Stored Engine?

[MikeDL]

Hi.

I am restoring a '68 911T.

There was a 2.7 engine in the car which was blown up at the track in 1993. That engine was tossed in favor of an engine of unknown condition - supposedly "stored in good condition" 2.0T engine - but never connected completely up to run. The whole thing sat like this in a barn for ten years until I got it.

The Engine

I found a couple of metal bits (pinhead size) laying on the filter adapter, presumably from the 2.7 blowup.

What steps would make sense to bring this engine back?

Thanks!

[Grady Clay]

Mike,

I would first disassemble the 2.7 and see exactly what is wrong and figure what it would cost to fix it. That is a good Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project. You will get lots of help on this Forum. Posting pictures with a digital camera is very useful.

The ‘68T should just be inspected and lubed for now. Remove the intake valve covers and report what you see. Can you turn it with a wrench on the pulley nut? Don’t try forcing it to turn otherwise.

How is the car otherwise? Rust? Prior crash damage? Other?
Is it a coupe?
Where are you located?

Best,
Grady

[MikeDL]

The 2.7 is long since gone - the 2.0 in the car (the engine pictured in my first post) is "supposedly good" but no one who knows anything about this engine is still around. For example, you can see in the picture that it has an S shroud and zenith carbs!

Since it hasn't run in a minimum of 10 years, I asked two Porsche mechanics that I respect and got two different answers. One said basically "start it up and see what happens" and the other said that after such a long time it should be torn down (which is why I posted in this forum) and cleaned - especially since it has no history. I decided to get additional informed opinions here before planning what to do next.

The car is a European '68 (short wheelbase) 911T coupe. No crash damage, but rusty floors and rockers. Solid front and rear clips.

I have made a web site about the project:
http://ladwigindustries.com/mike/68-911/porsche.html

Thanks!

[Grady Clay]

Mike,

COOL, I’m impressed and will help as I can. The 1990 article in der Vorganger is great. The $243 Old Grey Car deserves a real second (third, fourth, more…) life. Are the headlights H1 or H4? Cool ‘72S bumper and Fuchs.

You know the most difficult part of the restoration is the body/chassis. Attach some more pictures of current condition.

I agree with your mechanic who recommended disassembly first. In this kind of project, why risk destroying the original engine. You should (will) take it apart anyway.

How old are Joel and Dylan? All of you will have fun as a joint effort in granddad’s memory.

Best,
Grady

[MikeDL]

Thanks - it is a cool project. The headlights are the original H1s. Unfortunately, the 72S bumper is fibreglass (which I badly want to replace with steel).

If I need to take it apart (and thanks for your advice on that subject), I think I'm going to focus on the chassis during the warm part of the year and move the engine work inside during the winter. I do need to make a list of things to do while the thing is apart. Carrera tensioners are obvious...

[Grady Clay]

Mike,

I would like to stay in the loop with your project. I have a ’68 911 that I bought new, ordered from the Factory in February ’68. It has been on almost every significant race track in North America and driven by many of the best Porsche racers. It is still a street car.

Since you have the H1s you can install four 100W bulbs and wire it so all four are on as high beams. You can’t do that with H4s.

The bumper is easily replaced anytime.

Carrera tensioners are very worthwhile but not absolutely necessary. I’ll discuss more with you about that subject.

If you have a nice indoor place for you and your kids to work on the engine and transmission during the winter – great.

We should keep this discussion on the Forum as many others will benefit.
Please send me your e-mail address. There are big files that Wayne’s system won’t transmit.

Best,
Grady
gradyclay@hotmail.com