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.
Specs
Exterior
PaintPaint
respray (same color)Delivered in Black. It wears Fern Green today after a documented October 2021 full respray, with recent panel refinishing.
HeadlightsH4 headlight
replacedLeft the factory with sealed beam headlights in sugar-scoop trim rings, standard for US cars of the era. Now fitted with H4 headlights.
BadgingSilver 911 SC script
factoryDelivered with silver 911 SC engine-lid script; it currently displays the same factory badging.
Trim & moldingsBright anodized
factoryDelivered with bright anodized window and body trim; it retains this finish, confirmed by photo.
Side mirrorsBody-color flag mirror
replacedDelivered with optional dual side mirrors. Original equipment replaced with body-color flag mirrors, a distinctive later-era style.
Antenna placementRight fender mast antenna
factoryOriginal antenna placement offered left fender (manual) or optional right fender (power), with this car's factory configuration undocumented. A right fender mast antenna is currently fitted.
WheelsFuchs 16-inch
factoryDelivered with optional 16-inch Fuchs alloys (6-inch front, 7-inch rear), a collector-preferred specification. Retains this factory equipment.
TiresMichelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
replacedWhen new, it left the factory fitted with period-correct radial tires. It now rides on Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires.
Rear spoilerstock
factoryDelivered with a smooth deck lid; an optional fully rubberized rear spoiler was also available. It retains this factory specification.
Rear taillightsAll-red taillights
factoryDelivered with all-red taillights, standard for cars delivered to the US. Replacement lenses are US-market all-red.
5 undocumentedshow fields
- Targa bar
- Targa top
- Front bumper
- Fog lights
- Rear bumper
Interior
- Steering wheel
MOMO California
replacedA four-spoke plastic wheel was standard, with a three-spoke optional; this car's factory configuration isn't documented. It now runs a MOMO California three-spoke wheel.
GaugesVDO 5-gauge cluster
factoryDelivered with the VDO five-gauge instrument cluster, standard for the era. It retains the factory cluster, now with an upgraded late-style temperature sending unit.
Dash ventssmall
factorySmaller rectangular dash vents were standard for the era, consistent with cars through 1985. This car retains its original set.
Shift knobWood and metal knob
replacedDelivered with the simple plastic shift knob standard for the era. Now fitted with a wood and metal knob, a tasteful deviation from factory.
Front seatsSport seats
factoryDelivered with standard full leather seats. Now fitted with Sport seats, upholstered in black leather and multicolor Houndstooth cloth.
UpholsteryBlack leather and multicolor Houndstooth cloth
recoveredDelivered with factory-standard leatherette and fabric upholstery. The cabin is now recovered in Black leather and multicolor Houndstooth cloth, a desirable period specification.
Door panelsRennline RS-style
replacedDelivered with standard interior door panels. Now fitted with Rennline RS-style panels, featuring pull straps and manual window cranks.
CarpetsSquare-weave
replacedLeft the factory with standard cut-pile carpeting. Now fitted with replacement Beige square-weave carpets, a period-correct upgrade.
3 undocumentedshow fields
- Dashboard
- Pedals
- Rear seats
Mechanical
EngineAir-cooled Carbureted Flat-six
replacedDelivered with the 3.0L aluminum-case Flat-six. Now an air-cooled carbureted Flat-six, a significant deviation from factory fuel injection.
Fuel deliveryDual Weber 46mm Carburetors
replacedDelivered with Bosch K-Jetronic CIS fuel injection, standard for the era. This car now runs dual Weber 46mm carburetors, a common period conversion from mechanical injection.
Ignition / ECUTwin-plug distributor with CDI
replacedDelivered with a Bosch CDI unit and single-plug distributor. Now fitted with a twin-plug distributor and CDI system for enhanced combustion.
ExhaustSST M&K exhaust system
replacedDelivered with two-way catalytic converters and an air pump system. Now runs SST headers and an M&K exhaust system, a collector-preferred aftermarket setup.
Gearbox915
rebuiltLeft the factory with a 915 five-speed manual transaxle, standard for the era. A replacement 915 unit has since been rebuilt with new synchronizers, improving shift feel and longevity.
SuspensionSuspension
replacedDelivered with torsion bar suspension and front and rear sway bars. The suspension was recently rebuilt, replacing wear items like ball joints and bushings.
BrakesBrakes
rebuiltDelivered with power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, standard for the era. The front calipers were rebuilt in 2021, and Speed Bleeder Valves provide easier fluid changes.
Comfort
WindowsManual crank
factoryDelivered with manual crank windows, a configuration characteristic of early US production; photo confirms present.
AudioSony CD stereo
replacedDelivered without a factory stereo, a common practice for dealer-installed options. Now fitted with a Sony CD stereo.
Air conditioningKuehl AC compressor
replacedDelivered with air conditioning, standard for US-market cars. Now uses a Kuehl AC compressor.
2 undocumentedshow fields
- Spare tire
- Frunk