What year 911 to go for

[JoeA]

I am currently shopping 911's. I have found that I am targeting 78's or 87-91. What do I need to know about the differences in the years to find the best one. Is it better ot go to a 90 or 91 over an 87-89? Anything particular I should look for? ANy help is really appreciated.

[mikesako]

For that vintage which I think was some of the best I would stick with the 1987-1989 cars. I think it was either the 87 or 88 that had the G50 Transmission which was a easier shifting trans that the 915 trans. 1984 and newer you get the pressure fed tensioners which you want to have and if you buy a SC car the pressure fed tensioners were an update which most of them have now. The 3.2 Carrera were great engines and so were the 3.0 SC engines. The SC's had the CIS injection that was a pain in the *** to deal with and keep running right unless you know what to do with them. Also a pain to pass emissions on those cars.

You may be able to get a 90-91 cheaper though because they do not seem as desirable as the later Carreras.

My 2 cents!

[JoeA]

For that vintage which I think was some of the best I would stick with the 1987-1989 cars.  I think it was either the 87 or  88 that had the G50 Transmission which was a easier shifting trans that the 915 trans.  1984 and newer you get the pressure fed tensioners which you want to have and if you buy a SC car the pressure fed tensioners were an update which most of them have now.  The 3.2 Carrera were great engines and so were the 3.0 SC engines.  The SC's had the CIS injection that was a pain in the *** to deal with and keep running right unless you know what to do with them.  Also a pain to pass emissions on those cars.

You may be able to get a 90-91 cheaper though because they do not seem as desirable as the later Carreras.

My 2 cents!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks, please anyone else with more?

[Loren]

I agree with mikesako. The newer the larger engine, better clutch, etc.

I would always go with the newest I could afford -- unless you are looking for a classic or restoration car.

[Tom Sch]

hi,

if you need the "pure and original felling" (with a good gearbox - G50 was starting mj. '87) buy '87-'89.

if you need more comfort (servo, abs,...), more weight buy a 964 (starting '89 with C4, 90 as 'C2)

if you need a really oldstyle car with low weight, nice power, some lovely problems and no comfort buy anything starting '76.

what ever your devil is, you will have a lot of fun with anything between '76 and '95 :)

[Greg]

Everything above is true. New is usually better. But a pristine 83 is a lot better than an abused 89. Look at lots of cars and learn the relative strengths of each. Take a look at anything in the market that fits your needs and don't narrow your search needlessly. Also, find a shop you trust to do the prepurchase inspections.