reviews are scary. Definitely get a PPI and have them pull a carfax. I don’t mean to be doom and gloom...just looking out for a fellow world member.

[Spoke]

The silver '89 Cab looks nice. Can't go wrong with the 3.2L with G50 trans.

The 911 was always my "IT" car from when I was a teenager. Was able to afford my '71 914 first then bought the '86 930.

The 930 is a completely different car than the 914. The 914 is much more stable in corners but the power/size/weight of the 930 is more of a beast than the 914.

[rgolia]

yep - we are 2k apart. Service records are all in hand...single owner. Should I wait them out?

[dcheek]

yep - we are 2k apart. Service records are all in hand...single owner. Should I wait them out?

89 was the transition year where the 964 C4 was introduced. As a result, the 89 911 Carrera G Series impact bumper cars are the last production run 911's that have no air bags, no power steering, and still have torsion bar suspension and the G50 trans. Also, it is the only year of that series for the non- turbo cars to have 8" - 16's rear wheels. Thats how you can immediately tell an 89. It's much easier (and less expensive) to find a cab or targa rather than a coupe. The 89 turbos are really rare and have a 5 speed trans. All previous Turbos had a 4 speed. Of course there is the 89 Speedster which commands a substantial premium due to it's limited production.

I would say if you are only 2K apart, you should get the car. Single owner with service history is a plus and justifies a premium. It also is a special edition with a unique color. If you maintain the car and keep it for a couple of years you won't lose a dime IMHO.

As an added bonus, you can still do most of the maintenance on these cars yourself. I've adjusted the valves, changed the oil etc. myself on my '89 coupe. The G50 trans is a joy to shift. It "snick, snicks" into gear like a Hurst.

If there is a negative, it would be the A/C system. They original unit sucks. However, there are a couple of companies that make complete replacement systems that work beautifully. That's one thing I plan to do to mine as it's unbearable to drive in hot and humid weather without A/C. The only other known issues with the 3.2 engines is premature valve guide wear. Other than that they are pretty bullet proof.

Good luck.

[Ferg]

I didn't see any mention of miles, but if it were me, I'd want leakdown numbers. I'd hate to see it need a top end if paying a premium

[rgolia]

64,000 miles...owned by a little old lady....you know the one.

[ValcoOscar]

Love a wide body. I have a 76 wide body Targa wide body with 3.0

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I like most of my P cars WIDE

Oscar

[JmuRiz]

I had a '74 911 with an SC engine in it for bit.

For some reason it didn't do much for me...it was basically like a modern-fast 356 driving experience.
But, I like the look and feel of the 356 more. I could definitely tell the 356 and 911 were related.

I have/had more fun in the 914 and 356, even though the 911 as it was was a better overall car.

Give the cars you're interested in a test drive and buy whatever car feels right to you.

[Mike Fitton]

Too bad you just missed my old 964 Targa, engine was just rebuilt by a Factory trained Porsche Tech, current owner was asking $42k sold in 1 hour.

[ValcoOscar]

Too bad you just missed my old 964 Targa, engine was just rebuilt by a Factory trained Porsche Tech, current owner was asking $42k sold in 1 hour.

Yes Mike...I know, someone got a very good deal indeed.!!!

Oscar

[rgolia]

Any thoughts on the 1974 911 Targa? Trouble spots, things to look for etc?