911 SC

More developed than the early G-series 911, lighter than the more complex 3.2, today the SC is an intelligent compromise, but only if you buy the right example. Here’s everything you need to know

- Kieron Fennelly

HISTORY & TECH

The SC was introduced in 1978 as Porsche simplified its 911 offering from two to one model. The range now comprised the 911 SC, 930 Turbo and the two newly introduced transaxle cars: the entry-level 924 and the flagship 928. Visually, the SC was almost indistinguishable from its predecessor. Its fractionally wider rear wheel arches left more room for optional 7x16-inch rims, and the SC’s rear windows were fixed.

Under the hood, the SC gained servo-brakes and thicker anti-roll bars, but although it kept the same 90x70mm bore and stroke, the 2,993cc flat six was substantially reworked. A new crankshaft had larger main and rod bearings, electronic ignition contributed to smoother running, and cooling was improved with an 11-blade fan that replaced the previous five blades. Lower-profile camshafts were fitted and acknowledging environmental requirements, an air pump (which pumped clean air into the exhaust to dilute it) was installed. The gearbox had slightly higher ratios (especially fifth), and the clutch was resprung to reduce effort.