Lot P09800318: 1979 Porsche 911 Turbo

The ’79 930 Turbo is bullet-proof if you stay ahead of a few well-known issues:

Common engine problems • Chain-tensioner failure (pre-‘83 cars still have the spring style) – can skip timing • Turbocharger oil-line leaks or cooked bearings from heat soaking after shut-down • CIS injection: hard-start/rough idle when fuel distributors or warm-up regulators clog • Valve-train: 930 needs a manual valve adjust every 15k mi; exhaust valves tighten with age • Oil cooler seals & return tubes—weeps oil onto the heat exchangers, smells like burning oil • Head-stud cracks on earlier 3.0s are rare on ’79 3.3, but still worth an inspection

Typical 2025 U.S. shop costs (labor $150-180/hr, OEM or quality aftermarket parts) • Valve adjust: $1 200 – 1 500 • Chain-tensioner upgrade to later hydraulic style: $1 800 – 2 200 • Turbo rebuild (stock KKK): $2 000 – 2 500; new CHRA adds ~$1 000 • CIS full service (new injectors, fuel head re-seal, WUR): $1 400 – 1 800 • Oil cooler seal kit + return tubes: $900 – 1 200 • Annual engine-bay re-fresh (fluids, plugs, filters, valve-cover gaskets): $700 – 900

Budget rule of thumb: plan $2 000–2 500 per year in normal miles, and set aside $5 k cushion for the occasional turbo or bottom-end refresh. Porsche Classic shops know these cars, so the one you’re looking at in St. Louis should already have the big-ticket items sorted—still smart to ask for the service file.