1978-1983 Porsche 911 SC: Everything you need to know

[@tonyhirst9319]

I never thought I would sit down and watch a 1 hour 45 minute video on a specific 911 series and immediately look for more content from the presenter. Thank you Nathan for sharing part of the depth of knowledge that you posses on these cars. I live in Provence France, drive a pristine 997.2 C2S and am currently looking at a 1977 Carrara 3.0 from a dealer in Belgium. I learned many useful facts and tips on how to evaluate this car that will be exceedingly valuable in making a go- no go decision.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Happy hunting!

[@jaygillotti610]

Historical note - there is a theory on why the SCs were such good cars. Theory is that the engineers and assembly line workers thought they were building the last 911s and they wanted it to go out on a high note. Great video as usual from Nathan.

[@zonoscopePictures]

Wild! I have never heard this theory! They did make them exceptionally well. Not too many 41+ year old cars around today that are as roadworthy as these gems. I tried to drive mine as much as possible. They’re definitely thoroughbreds

[@TAXCOLLECTOR-mx3mg]

Tat is a true story. The decision to use stainless was a huge plus. MERCEDES rot out . Why ? People see things.

[@jahblessin3996]

I’m always amazed with Nathan and his never ending knowledge on all things Porsche.

[@richglazewski7488]

Great Video summary of the SC . It validates the 81 SC that I bought from the original Owner 35 years ago. I seem to fall into that small percentage of cars that are Original Paint and no accidents. Nathan is spot on. Grand Prix White exterior / Can Can Red leather seats / Full Leather interior. . Black Leather dash & trim / black rugs. Is a combo that really POPs . 41,000 miles with documented Speedo change by Dealer and all service documentation !

[@purematossan]

nice job ...SC are the perfect balance between vintage and sport car ..general clarification: All SCs have 49mm intake valves, and 41.5mm exhaust valves. The '78/79 cars have an intake port that's 5mm larger (39mm vs 34mm), but the exhaust ports on all SCs is the same (35mm). The early cars use larger diameter intake runners, but the '80-83 cars have a solid improvement in torque with the smaller runners and intake ports. All USA SCs are rated at the same HP (180 DIN). If a camshaft change is done care must be taken to not disrupt intake manifold vacuum. CIS injection depends on that vacuum to operate properly, which is why Porsche was so conservative with cam profiles for the CIS cars. Although all SC cams are similar, the late engines have a different timing spec, which must also be taken into account. Regarding compression, '80-83 cars have higher compression (9.3:1 vs 8.5:1), made possible by the more precise CIS which includes Lambda (oxy sensor, ECU, etc.).

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for sharing this info!

[@9vor11]

Possibly the BEST comparison test of the SC models that can be found on the internet! Thank you so much!! Cheers over from 🇩🇪, 9vor11

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@bluesky9093]

Learned a ton from the video. Appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into these videos, thank you producing them - invaluable content.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Our pleasure!

[@tylerdred]

Thank you so much for bringing awareness to the amazing 911 SC. Overlooked and under-appreciated by the community

[@flyingpatmiller]

Wooohoooo!! Finally! Just bought my 911SC a month ago, so wish I would have had this. Thank you Nathan & PCA!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Hope it helps with your ownership experience as well. Congrats on the new-to-you SC!

[@brantonw9219]

Love these Nathan deep dives! Could he please, please, please do one on Porsche's first CLEAN SHEET sport car the 928. It astounds me to this day how maligned this magnificent sports car is in the Porsche community (and yes, it is maligned if you compare pricing vs. other classic Porsches of the era) . I know he's got one because I've seen it and heard him speak a little about the car. 19 years of production history for him to cover!

[@nathanmerz]

@brantonw9219 for the record I LOVE the 928! My particular passion is the early OB 928 (I own an all original HellBlau 79 5-speed) as I love the design simplicity and the lightweight feel of the car. 100% it is on my list, we will have a 928 video, just be patient as these take time and I do have a day job! Real world we will probably do a 2-part: 1978-1986.5 and then a 1987-1995. Stay tuned!

[@brantonw9219]

@@nathanmerz Excellent! I prefer my '79 Silver Metallic 5 speed, sunroof delete over my previous '93 5 speed GTS! All the best Mr. Merz!

[@gregfazzio6560]

Excellent job Nathan and Damon! It was a fun day. Thanks for inviting me and my SC to the party👍🏻

[@stevetheodore_specialtycars]

Another masterpiece of a video courtesy of Nathan and the PCA. Bravo...I will never tire of these deeply educational and entertaining videos. Thank you!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AlexBeras]

Incredibly informative video!! I learned so much about the nuances of each car which informs the variances between cars even between the same model years!! The radio “misplacement” on delivery forcing dealer install is hilarious! I love my 88, but I’d definitely consider an SC. Thank you!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rgarrett625]

in the middle of a restoration of a 1980 SC- thanks for the details. Really informative.

[@emgee9775]

Fantastic-this video is a real hobbyist’s dream. Really enjoyed watching - thank you Nathan!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

[@saturner4214]

Really well done and informative video. Thank you Nathan/PCA! One thing that I haven't heard many people talk about is the swap to the 3.2 Carrera cases on late model 1983 SC's. I own one and never even realized I had something non-standard until a few years ago when I ordered an 'SC Oil Change Kit' from Pelican, and it came with a sump gasket which my motor does not have. I was super confused and thought Pelican just made a mistake. Turns out Porsche used the soon-to-be-released '84 3.2 cases on some of the last of 198SC's coming through the factory, including mine. Super interesting.

[@ntm4122]

@saturner4214 yes, the 1983 911SC received the updated 3.2 Carrera engine case (still with 3.0 Pistons/cylinders) starting in ~May 1983. It's a nice upgrade for sure!

[@scottmarshall7186]

Great video. Thanks Nathan for spending your time producing this. My SC birthdate was 10-1980, but was registered as a 1981 model. It has the metal paint code label in the driver front door jamb as in previous years. You mentioned that 81’s didn’t have this plate. Maybe my car was produced before the change. Love all the interesting details you provided about the cars.

[@nathanmerz]

@scottmarshall7186 Porsche phased in changes as they were approved and parts became available, so when we speak of model years there are oftentimes small changes like the paint tag didn't change in perfect alignment with model year changes but are general rules of thumb.

[@ianhardin1148]

As always...we're not worthy. :) Thanks for the info session. I've already shared it with a friend who is in process of restoring an SC Targa.

[@dennymcwayne]

Fantastic video you guys! Thanks again for all the hard work you put into making these!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@JimGiampaolo]

Excellent piece Nathan. Loved seeing your reference to "Porsche 911SC The Essential Companion by Adrian Streather. I photographed my 1980 Weissach, sent Adrian the photo's and my car ended up on the cover. Photographed Northern CA on CA 299 Berry Summit.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That's incredible, congrats on being on the cover!

[@david05111]

Really enjoyed the video. It's kind of amazing that SCs still are sort of looked down upon and don't bring all that much money compared to the cars that came a few years earlier or a few years later. Maybe one day we'll see the values really take off for original ones.

[@roberteslan4278]

Great review, Nathan. My '83 SC Cab in Slate Blue Metallic (colour code 661) gets so many looks and smiles at my local high street. Please make more of these great videos.

[@irwinliaw7805]

Thank you 🙏 great video by Nathan knowledge of all things 911

[@Mark-ve5gr]

Great video with lots of insights! Made me understand my own 911 SC Targa from 1978 a lot better. Even after having it in the family for a good 20 years now! Watched it in 1 go from start to finish. You've definitely gained a subscriber. Thanks alot!

[@TorneroCarlos]

Another amazing video. Always wondered about the paint sticker. Thanks Nathan.

[@peterquinton8151]

Amazing wealth of information, I am currently in the market and looking at 3 SC models, this was very helpful. Thank you

[@cjsawinski]

24:27… what about the mid year spoilers? I ask because I inherited my dads 77’ ROW 911. It has a whale tail on it and as far as I can tell it’s factory (it’s also been in the car since I can remember as a little kid in the late 80’s). My dad was the second owner, he bought the car in Germany while he lived there for a year or two, and when he moved back to the states he brought the car home to the states with him (using that 1980’s grey market loophole law).

[@guzf344]

Thank you this is wonderful. I have been waiting for this!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

You’re welcome!

[@kwsdurango]

Great video. Getting ready to go check the stickers and stuff on my 32 years owned 1983 SC Coupe!

[@richardswiecki1248]

Hi Nathan, thank you very much for all that information and looking forward to more of your in depth videos. Mine is an 81 SC with 182,000 km from Toronto, Canada.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@konradsauer1027]

Nice - have an 81 SC with 112k miles in Kitchener. Loved the video as well Nathan!

[@robertallen5210]

Great information.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@petermauro2268]

Thanks Nathan! I had a great time looking over my '82 SC for all the details as I watched your video. Mine has a Grand Prix White exterior (original paint) / Full leather cork interior with a dark brown (leather-to-sample-99) dash & trim. It also has what I'm calling the 'gold package' with a gold crest on the steering wheel, shift knob, and a gold name plate on the glovebox, with Fuchs rims in gold. Not sure if this was a factory option or added by the dealer. Anyone know?

[@nathanmerz]

@petemauro2268 I replied via email, thanks for sending that over, cool car!

[@cjr3559]

Thanks so much Nathan and PCA!

[@gmonvoisin]

Thank you for this very informative video. I learned a lot about my SC. I own a 78 SC Targa in lime green metallic, one of the fun colours you mention (it's in Rennbow, the one in front of the observatory).

[@corn3161]

Nice production on this one

[@rs6er911]

I bought my 1981 911 SC new. I ordered it from Porsche+Audi in Triple black metallic. I still own it. I enjoyed watching the video but wish you would have discussed the sunroof.

[@nathanmerz]

@rs6er911 curios what you want to know about the sunroof in particular? The vast majority of the US Market 911SC's came here with a sunroof, with each model year the % equipped increased. In today's market non-sunroof cars are preferred, however a buyer should always buy what suits them. So if you like a sunroof, buy one with a sunroof. The system is fairly robust, but it is not uncommon to replace cables/motor with age. Kudos on being an original owner!

[@rs6er911]

@@nathanmerz It seems that the front wind blockers changed somewhat during the run, and I’m curious about when they changed. BTW my tool kit is black, not tan. Did tan interiors come with a tan (brown) vinyl tool kit. Since I bought an ‘81, I’ve always been curious about the early models and the differences. Love the bit about the powered/non-powered antenna. Thanks for a very informative deep dive. One other thing to check on my window sticker which I have: I ordered the front but not rear spoiler. Wonder how that appears in the sticker.

[@nathanmerz]

@@rs6er911 The sunroof windblocker was the same from 65-82 and starting late in 1982 it went to a one piece unit (black) vs. the prior 3-piece chrome unit. The later ones are much quieter. Porsche considered the front "valance" to be a spoiler so your sticker will list "front spoiler, black window molding- STD." but that is NOT in reference to the lower rubber unit. If that came on the car without the option for rear spoiler, than it was added by the dealer or subsequent. On my car in the video, it was added by the delivering dealer.

[@donnewton415]

Bought mine after my first big deployment in La Mesa CA. Driven it across country 3 times (Navy does that to you). Have 137K on the clock and it's just about all stock with the exception of a 930 steering wheel (I'm 6'4"), went to period correct BBS wheels when I got tired of chasing 16" tires and replaced the trombone cooler with the -84 right front fender oil cooler. Currently in San Diego for the last 21 years. Every time I think I'd like a new(er) Porsche, I go for a ride. Stops the wants. . .

[@rs6er911]

@@donnewton415 I put a Turbatrol cooler on mine back in the 80’s. I’ve never seen another.

[@oellasawandtool]

Another Great Video Nathan , you sure know these Porsches. Had an 83 cab, really easy car to own, fun, no nonsense car, sorry I sold it , Newer Porsches have really gotten bloated, I am in my 50s' and drawn to the earlier models, looking for am original 912, 65-69 . In the midatlantic but will travel to California The earlier aircooled cars were less ostentatious, more discreet. A customer of mine pulled up to the shop in a newer 911 the other day, I was curious and asked to look at the engine, he popped the hood, I couldn't see anything but black plastic...things have changed for sure....

[@stevegilhooley5396]

Great video, thank you. Can an ‘80’s SC be a genuine daily drive ( if you’re not mechanically minded and need to pay specialist repairs)?

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Depends on your commute. That's a lot to ask for from a 40+ year old car. It is possible, but might be a tall order for someone not mechanically inclined.

[@googleface5]

Good stuff, are transaxles on the list for future model guide videos?

[@trj911]

Good stuff Nathan! I enjoy learning some of the nuances of the cars. I have an '83 SC Cab in Guards Red with white seats and door cards. Is there a source to find out how many cars were made with this combination?

[@nathanmerz]

@trj911 Beautiful combo! While rare, it is not unheard of partly due to the fact that the 1st US 911SC sold here was Red on White, some people saw that, liked it and ordered something similar. Porsche does not release build data broken down by color/options. When you see that info in the broad market it is either conjecture (common!) or someone with some wherewithal gathered that information from other sources.

[@trj911]

@@nathanmerz Good info, thanks Nathan. I saw Bruce Canapa has (or had) one of the first press cars for sale and it was the same configuration as mine. I'm a big fan of the way your sport seats. Tastefully done and very functional. Thanks again for excellent content!

[@jacobavila2020]

Wondering if you could make a video discussing row grey market cars in America

[@SportsCarAdvisors]

great video, I love the SC - the car that made me fall in love with Porsche - I didn't hear any mention of head studs..., possibly in a follow-up and discussion of 915 trans.

[@rjdavies1982]

I bought a 996 turbo last time I saw this dudes video

[@TorneroCarlos]

Nathan, great content as always. As an SC owner was very much looking forward to this video. It’s apparent that you have many of these vehicles (ie mid years, SC, 3.2 Carreras etc)… do you have a “go to” car? Or is there any one (or two) in particular that you find yourself gravitating towards and driving more frequently than the others?

[@nathanmerz]

@TomeroCarlos good question as I do love all my cars, but some definitely get driven more than the others. In my top regular rotation are my 1979 928 manual, 1963 356B S90, 1970 911T Hot Rod (you can see this car in my hot rod early 911 video), 2000 996 Aerokit (you can see this in my Rennthusiast 993 vs. 996 video,), 1981 911SC that is in this video and my 2015 Cayenne Diesel. You will note mostly older and slower. I rarely drive my newer, higher HP cars, I just find these cars the most charming and easy. I always encourage people to drive what speaks to them, regardless of whether it speaks to me or anyone else.

[@francoislopin6372]

Great video. I have been waiting for it ever since you did the mid-year cars and the 3.2. What makes these SC special to me, are indeed the very unusual interior and exterior color combinations. After the SC, it all went black or grey. Question about the electric antennae: when did it deploy in period? When you started the car? When you turned on the radio? Did it stay low if you’re just listening to a cassette tape?

[@nathanmerz]

@francoislopin6372 the power antenna goes up as soon as the radio is turned on. I wish it had a seperate switch so for example when I was listening to a source other than radio the aerial wasn't up. It would be easy to wire something like that up, but alas I like my cars original!

[@flyingpatmiller]

Question for Nathan/PCA -- Nathan said he usually unplugs the headlamp washers since he never uses them, I'd like to do the same especially because my headlamp washer pump now has a leak haha. @Nathan any recommendations on where/how to best unplug? I probably need to remove the front fender to do this right? Would it be worth fully removing the pump and closing that connection? Thanks!

[@lifeislucci]

Great video! Would love to see a similar video on the longhood T, E, and S models

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Noted.

[@RiverdellConstruction-l2u]

@nathanmerz I have noticed on some SC's that the oil level guages on some are spelled OEL and others OIL. Can you shed some light on the difference or when that specific change was made? Fantastic video very informative

[@OCLaw80085]

Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Our pleasure

[@Howsitgoingfellas]

Thank you for vid , great as usual . 1 questions please . 911 , 911s 911SC , 911 Carrera . I can’t choose , need your advice. Thanks in advance

[@PotatoWarehouse]

what year is the porsche at 1:41:05 ?

[@JJL206]

Bravo, Nathan! Well done.

[@Braydenplaysallday]

Can Nathan do an in-depth early longhood video?

[@francoislopin6372]

@nathanmerz: I have a 1979 SC delivered new in California. The front and rear screen frames as well as the headlight frames have a bright trim, but the side windows have a black trim. The Porsche certificate lists “Chrome parts black” as an option ticked by the original owner. Could it be that in period, only the side windows would be black? Additional info: the car is highly original otherwise as confirmed by my Porsche Classic Center.

[@nathanmerz]

@francoislopin6372 First caveat, a car being confirmed by a Porsche Classic Center is of limited value, the vast majority of them simply don't have the breadth of information, so take that with a grain of salt. The cars are always one or the other, if your side window frames (doors and quarter windows) are black (especially in areas that would have been out of the sun) then front and rear windscreens should also be black and headlight trim rings should be body color. Are you sure the front and rear are in fact bright or has the trim faded/failed such that they are silver? This is different than bright, which has a sheen more similair to chrome, not just silver.

[@XadJack]

Hi Nathan and PCA, thanks for this video! I’m based in Europe and have found an early SC that may present an ‘attainable’ (read: affordable) entry into aircooled ownership, is there anyone there who could take a 2 minute look at the listing for me and spare me their 2c on whether to run toward or to run away? If so how can I send you guys a quick message? Hoping to join the family but also hoping to avoid getting burnt! Thanks!

[@KParsons743]

I have chance to buy either an 81 or a 88 with both being great examples…tough to make the choice 😢

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That's exciting! Good luck making the decision.

[@mochung7213]

"At least an hour" = 1 hr 44 min of fun facts!

[@Sga-qe3tx]

Nathan Merz is Amerzing!

[@artomalas]

For history fans, targa was introduced for US market due to safety regulations but due to the demand they started to make them and sell everywhere in the world as an option.

[@philippmandl2638]

Nathan the Wise - I read so many books on that and still I feel like I know nothing when listening here…a question no one could answer me: How many light blue metallic SC+ 3.3 Turbo were delivered from 1979-1983?

[@kevinbodman1011]

Where are the videos of the 930s 75-79 ??? I think the turbo guys would appreciate it thankyou.

[@nathanmerz]

@kevinbodman1011 They are on our to-do list! Be patient however as Porsche has made a LOT of models over the past 75 years and ideally we would like to feature them all!

[@mikefleissner4415]

I'm still saving for.i had to get 85 mustang gt on way

[@rayborg7378]

Where on earth can you find all this info on the 911 SC.With my 911 SC being restored now, this was timely.Nobody beats PCA on Porsche,

[@TAXCOLLECTOR-mx3mg]

I chose the TARGA . Indian Red. RECARRO seats Twin 12 inch woofers. No road noise. If you have done the speedometer past the 175 mark you have earned your PORSCHE badge. No body likes a half- stepper. Ask any State Trooper.

[@JoelCloninger]

Finally!!!!!

[@911thom9]

Oh Yess !!!!

[@markyamaguchi9571]

I can't watch, I miss my black 88 911 Carrera 😭

[@ThereCanBeOnly2112]

I'm totally stealing the phrase "butt dyno"

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

LOL

[@paulwortman483]

I know it's my opinion... But those stock steering wheels on those period cars are soooo ugly!!! Why????