I just purchased a 77 911 with Turbo flares in Sahara Beige with cork interior that is really getting my driving attention lately. This car has a 78 3.0L engine with large intake ports (39 mm) small 226 mm fan, large CIS intake runners...essentially the same CIS engine spec and cam timing as the Carrera 3.0 which was rated at 200 hp with restricted gov't exhaust system. Now with the new SSIs, the engine feels like at least 215-220 hp.
This is the car Porsche should have offered in 77...a normally aspirated Turbo Look version of the Carrera 3.0...like they finally offered in 84. It would have cut into sales of the Turbo Carrera and C3.0, but it would have been a good selling version I think. With long hoods going bonkers in value, these mid 70s 911s now are the most affordable cars out there, and if you find a clean, non-abused one, they can be a real bargain. And they are lighter and feel slightly more early period than SCs and 3.2 Carreras, which makes them have even more appeal for me.
I bought the car because I have always liked the look of the early Turbos with the beautiful non-intercooler tail, and this car has an almost new looking cork interior. It came with a late model Turbo tail and 8+9.5 x 16 Fuchs built by Harvey. I have replaced the late tail with a factory early tail, removed all the emission equipment and non factory AC (approx. 50-60 lbs), installed SSIs, new axles, H-1s, and turbo tie rods. The previous owner had gone through the brakes, new shocks, new rubber bushings all around, new fuel pump, and had Harvey polish the beautiful custom Fuchs. I will get the tail and rear bumper painted after plugging the holes from the large bumperettes to make way for the narrow euros. The wheels will get the 'Bob Tilton' scotch brite brushed finish treatment to calm them down some.
I had to replace an old Permatune box with one of Kurt Donohoe's new digital Bosch CDI boxes because the Permatune was failing, but now the engine starts and runs like a new engine. It has made me appreciate how good a 3.0 CIS engine can perform...not the early throttle response of an MFI or carbed motor, but when it gets to 3k, it really pulls hard and sings a wonderful song. I keep driving this car almost every morning (nice and cool then), and it gets more interesting to me with each drive. The wide body stance really helps to make it handle, and with the stock T and sway bars, it is a comfortable touring ride...and the feeling I get is of a truly early period 911. Not as sophisticated as the 964, but lighter than my previous 3.2 Turbo Look cars...and quieter/softer than the Light Yellow ST. So it really fits right in between the 72 ST and 964 in my stable.
Here are some pics as it came and with the changes so far.
