78-83 911sc

[thstone]

*** First Impressions ***

I've driven the SC for a few days now and thought I'd post a few early impressions...

The first thing everyone notices is that the key is just a .... key! You know, the $4.99-hardware-store-can-cut-it-for-you-while-you-wait kind of key. It was nice not to have to spend $150 for the blank key and then another $125 for programming at the dealer.

As you might expect, the seating position is more upright than a more modern Porsche and hence, the dash and windshield are surprisingly close! The dash is literally within fingers reach of the steering wheel and the base of the windshield is only about 8 inches further. This gives the driver the impression of being right on top of the front hood.

Depress the clutch and step on the brake and they have a completely different throw/feel since the pedals come out of the floor/pivot under the floorboards rather than pivoting up under the dash. You know, like an old VW bug (for those old enough to remember).

And all of this happens before you start the car!

Give the key a turn and the engine starts immediately (even cold) and easily settles into a perfectly smooth idle around 900 rpm. Slide the gear lever into 1st and the clutch is surprisingly easy to modulate resulting in clean, smooth starts within the first few minutes of driving.

Speaking of driving; the SC's do not have power steering so unless you're been working out on a regular basis, it is best to have the car moving before trying to turn the wheel - and even then it takes a good amount of effort.

Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

On the road, the car rides amazingly well, firm and well damped. Its not too stiff nor does it ride like a boat. It reminds of how a BMW 325i with sport suspension rides - competent and confidence inspiring. The suspension and body do not transmit a lot of noise into the cabin so its easy to drive and talk with your passenger.

The 3.0L SC engine has a lot of torque low in the RPM range so you don't have to rev it like an M96 engine. The downside is that its missing that 4,000 RPM rush of power and sound! Why can't we have an engine that does both - is that too much to ask?

In the corners, its no Boxster, but the car is very agile with turn-in sharp and accurate. When pushed, some mid-corner understeer becomes apparent before you transition to a full throttle corner exit. Like all 911's, all of that weight at the rear helps to keep the rear tires planted while the fronts go light on corner exit. The old adage of slow in, fast out, works well.

In terms of creature comforts, any modern car beats an older car hands down and this one is no exception. The climate control system really doesn't do much to control the climate inside the car - whatever the temp/humidity is outside, its roughly the same inside! Furthermore, my car still has the original Blaupunkt AM/FM CASSETTE head unit so there isn't an option for an iPhone cable or Bluetooth. Instead, I'll be rummaging through my closet this weekend to find some old Ted Nugent cassette tapes.

Reaction has been very positive; I have got quite a few thumbs up, honks, and waves from other drivers. The iconic 911 still seems to be quite popular.

Overall, I am really pleased as I bought this for the air cooled Porsche driving experience and so far, this car delivers that to perfection.

[BIGJake111]

Nice well written impressions I really enjoyed reading that, an air cooled 911 is low on my priorities particularly with the current prices in means of what I consider value, but the story makes me really want to try one out.

[BruceH]

Thanks for the write up! Glad that you are enjoying it

[gerber28]

Originally Posted by thstone

*** First Impressions ***

I've driven the SC for a few days now and thought I'd post a few early impressions...

The first thing everyone notices is that the key is just a .... key! You know, the $4.99-hardware-store-can-cut-it-for-you-while-you-wait kind of key. It was nice not to have to spend $150 for the blank key and then another $125 for programming at the dealer.

I've found key blanks selling for $15.00 on EBay but I went to the local locksmith and left with 2 new keys for less than $ 5.00.


[/QUOTE]
Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

[/QUOTE]
I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by gerber28

I've found key blanks selling for $15.00 on EBay but I went to the local locksmith and left with 2 new keys for less than $ 5.00.

Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

[/QUOTE]
I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Gerber! Now I know who to PM with crazy questions about the SC!

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by thstone

Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.

I installed a Weltmeister short shift kit and replaced the ball cup bushing, was very pleased with the results. 30% reduction in throw is quite comfortable and
it shift into gears solidly instead of feeling like I was stirring the shift lever.
I later had to replace the shift knuckle bushing in the rear tunnel, thought I'd upgrade to the brass bushing but wish I'd stayed with OE rubber one because of vibration transferred to the shifter.[/QUOTE]

Thanks Gerber! Now I know who to PM with crazy questions about the SC! [/QUOTE]




The older 911's all have that same shifting trait, going from gear to gear usually entails a short pause in neutral before going into the next gear, it took me some getting use to. I also replaced the nylon cap bushings along with the semi-circular nylon guides, both helped to tighten things up nicely. Lastly, I welded in a heim joint in place of the rubber OEM isolation joint, that last step made it feel like a bolt action rifle and surprisingly little vibration issues as a result.

If your experience is anything like mine, you'll continue to notice little nuances about the car the longer you have / drive it that will make you appreciate it more and more.......

[Nine8Six]

Originally Posted by thstone

*** First Impressions ***

I've driven the SC for a few days now and thought I'd post a few early impressions...

Overall, I am really pleased as I bought this for the air cooled Porsche driving experience and so far, this car delivers that to perfection.

Nice move! I would have done the same being located where you are. Somehow this car looks pretty special on the L.A. streets or around other posh neighborhoods... e.g. 90210 and around. Stylish move mate.. love it

Thx for the write-up. Pics of the ride from time to time would be nice

[coreseller]

Regarding the shifting, around the 4 minute mark they comment on what you're talking about.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by coreseller

Regarding the shifting, around the 4 minute mark they comment on what you're talking about.

Core - thanks for the video; I had not seen that one yet. Magnus is quite the Guy around LA. I see him often at events and have talked to him a few times. Very nice and approachable. Some people really give him crap but I tend to like his style.

[Swhitcomb]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but keep these things in mind...

The 77 VW bug conv I bought for my winter project has brittle wire insulation, petrified gas line, and sketchy ground wires. It's 37 yrs old, that's par for the course.

And we wax nostolgic for cars of our youth and remember all the good things about them. Plus we think cars of yesterday are reliable like cars today and they'll go 150K care free mi. Remember how we used to sell cars at 70K mi because they'd be junk at 100K? No one wanted a car back then w/ 100K mi. The VW has already stranded me on a short jaunt around the neighborhood. A VW mechanic stopped to help me and said my best purchase would be Triple A towing service.

That 78 is a beautiful looking car in the pics. Just remember it's 36 yrs old and there's bound to be foibles.

I too am a VW guy. I disagree however. My 71 Ghia has never left me stranded and I drive it 100s of miles at a time. My wife owns a 73 Thing. Never broken down. The key is to keep up with the maintenance. I am my own mechanic. I only use good german parts of whenever possible. Take car of it, and it'll take car of you. Same thing with a 78 911.