1978 Porsche 911SC Targa
1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa
PPI shows strong engine, fix list
John G. Dayton performed a pre-buyer's check, including a compression and safety inspection. The engine showed strong compression across all cylinders (180-185 PSI), but the inspection noted worn brake pads, bad sway bar bushings, a missing EGR valve, and hot/cold running issues.
New fuel inductor by Jax European
Jax European Car Service replaced the fuel inductor. This addressed a fuel delivery issue.
Engine miss diagnosed, new ignition parts
An intermittent engine miss prompted new spark plugs and a coil wire from Jax European.
Spark plugs and wires replaced
New spark plugs and ignition wires installed at Jax European Car Service.
Lube service, 110-mile drive for stall
Jax European changed the oil and air filter. A technician test drove the car 110 miles, failing to duplicate an intermittent stalling issue.
New ignition control unit stops stalling
Vehicle stalled after 15-20 miles of driving. Jax European installed a new ignition control unit and coil.
Car at Jax European Service
The car was at Jax European Car Service Inc. on this date and mileage. This record does not list any labor or parts.
Warranty diagnosis, owner declined tie-rods
European Car Service diagnosed a warranty claim. Owner declined their recommended tie-rod replacement, and the service was free.
New Dunlop front tires installed
Jax European Car Service installed and balanced new Dunlop SP 8000 front tires. Owner declined tie-rod end replacement.
Diagnosed engine stalling, oil and filter
Jax European diagnosed an engine stalling issue, replacing old fuses and cleaning electrical contacts. They changed the oil and filter, but could not replicate the reported stall.
Shop visit, no service details
Car was at European Car Service Inc. No labor or parts listed on this record.
Oil fouled plugs, vacuum hose repaired
Jax European replaced oil-fouled spark plugs and repaired a leaking vacuum hose after a road test.
Starting issue diagnosis, battery replacement at no charge
European Car Service diagnosed a starting system complaint. A new battery was installed at no charge, but the original issue was not duplicated during testing.
California emissions test at Anaheim
Anaheim Test Only Center performed a California emissions test.
Vehicle intake at Jax European
Jax European documented the car. No labor or parts are listed.
JAX recorded VIN, no services
JAX European Car Service logged the vehicle's VIN and mileage into their system. No parts or labor appear on this invoice.
Towed non-start, ignition and leaks fixed
Car towed in for a non-start condition. Shop replaced the ignition coil, control unit, pick-up coil, and addressed engine oil leaks with new return tubes and switches.
New coil, engine leaks diagnosed
Jax European & Asian Car Service installed a pre-paid ignition coil. Technicians diagnosed significant engine leaks from the right side timing chain cover and front camshaft seal.
Left axle and final drive replaced
Car towed with no drive after a snapping noise. Shop replaced the left axle and final drive.
No-start ignition repair, major leak diagnosed
Ignition connections cleaned and timing reset to fix a no-start condition. An oil leak was diagnosed, requiring a $4500 engine reseal; oil and filter changed.
Shop intake, no labor recorded
Independent Car Specialists Inc. recorded a shop visit. No labor or parts are itemized.
No start diagnosis, new fuel pump relay
Car towed for no-start; shop replaced the fuel pump relay. They checked fuel pressure, timing, and adjusted the fuel pressure regulator.
Oil leak fixed, engine needs tune
John G. Dayton Enterprises repaired an oil leak at the oil pressure sender adapter. The shop noted an engine miss and advised a tune-up.
Corrected fan wiring, new engine mounts
A rebuilt fan control box and new engine mounts went in. The shop corrected reversed wiring in the fan control harness.
No-start fix, goodwill carpet repair
Car towed in no-start; replaced fuel pump fuse. Shop restored left footwell carpet under goodwill.
Pelican parts: fan, pop-off valve
Owner purchased a new 11-blade cooling fan, fuel filter, and CIS pop-off valve from Pelican Parts.
Pelican parts for routine maintenance
Pelican Parts order included a new fuel filter, air pump filter, cooling fan, master cylinder cap, and door lock surround.
Parts returned to Pelican
Owner returned parts to Pelican Parts Inc. for a refund.
Pelican Parts order shipped to California
Pelican Parts shipped a $443.77 order to Jack Pierce in Canyon Lake, California.
Fuel filter from Pelican Parts
Owner acquired a new fuel filter from Pelican Parts. No labor recorded.
Weltmeister short shift kit and tune-up
Weltmeister short shift kit installed. Pelican Parts supplied fluids, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, and a magnetic drain plug for a full service.
Oil return tube kit purchased
Pelican Parts supplied an oil return tube kit and washer reservoir cap.
New heater hoses purchased from Pelican
Pelican Parts supplied multiple heater hoses for the engine and heat exchangers.
Valve cover gasket kit from Pelican
Valve cover gasket kit acquired from Pelican Parts. No installation labor recorded.
New rear engine lid shock
Pelican Parts supplied a replacement rear engine lid shock.
Pelican Parts badge mounting clips
Ordered OEM speednuts/clips from Pelican Parts for exterior lettering.
Custom flannel car cover purchased
Owner purchased a custom 100% cotton flannel car cover from MPT Industries.
Genuine Porsche EGR system parts order
Pelican Parts supplied a new genuine Porsche EGR valve, pipeline, gaskets, and related hardware.
Hard shifting diagnosis, stock shifter
European Motorsports diagnosed hard shifting in 2nd and 4th gear, noting a worn 1st gear synchro, and installed a used stock shifter in place of an aftermarket unit. The engine received a valve adjustment, new valve cover gaskets, and new oil return tubes.
Pelican Parts window channel acquired
New window channel acquired from Pelican Parts.
911 door stay and Hirschmann antenna acquired
Pelican Parts supplied a Hirschmann universal antenna and a 911/912 door stay reinforcement kit.
Custom hose ends for unknown project
Hose-Man supplied custom hose ends. No labor logged, likely for a future modification or repair.
Oil system upgrade, brake bleeder valves
Rothsport oil inlet check valve, speed bleeder valves, oil line, and filter were acquired from Pelican Parts. A new temperature sending unit and heater control knob also purchased.
Oil thermostat gasket acquired
Porsche Parts Electronic Catalogue page lists part 930.106.326.01. This is an oil thermostat housing gasket, acquired for future use.
Engine diagnosed with severe left bank leakdown
Black Forest Automotive diagnosed engine popping, finding severe cylinder leakdown on the left bank (cylinders 1-3) due to piston/cylinder/ring wear. They re-torqued seized head nuts, adjusted valves, and replaced mismatched spark plugs.
Brake master cylinder grommet from Pelican
Pelican Parts supplied an Ate brake master cylinder reservoir grommet.
New custom flannel Targa cover
Custom 100% cotton flannel car cover purchased for the Targa from MPT Industries.
Auxiliary air valve rebuilt by FIC
FIC rebuilt the auxiliary air valve.
Erratic high idle regulator replaced
Fuel Injection Corp fixed an erratic high idle at 1800 RPM. A new auxiliary air regulator went in.
Fuel filter, oil service parts acquired
Pelican Parts supplied a fuel filter and engine sump sealing ring.
Auxiliary air valve tested good
FIC tested the auxiliary air valve. No replacement required.
Acquired replacement transmission credit from Pelican
Pelican Parts provided a credit for a replacement transmission. The owner also purchased an oil sump plug sealing ring.
Pelican Parts ships genuine rubber hose
Pelican Parts shipped a genuine Porsche rubber hose for $41.33. Handwritten calculations on the invoice suggest the owner planned a DIY installation.
MSD Blaster ignition coil purchased
Owner purchased an MSD Blaster High Vibration Coil from Pelican Parts.
MSD 6A ignition and Clewett wires
Owner acquired an MSD Digital 6A ignition control, tach adapter, Clewett performance spark plug wires, rotor, and cap from Pelican Parts. This is a serious performance upgrade.
Door panel installation, wiper replacement
Automotive Techniques installed customer-supplied door panels, lubed the window regulators, and replaced the wiper blades and caps.
Shop visit, no work recorded
Automotive Techniques logged the vehicle on this date. No labor or parts were noted for the entry.
Sold on Bring a Trailer for $50,000 to @bhorrocks
Listed as "Prior BaT auction (September 9, 2021)".
New Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 tires
Belle Tire installed four Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 tires, including mounting and balancing.
Superfly Garage: Suspension, brakes, seals estimate
Estimate from Superfly Garage for Lemforder ball joints, front caliper rebuilds, all new exterior seals, interior refresh, and a Momo Heritage steering wheel.
New steering wheel, interior trim sourced
An Amazon steering wheel, eBay carpet, and rear deck fabric were acquired. Pelican Parts supplied glass and front bumper trim. This ledger also lists Auto Atlanta parts and several returns.
Rennline door panel install
New Rennline door panels fitted to the interior.
Sold on Bring a Trailer for $115,000
Listed as "1978 Porsche 911SC Targa Twin-Plug 3.4L". Lot #209585.
Head stud, leak, and alternator check
Black Forest Automotive inspected for head stud failure, oil leaks, vacuum leaks, and alternator bearing health. This is a critical check for air-cooled engines.
Rear panel, deck lid repaired and refinished
Terry's Custom Painting repaired and refinished the rear panel, deck lid, and right rear upper panel.
Build
Exterior
PaintPaint
respray (same color)Factory paint color as delivered. Current state tracks respray status.
HeadlightsH4
replacedThis 1978 SC originally featured sealed-beam headlights with 'sugar scoop' trim rings. It now runs H4 headlights.
Side scriptgold engine stickers script
replacedSide script badging configuration for this 911 is not documented.
Trim & moldingsBright anodized
factoryBright anodized trim is present; glass and front bumper trim were replaced.
Side mirrorsDriver's and passenger's side
The passenger side mirror was an optional amenity on 1978 SCs. This car retains both driver's and passenger's mirrors.
Antenna placementexternal mast antenna
replacedAn external mast antenna is fitted; a Hirschmann unit replaces the original.
WheelsFuchs 16-inch
1978 SCs came standard with 15-inch Cookie Cutters; 16-inch Fuchs were an option. This car wears 16-inch Fuchs, with 6-inch front and 7-inch rear widths.
TiresMichelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
replaced1978 911 SCs left the factory with performance radials fitted to 16-inch Fuchs wheels. It now rides on Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires, size 205/55.
Rear deck lidstock
Fully rubberized rear spoilers were an optional factory fit for 1978 SCs. This car's configuration is not documented.
Rear taillightsUS all red
replaced1978 US-market 911 SCs left the factory with all-red taillights. The car now runs replacement all-red units.
5 undocumentedshow fields
- Targa bar
- Targa top
- Front bumper
- Fog lights
- Rear bumper
Interior
Steering wheelMOMO California
replaced1978 SCs offered a standard four-spoke or optional three-spoke steering wheel. This car is fitted with a MOMO California three-spoke wheel.
GaugesVDO 5-gauge cluster
factory1978 SCs feature a standard VDO 5-gauge cluster, tachometer central. This car retains the factory VDO assembly.
Dash vent sizesmall
factory1978 SCs feature the smaller dash vents, standard until the 1986 dash refresh.
Shift knobWood
replacedFactory 1978 911 SCs came with a plastic shift knob. The car now runs a wood shift knob.
Front seatsSport seats
This 1978 SC delivered with standard full-leather seats. The cabin overhaul included fitment of Sport seats, now in black leather and Houndstooth.
UpholsteryBlack leather and multicolor Houndstooth cloth
recovered1978 SCs offered various interior trims, typically leatherette and cloth. The cabin now wears black leather with multicolor Houndstooth cloth.
Door panelsRennline RS-style
replaced1978 SCs came with upholstered door panels, often featuring map pockets and an armrest. This car now runs Rennline RS-style panels.
CarpetsSquare-weave
replaced1978 911 SCs featured standard cut-pile carpeting. This car now wears aftermarket square-weave carpet.
HeadlinerHeadliner
White headlining was standard for 1978 911 SC coupes; black was an option. This car retains the factory-specified black headliner.
3 undocumentedshow fields
- Dashboard
- Pedals
- Rear seats
Mechanical
Engine3.4L Twin-Plug Flat-6
rebuiltThe SC's 3.0L aluminum-case flat-six defined the model as a robust performer. Now rebuilt as a 3.4L twin-plug flat-six with a 930 crankshaft, reground camshafts, and Mahle cylinders and pistons, it delivers significantly more power and refined combustion. This substantial upgrade elevates the SC driving experience.
Fuel deliveryDual Weber 46mm Carburetors
replacedK-Jetronic CIS was the standard mechanical fuel injection for the 1978 SC. This car now runs dual Weber 46mm carburetors, offering precise throttle response and increased tunability.
Ignition / ECUTwin-plug distributor with CDI
replaced1978 911 SCs used a Bosch CDI system with a single-plug distributor. This car now runs a twin-plug distributor and CDI.
CoolingCooling
replaced1978 911s came with an 11-blade engine fan. This car runs an 11-blade fan.
ExhaustSST headers and M&K exhaust
replaced1978 SCs were delivered with a two-way catalytic converter and air pump. This car now runs SST headers and an M&K exhaust system.
Gearbox915
rebuiltThe 915 five-speed transaxle is the period-correct unit for the 1978 911 SC. This 915 unit is rebuilt with replacement synchronizers, delivering precise shift engagement.
SuspensionSuspension
replaced1978 911s delivered with torsion bar suspension and Bilstein dampers. This car retains that factory setup, now with Lemforder ball joints, links, and OEM sway bar bushings.
BrakesBrakes
rebuiltPower-assisted four-wheel disc brakes are standard for the 1978 model year. Front calipers are rebuilt, and Speed Bleeder valves are fitted.
Comfort
CoolingManual crank
Windows operate via manual cranks, retaining the car's factory original equipment.
AudioSony CD stereo
replaced1978 911 SCs delivered without a factory radio; dealers installed units. This car now runs a Sony CD stereo.
Air conditioningBosch OF
rebuiltAir conditioning was an option on 1978 911 SCs, though often specified for US-market cars. This car retains the factory system; its Bosch fan control box rebuilt.
2 undocumentedshow fields
- Spare tire
- Frunk