911SC owner's insights please.
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm currently looking into the prospect of buying a 1983 911SC. Being somwhat of a Porsche novice I'd be very grateful for any comments on the whole Porsche ownership experience.
Infomation such as daily usability (although it wouldn't be my only car) and the best places to buy parts would be great. And of course what to look for on an older 911.
Cheers guys!
Bob.
I'm currently looking into the prospect of buying a 1983 911SC. Being somwhat of a Porsche novice I'd be very grateful for any comments on the whole Porsche ownership experience.
Infomation such as daily usability (although it wouldn't be my only car) and the best places to buy parts would be great. And of course what to look for on an older 911.
Cheers guys!
Bob.
I've used my 82' nearly every day for 3 years or so, without toooo... much trouble.
With any older car in near daily use, it can be a bit of a labour of love looking after them, but some of the routine Brakes/oil type stuff I do myself.
limited mileage insurance cost £200
MPG= 20's somewhere, (if it matters)
With any older car in near daily use, it can be a bit of a labour of love looking after them, but some of the routine Brakes/oil type stuff I do myself.
limited mileage insurance cost £200
MPG= 20's somewhere, (if it matters)
Have had SC sport Targa for about three years now. When you're looking HISTORY is critical, check our where it's been serviced Our car alledgedly has just been up to Autofarm on a fix everything thats wrong basis just before we bought it! We got a £3K bill two months later!!!
Check oil pressure and seals cos they can leak like pigs! Rust around headlights common and wings are v expensive.
If it;s a Targa check all the seals and roof.
Our car is thirsty probably 23/4 mpg.
If it's been fitted with "turbo" wheels check whether Turbo suspension mods have been made.
Heat exchangers and exhaust can be costly too.
What you're looking for is a clean engine, good oil pressure with not too much on the garage floor!
Generally you'll find an SC heavy to drive, clutch and steering but of course it gets much easier at speed.
Ours has been laid up over winter and is now in Kent getting MOT'd etc.
Find an independent specialist and get him to check out your prospective purchase if you're in Kent?south East try www.swautos.co.uk talk to Stuart he looks after my 850R and the porker!
Ant specific questions email me jpturner@talk21.com.
We made a few mistakes with ours and would be happy to help you avoid same
BR
John
Check oil pressure and seals cos they can leak like pigs! Rust around headlights common and wings are v expensive.
If it;s a Targa check all the seals and roof.
Our car is thirsty probably 23/4 mpg.
If it's been fitted with "turbo" wheels check whether Turbo suspension mods have been made.
Heat exchangers and exhaust can be costly too.
What you're looking for is a clean engine, good oil pressure with not too much on the garage floor!
Generally you'll find an SC heavy to drive, clutch and steering but of course it gets much easier at speed.
Ours has been laid up over winter and is now in Kent getting MOT'd etc.
Find an independent specialist and get him to check out your prospective purchase if you're in Kent?south East try www.swautos.co.uk talk to Stuart he looks after my 850R and the porker!
Ant specific questions email me jpturner@talk21.com.
We made a few mistakes with ours and would be happy to help you avoid same
BR
John
Cheers for info rich, and thanks for your very kind offer John.
I'm in the Manchester area (a bit far away from Kent). But I am fortunate to know of a couple of very able independents who can inspect the car for me.
Having owned MGs, TVRs and Jaguars, I'm very much a realist about the pro's and cons of buying older sportscars. I always keep back a miscellanious repairs slush fund with any purchase.
Any other classic 911 owners out there?
>> Edited by bobfrance on Monday 23 May 09:03
I'm in the Manchester area (a bit far away from Kent). But I am fortunate to know of a couple of very able independents who can inspect the car for me.
Having owned MGs, TVRs and Jaguars, I'm very much a realist about the pro's and cons of buying older sportscars. I always keep back a miscellanious repairs slush fund with any purchase.
Any other classic 911 owners out there?
>> Edited by bobfrance on Monday 23 May 09:03
RE Parts
Have problem with ring gear at mo and was waiting for 10 day delivery from Grmany
Found these people, from whom I can collect tommorrow. Seem very reasonable!!
www.type-911.co.uk/contactus.htm
Have problem with ring gear at mo and was waiting for 10 day delivery from Grmany
Found these people, from whom I can collect tommorrow. Seem very reasonable!!
www.type-911.co.uk/contactus.htm
I bought my 82SC in December. Never looked back. Just look at loads. All mine has cost me is £400 for a service. All set to go to Le-Mans in her. Where abouts in Manchester are you? I live Stockport way and if you want to have a look at mine to see what in my opinion is a good one and where to look for the trouble spots then just let me know. I would be more than happy to do this.
You could do with some more info by the look of it. On the buying front, I went to see lots of cars learning a bit more each time, and able to spot a little ill-informed BS from some sellers along the way, Tim at fuchs Notts, was very helpful as in
"take these keys, its the red one, see you later"
type way.
www.fuchs.co.uk/
Not all sellers were as helpful.
My eventual car was from a keen porschefile and sometime racing driver, who accompanied me on a spirited drive to a sale, about 3 years ago.
Parts for the SC come from either OPC parts dept, or spares from breakers one of which is near you (
I think).
Or twice yearly meet off the M1 at Woburn, where you'll find nearly enough to build from scratch!
I use these near Banbury, as they win things with their experience in this model
www.francistuthill.co.uk/home.htm
Paul or Richard both very helpful guys and know nearly everything to keep cars running
Or if you fancy DIY (to a point) this site tells you how from states.
www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_brake_pads/911_brake_pads.htm
Mind you wealth of know-how for the asking on here if your specific go on you know you want one!
>> Edited by rich 36 on Tuesday 24th May 21:10
"take these keys, its the red one, see you later"
type way.
www.fuchs.co.uk/
Not all sellers were as helpful.
My eventual car was from a keen porschefile and sometime racing driver, who accompanied me on a spirited drive to a sale, about 3 years ago.
Parts for the SC come from either OPC parts dept, or spares from breakers one of which is near you (
I think).
Or twice yearly meet off the M1 at Woburn, where you'll find nearly enough to build from scratch!
I use these near Banbury, as they win things with their experience in this model
www.francistuthill.co.uk/home.htm
Paul or Richard both very helpful guys and know nearly everything to keep cars running
Or if you fancy DIY (to a point) this site tells you how from states.
www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_brake_pads/911_brake_pads.htm
Mind you wealth of know-how for the asking on here if your specific go on you know you want one!
>> Edited by rich 36 on Tuesday 24th May 21:10
Iain, that Porsche of yours looks a beauty.
I keep thinking of something like that myself, but I just can't give up my Jag, hence why I'm looking for something cheaper (although risky I know).
Posrkersc; I'd love to hear more about your buying experiences and of course more about your Porsche. I'm in Rochdale so not too far from Stockport. I sometimes go out on runs with the North West Lotus Owners Group (In my TVR) A local independant lotus specialist turned up last time - in his Porsche! 
So I'm sure you'd be welcome to come along.
Rich; thanks for that wealth of information!
I'll sit down and and work my way through it.
You're right, I do want one. But you're also correct that I need to get some more exposure to the marque.
Perhaps Porkersc will be kind enough to let me have a ride in his?
I keep thinking of something like that myself, but I just can't give up my Jag, hence why I'm looking for something cheaper (although risky I know).
Posrkersc; I'd love to hear more about your buying experiences and of course more about your Porsche. I'm in Rochdale so not too far from Stockport. I sometimes go out on runs with the North West Lotus Owners Group (In my TVR
) A local independant lotus specialist turned up last time - in his Porsche! So I'm sure you'd be welcome to come along. Rich; thanks for that wealth of information!
I'll sit down and and work my way through it.
You're right, I do want one. But you're also correct that I need to get some more exposure to the marque.
Perhaps Porkersc will be kind enough to let me have a ride in his?
BobFrance - NORLOG?...Simon Brown (Sooty), Moggie and Si?...they're lunatics! I'm seeing Sooty this weekend - I doubt he'll be in his TVR though!
My first Porsche was an SC - John's advice is good - the main issue with these cars is rot - if you can see a bubble, there's a hole.
Make sure you have a leakdown and compression test run onthe engine - this gives the best clue as to its condition. The 915 gearbox is not as stressed in the SC as it is in the 3.2 Carrera, but the state of 3rd gear synchro is the best indicator of the health of the gearbox.
Bear in mind that the 1981 on cars not only had more power (204bhp) but also had pressure fed tensioners as standard - but a lot of cars have these retro fitted in any case (tell-tale pipes exiting from the cam gear covers are the giveaway to this)
The SC and 3.2 Carrera are good solid cars. The right car will give you a lot of pleasure - every time you drive it you'll enjoy it.
My first Porsche was an SC - John's advice is good - the main issue with these cars is rot - if you can see a bubble, there's a hole.
Make sure you have a leakdown and compression test run onthe engine - this gives the best clue as to its condition. The 915 gearbox is not as stressed in the SC as it is in the 3.2 Carrera, but the state of 3rd gear synchro is the best indicator of the health of the gearbox.
Bear in mind that the 1981 on cars not only had more power (204bhp) but also had pressure fed tensioners as standard - but a lot of cars have these retro fitted in any case (tell-tale pipes exiting from the cam gear covers are the giveaway to this)
The SC and 3.2 Carrera are good solid cars. The right car will give you a lot of pleasure - every time you drive it you'll enjoy it.
I bought an '81 930 in January. Oil leaks seem to be a common problem. I had to replace the synchro on 2nd and 3rd which I knew about when bought it. I also lost a fuel pump which must be a common thing with Porches of this vintage as i had problems with the ones on my '79 928 also.
It still makes me smile every time I fire it up!
It still makes me smile every time I fire it up!
My 911sc is mainly a weekend car, I took some time to locate a good one and maybe paid a little extra for it a couple of years ago.
No major problems to date,
Indicator/headlamp dip switch renewed (common)
Engine heater blower not working (not fixed yet)heater/fresh air controls baffling!
Gear change could be challanging. Worked through the linkage, bushing etc/changed gearbox oil.Fitted factory short shift kit but best improvement was simply adjusting the clutch correctly.
Had it serviced and checked at OPC last year. Not the best, overcharged me, messed the MOT certificte up, kept me waiting & would not go back.
Most routine service items should be within the range of the home mechanic. (I have the Haynes book and 101 projects, the latter I find first class, plus use Pelican bullitin board for tech info)
Use it for weekends and work in the summer, classic car insurance £183.00 for 5000 miles.
No major problems to date,
Indicator/headlamp dip switch renewed (common)
Engine heater blower not working (not fixed yet)heater/fresh air controls baffling!
Gear change could be challanging. Worked through the linkage, bushing etc/changed gearbox oil.Fitted factory short shift kit but best improvement was simply adjusting the clutch correctly.
Had it serviced and checked at OPC last year. Not the best, overcharged me, messed the MOT certificte up, kept me waiting & would not go back.
Most routine service items should be within the range of the home mechanic. (I have the Haynes book and 101 projects, the latter I find first class, plus use Pelican bullitin board for tech info)
Use it for weekends and work in the summer, classic car insurance £183.00 for 5000 miles.
I've changed things like switches in the car that get worn over the years.
The gear change, especially on the 915 box, is reputed to be a bit fragile (in comparison) to the G50 on later cars, but unless your one of those that wrench stick from gear to gear, its fine
I had some work done on the box (badly) by a local specialist, who judging by the contents of his final bill, had seldom encounterd a car with nuts & bolts properly tightend up before,
and consequently will never recieve what he's hoping to charge, or any cutomer recomendations from me either.
The shifting problems, as it transpired, could have been adjusted by the link accessed throught that hatch under carpet, taking all of 15 minutes, and most people have told me, to avoid the short shift kit, as it may make a slightly bad change on an old cars gearbox, much worse.
Heater and fans/controls remain a mystery really,
but as long as its de-frostable and comfy to use who cares
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 11:14
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 22:52
The gear change, especially on the 915 box, is reputed to be a bit fragile (in comparison) to the G50 on later cars, but unless your one of those that wrench stick from gear to gear, its fine
I had some work done on the box (badly) by a local specialist, who judging by the contents of his final bill, had seldom encounterd a car with nuts & bolts properly tightend up before,
and consequently will never recieve what he's hoping to charge, or any cutomer recomendations from me either.
The shifting problems, as it transpired, could have been adjusted by the link accessed throught that hatch under carpet, taking all of 15 minutes, and most people have told me, to avoid the short shift kit, as it may make a slightly bad change on an old cars gearbox, much worse.
Heater and fans/controls remain a mystery really,
but as long as its de-frostable and comfy to use who cares
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 11:14
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 22:52
Grab some back editions of Porsche and 911 World - they did a good buyers guide on the SC I think in late '03. If you're in Mcr, Johnnie Holland at Unit 11 in Warrington is a good guy, helpful and charges decent labour rates. Will do a very thorough report on any prospective puchase. I've had a 1980 SC for 5 years now. Been to Le Mans three times without a hickup and does regular trackdays without complaining. That being said: At 105,000 discovered that several head studs had broken - this meant a top end engine, think the bill was c.3k. This is common in this engine. A compression test is absolutely vital. Also had the syncros' on the gearbox done at the same time. Check of the gearbox - third down to second is a good test - this is where mine was having trouble keeping up. Apart from that, have had minor brake service, new heat exchanger, oh, and a full bodywork restoration!! Check carefully in the following areas: - under the headlamps - around the fuel filler - behind the 'B' pillars - there are no wheelarch liners in these cars and muck/salt is thrown right up into the corners at the top of the B pillars - same applies to a lesser extent at the back edges of the 'A' pillars - edges of the alloy bumpers where they meet the bellows - front valance It is possible that I bought a car that needed more work than the norm but I do think you need to be realistic that a 25yr old car will start to cost money - esp above the 100k mileage mark.
I had a rocker arm (of all things) snap, prompting a bit of a rebuild last year, it could have been a LOT worse but for the Flat 6 layout and the valves laying horizontally which apparently left susceptible valves simply pushed to the outer extremes of piston stroke on that cylinder, and they got away, without needing replacing.
This car featured the hydraulic tensioners,
see them installed as you open engine cover as an elbow connection on either side of motor facing you, and with rubber hoses snaking off across engine
think thats right eh' everyone.
should look something like these;
It very seldom lets me down twice in three years,
and its gonna be a lot more of a smilemaker than a Jag, i suspect
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 15:25
This car featured the hydraulic tensioners,
see them installed as you open engine cover as an elbow connection on either side of motor facing you, and with rubber hoses snaking off across engine
think thats right eh' everyone.
should look something like these;
It very seldom lets me down twice in three years,
and its gonna be a lot more of a smilemaker than a Jag, i suspect
>> Edited by rich 36 on Thursday 26th May 15:25
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