Porsche 911 Carrera 1973 Parts: A Guide to Restoration and Maintenance

Restoring or maintaining a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera is a rewarding but demanding task. The 1973 model year holds a special place in Porsche history, marking the end of the long-hood era and the introduction of the iconic Carrera RS. Whether you own a standard Carrera or a lightweight RS, sourcing the correct parts is essential for preserving originality and performance. This guide covers the key areas you'll need to address, from engine components to body panels, plus practical tips for finding quality parts.

Engine and Drivetrain Parts

The 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera came with the 2.7-liter flat-six engine, producing around 150 horsepower in standard form. The RS variant pushed that to 210 hp. If you're rebuilding or repairing, pay attention to:

Cylinders and Pistons

The original engine used Mahle pistons and cylinders. For a stock rebuild, you'll want to source replacement Mahle or aftermarket sets (e.g., JE or Ross) that match the 2.7L bore and stroke. For the RS, the compression ratio is higher, so ensure you get the correct pistons.

Camshafts and Timing Chain

Standard Carrera cams are mild, while RS cams offer more aggressive lift. Timing chain tensioners are a known weak point; upgrade to later model hydraulic tensioners for reliability. Sourcing new chain rails and guides is recommended during any rebuild.

Fuel Injection System

The 1973 model used Bosch mechanical fuel injection (MFI) on U.S. versions. Parts like injectors, lines, and the throttle body can be rebuilt. NOS (New Old Stock) or professionally refurbished units are preferable. For the RS, the MFI is tuned differently; get the specific RS parts.

Exhaust System

Original heat exchangers and mufflers are hard to find. Stainless steel replacements from brands like Dansk or Bursch offer durability without sacrificing sound. Ensure the system matches the early 911's mounting points.

Body and Exterior Parts

The 1973 Carrera features unique body elements, especially the RS with its ducktail spoiler and wider rear fenders. Common parts needed:

Sheet Metal Panels

Floor pans, fenders, and door skins rust easily. Reproductions from companies like Restorative Engineering or Stoddard are available. For the RS flared fenders, OEM or quality reproduction (e.g., from Vintage Metal) is preferred to maintain the right proportions.

Lighting

Headlights, taillights, and turn signals. H4 headlight conversions are common, but originals are halogens. Use Bosch or Hella for best fitment. Tail light lenses should be clear or amber as per US regulations.

Trim and Emblems

Chrome trim is specific to 1973; restoration suppliers like Porsche Classic or Sierra Madre Collection offer accurate reproductions. The Carrera script and RS badges should be original or high-quality replicas.

Interior Parts

Ergonomics aren't the priority, but authenticity matters for value. Key items:

Seats and Upholstery

Standard Carrera seats are comfortable; RS lightweight seats are barely padded. Recover with correct basketweave vinyl or houndstooth cloth from suppliers like Autobahn Interiors. Foam buns are available for rebuilding.

Dashboard and Gauges

Cracked dashboards are common. Replace with a genuine leather or vinyl cover. Gauges (speedo, tach, oil pressure) can be rebuilt by North Hollywood Speedometer. Keep the original green-lit VDO face.

Carpets and Mats

German square-weave carpet is correct. Many kits come pre-cut; install with jute padding for sound deadening. Rubber floor mats for the RS are thin and simple.

Suspension and Steering

1973 suspension is basic but effective. Upgrades are common but note for originality:

Shocks and Struts

Bilstein and Koni are popular replacements. For a stock ride, use original Boge or Sachs units. Adjustable shocks help for track use.

Bushings and Ball Joints

Rubber bushings degrade. Polyurethane options from Elephant Racing or Superpro improve handling without changing appearance. Ball joints are still available from Porsche or aftermarket.

Steering Box

The 1973 uses a worm-and-sector box. Rebuild kits from Pelican Parts or JWest Engineering can tighten up a loose steering feel. Tie rod ends are easy to find.

Brakes and Wheels

Brake Calipers and Rotors

Original calipers are Ate or Girling. Rebuild with stainless pistons for longevity. Cross-drilled rotors from Zimmermann offer better heat dissipation but are not original. For the RS, lightweight alloy calipers are rare; use reproductions if needed.

Wheels

Fuchs forged alloys are iconic. 15x6 and 15x7 sizes for standard, 15x7 and 15x8 for RS. Original Fuchs are expensive; look for refurbished sets or Coker Tire reproductions. Ensure correct offset (ET36 for most).

Electrical and Cooling

Alternator and Starter

Upgrade to a higher-output alternator (90 amps) for modern accessories. Bosch or Denso units fit. Starters are reliable, but rebuilds are cheap.

Cooling Fan and Shroud

The engine fan is plastic and can crack. Replace with an OEM reproduction from Porsche or a quality aftermarket unit. The thermostat and oil cooler lines should be checked for leaks.

Where to Find Parts

• Porsche Classic: Official source for many NOS and reproduction parts, but pricey.
• Specialty suppliers: Stoddard, Sierra Madre Collection, Pelican Parts, and Restoration Design offer extensive catalogs.
• Used parts: Check forums like Pelican Parts or 911S Registry. Many parts are interchangeable with other 1970-73 911s.
• Reconditioning services: For hard-to-find items like fuel pumps or injection lines, send them to a specialist (e.g., Gus at Pacific Fuel Injection).

Final Recommendation

Focus on authenticity and safety. For a concours restoration, spend time locating correct date-coded parts and avoid cheap reproductions that won't fit. For a driver, use quality aftermarket where it improves reliability. Rebuild your MFI and suspension first—these areas transform the driving experience. Start with a thorough inspection of your Carrera's VIN and option codes to know exactly what it left the factory with. Join a club like the Porsche Club of America for technical support and parts sourcing. With patience and the right suppliers, you can bring your 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera back to its former glory without breaking the bank.