Early Porsche 911 Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

Basic Information

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Copyright 1995,1996, Wade Guthrie. Permission is granted to copy and redistribute this document so long as it is unmodified and the copyright remains in-tact.

Disclaimer: The information in this FAQ is a compilation from various sources including the internet. The author/maintainer does not guarantee any of the information found in this FAQ. Use this FAQ AT YOUR OWN RISK and with your own judgment (in fact, this is pretty good advice for all the information found on the internet). 

This FAQ was originally written by Wade Guthrie and has been updated and maintained by: Ross Parker and Rennlist. Do you have a great post you would like to include in this FAQ?  If so, please forward it via email by Clicking here

 

What does this FAQ cover?

This FAQ was originally written to fill the need for, well, a FAQ on Porsche's 911 model. Though it contains information for many of the later 911s and derivatives, it concentrates on the earlier models. Eventually, I'd like to bisect this FAQ and give the late-model half to someone who is better qualified to answer those questions. In the mean time, this FAQ is broken into two parts - the first part are answers to often asked questions that posed by new early 911 owners.  These questions appear below.  The second part of the FAQ is a large database of specific questions about transmissions, racing, brakes selections, etc.  Given the size and numbers of these questions. they are maintained in a fully searchable database.

Part One: Basic Information

1. Background

  • 1.1. What's a 911?
  • 1.2. What are the differences between the various 911s?
  • 1.3. Okay, so how do I tell the difference between them?
  • 1.4. But, Porsches are known for performance; how do the models differ?
  • 1.5. What should the VIN or engine number look like for my car?
  • 1.6. Why did the early 911s have two batteries?

2. Purchase

  • 2.1. Which 911 Should I Get?
  • 2.2. I want to buy a 911. For what should I look?
  • 2.3. Does anyone have a checklist for potential 911 buyers?

3. Upkeep, Repair, and Parts

  • 3.1. What are the classic problems / areas to check on 911s?
  • 3.2. So, what's wrong with the 2.7 liter 911s?
  • 3.3. At what pressure and temperature ranges should my 911 operate?
  • 3.4. Where can I find a car seat for the rear seats of my 911?
  • 3.5. Any other places I can look for 911 info?

Part Two:

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(frequently asked technical questions)

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