Early 911 Engine cover color question??
 

I am looking at an early 911 for sale blah blah blah. the guy says its an "S" engine and i would just like to make sure. i haven't run any of the numbers yet at work to see but just thought i would ask here first. the cover engine cover is gray!!! i was under the impression that the "S" engines or atleast the ones i have seen the covers are Red?? by the way it looks like it is a 1970 (that is what it says above the alternator) but i am not going to trust that for sure. if i remember right the last numbers on it were "5R". thanks

lucas

RED = S (Injection)
GREEN = E (Injection)
BLACK or YELLOW =T (Carburettors)

You really need to get engine and chassis numbers to be sure of how it came from the factory. The engine may have been "rebuilt" to S spec. The 5R is the case type the engine has been built upon.

I see this claim made in many classified ads. What does it mean? An S spec motor would have higher compression and cams, right? But to get the true S specs wouldn't you also have to change the heads (larger intake/exhaust valves)? With mystery motors don't know what you've got until you open up the motor to see.

You're spot on. When I was looking for my car I found several cars with allegedly "S" spec motors, but when you quiz the owner you find that all that's changed is the cams. The "S" motor IMHO (depending on which series) should have S cams, S pistons, and S ports and usually mechanical injection at a minimum. The factory S engine could also have specific carburettors, valves and distributors depending on which one it is.

and not to forget, nitrated rods and counterweighted crank