QuestionHi Tyler.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer....
I've always hoped/planned to one day get an early 911. My personal preference has always been the '69-'73 age range, Targa, silver on black.
I went out yesterday to look at a supposed '73S which turned out to be an E, apparently with an S engine. (Need to verify). I guess I'm having some mixed thoughts about the car, and am looking for some expert advice.
What I know about the car so far is:
- Chassis is a '73 911E Targa (not original S), but apparently has a '73 'S' engine. I know what engine code to look for to verify if this is true, but couldn't find it anywhere. VIN on tag under front hood matched that under the carpet in the trunk, but couldn't find other locations.
- Looks like the car was originally green, then painted red, now silver. Paint is probably 80%; looks great from 15 feet, but some minor scratches, touchups, and a few small blisters are evident up close.
- No signs of major rust anywhere (but didn't get underneath).
- Interior is in reasonabe shape. Not factory seats (black vinyl, RS emblem near top), and not factory steering wheel.
- All gauges are in german metric; either originally European car, or gauges were changed for a German look. This would make the mileage (if
the gauges can be believed) about 99,500 km (or 199, 299, etc.).
- Chain tensioner upgrade apparently done about 5 years ago (about 5,000 km).
- Engine rebuilt about 5 years ago.
- Transmission rebuilt about 5 years ago.
- Body fit is pretty good.
- 17" (Porsche style) wheels are about 2 years old, with Yokohama 255/40ZR-17 and 215/45ZR-17 rubber (approx. 1,000km on these wheels/rubber). Original 15x6" wheels are available, but are in so-so shape.
- Engine compartment is quite clean.
- Both batteries less than 3 years old.
- Body (ground effects) upgrades: Carrera style front scoop, passenger side mirror added (both mirrors rectangular body color), 'whale-tail'
added, rear bumper changed, full width 'Porsche' reflector added to back, most chrome replaced with rubber except around headlights. Overall the look isn't bad, but you can't finger it as a '73 just by looking.
- Engine seems strong. Oil temp and pressure look good. Transmission shifts well. BUT, there were some signs of burning oil when the engine lid was popped after about 10 minutes of relatively hard driving; couldn't determine source (probably small leak somewhere?), but there was NO smoke from the tailpipe. Is this normal or a common (i.e. easily
fixed) problem?
- Near end of the run, engine started some minor backfiring (burping) at low RPM/load / idle. Ideas? Possible the mech. fuel injection? Major
concern?
- Not a lot of history or paperwork for the vehicle. Records go back to early 90's, not much info from before that.
I guess what I'd like to know is the following:
1. Is the oil burning a major concern?
2. Is the minor (if there is such a thing) backfiring a major concern?
3. Reasonable price based on the details above.
If I do decide to pursue any further, I will definately arrange for a complete mechanical and rust inspection. I'd absolutely LOVE to find a
minty 72 or 73 Targa S that looks like a real 72 or 73, but they're obviously getting harder and harder to find, especially in a reasonable price range and especially up here in Toronto.
Thanks again,
Dave....
AnswerDear Dave,
For starters, the oil burning is most likely a minor problem. As you suggested it's most likely a very tiny leak or not even a leak at all. I'd get it checked out by a foreign car mechanic before doing any hard driving. As for the backfiring I can't say it's a magor concern but any sort of backfire is still a somewhat damaging to the engine. It might not even be backfiring though and just the fact the parts are a bit older and lower RPM's are more strenuous on the engine. As for the over all car, I'd say it's a very excellent purchase. With just some minor and qustionable problems it's most likely a very good buy.
Good luck with the car.
Tyler Stricker
