Building an engine with no car (dumb idea?)

[KobaltBlau]

Steve, I believe Grady chose '83SC motor to make your car as original as possible if you chose to sell it with the rebuilt motor. The extra work to find an '83 motor is probably worth it if this is at all a concern, and it shouldn't carry a price premium over any other year SC motor.

Good Question, Jim.

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by Jim Richards
Steve, what is your desired end result regarding car / engine? What is your planned use?

The end result of the engine is the learning experience of doing it, without necessarily *needing* to do it to the Targa to keep it running. My thought is that I would rather learn on a core motor because when I get frustrated and stop temporarily or wait for parts to come in/back, I can jump in the Targa and cruise around knowing that it will all be worthwhile.

I'm not exactly sure what I will do with it then. My desire it to put it into a roller coupe. It wouldn't necessarily be a "nice" one...one I wouldn't mind tracking if it turns out thats something I want to do.

It's kinda a tough question to answer since stopping to think about it makes teh idea sound kinda silly. When I bought my Targa, track time wasn't a consideration. Now that it is, I really don't want to spend too much time with the Targa on the track. Plus I like keeping it stock. Some old roller coupe, I wouldn't feel bad subjecting to harsher treatment or "GruppeB" type mods.

[KobaltBlau]

some track time isn't a problem for porsches IMHO. lots of opinions on this, but one of the nicest porsches I know of, and the one I would most like to buy, is run at just about every track event in this area, which is about 18 days per year.

anyway, it's up to you of course, but I at least am not convinced that I need another 911 just for DE. There are some very fast guys in my region with cars very suitable for street driving.

[geof33]

The big question is... do you have a space to store a roller?

If so... be patient, shop, and find a good used coupe with a motor. Running or not. With the known intent of doing the full rebuild REGARDLESS.

I bought my whole car for 5600.00. Realistically I could have rebuilt the motor stock, and put it in and had a nice car. My intentions were to make an RSR though...

I too have a Targa. The SC is a full back date project and the motor is now ready to start reassembly (parts to arrive soon) I;m shooting for a Dec. build deadline.

Anyway, I think you should do the whole car of you can. You'll be better off in the long run... Buying an unknown roller can be VERY $$$$ especially since most "decent" ones go for around 5000.00. And usually these aren't "complete" no trans etc... Don't forget that little issue...

My 5600.00 "roller"

[hkspwrsche]

Why not just buy a running SC with everything for 8500$ instead of $3.5-$5k for an SC engine core and $5-$6k for the roller that may not have a $1500 trans? That is if you have room for the car like was already said.

Harold

[911SCfanatic]

How long of a time period is reasonable to do a rebuild? I'm looking for the longest time you can take without having to be worried about parts rusting, etc. I'd like to take my sweet time (and go easy on the check book) over maybe a year and a half. I assume that as long as everything I assemble is coated in oil and covered in plastic, I should be ok.

Does everyone agree? Does anyone have any tips on doing an "extended" rebuild? I'm setting up a clean, organized area now to begin engine disassembly in a month or so.

[geof33]

If everything is clean (case, etc) it should be fine. Leave the crank and rods together and leave the oil on them. It will leave a protective film on them that will last a LONG time. As long as everything is dry it could sit almost indefinately. If your going to take a super long time, take the oil items put them in a plastic bag and seal them, or you could coat them with wd-40 and seal them up. Should last forever....

[Grady Clay]

Steve,

Andy is correct. My recommendation of an ‘83SC engine is because it is a direct exchange for the engine in your 911 and carries no cost penalty. With some research and input from Pelicans more knowledgeable than me, other years are probably appropriate with minimal swapping of parts.

As I understand your goals, you want (not necessarily in this order):
Low initial investment.
Not to have to store a roller.
Have you a personal engine workshop.
No time pressure to complete.
Collect all the technical info and tools necessary.
Gain the skills to rebuild a 911 engine.
Keep your ‘83SC running in the interim.
Have a good (valuable) engine to use and/or sell.


I’ll repeat my prior admonitions:
Get the technical info, tools, and workspace organized first.
Shop for an engine(s) with no time pressure.
Don’t be afraid of buying several engines.


You don’t need a special engine for taking your 911 to the track. A reasonably maintained stock 911SC works great.
Don’t get the cart before the horse, do your engine project first. Keep your eye out for a good roller or partially completed track car.

Any engine, you are going to want to disassemble and inspect ASAP. If you buy an engine is represented to be one way and it is something else, you want to deal with the seller promptly. You want to know what other inspections (magnaflux, etc.) you want to have done and if there is reconditioning or replacement necessary. There is a lot of planning that goes into this process.

Storing engine components for a long time is not a problem. Surfaces need to be preserved with the proper lubricant/preservative. I prefer Marvel Mystery Oil and Valvoline “Tectyl” cosmoline. If you have the opportunity with a running engine, there are some desirable preservative measures you can take for the fuel system. Geof33 and I are spoiled with out Colorado thin and dry air. I have a 914 body/chassis that I had dipped in 1974; the surfaces are great after almost 30 years storage.

Best,
Grady