What to do?

[Carrera Charlie]

I've had a long break in my rebuilding efforts and now wonder if a change in course should occur. Let me describe where I'm at and feel free to opine:

History: I have a '69 911E engine that threw a rod on #6 cylinder and broke 5 of 6 rocker arms on the right side (cylinders 4-6). Thankfully, the only case damage is to the web supporting the case screen and a small nick to the interior of #6 spigot. The case seems to be in otherwise fine condition, but will be checked at my machinist's shop next month.

Action taken: I have found a replacement 2.0 liter 911E piston and cylinder (not easy to find). I have new 2.0 liter stock rocker arms, oil pump, crank and rods. Pistons and rods have been weighed and balanced. I also found a new set of Andial 906/911R 10.5:1 CR pistons and got them for a good price.

Dilemma: Build the stock 2.0 Liter 911E engine, or use the 906/911R pistons? If I put in the 906 pistons (and double plug because of high CR) should I use the E cams or something hotter? Should I get an aluminum case and start fresh? Should I go really wild and put a 2.7 crank and rods in with the 906 pistons for a real beast? Or should I build the stock engine to get the car back on the road and start project #2 with the 906 pistons to create my ultimate sleeper?

The car is intended as a street car with occasional DE events and PCA track time. I want it to live on pump gas and be refined enough for my wife to drive occasionally as well. I can afford to get one engine done now and would set aside funds for #2 if needed.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Regards,

[Wayne 962]

Good questions, and a good dilemma to have. I can go into details, but I gotta run to finish my Xmas shopping. The brief point I want to make is, it will typically cost you X dollars to build an engine, whether that engine has 110 HP or 200 HP. So, you should do whatever you can to build the motor with the most HP.

Your 1969 911 case is probably the least desirable to build a performance motor, due to the intermediate shaft bearing issue, and the fact that it's an early mag case lacking all of the support and flanges that the CIS 2.4 and CIS 2.7 engine cases have. I recommend if people are set on building a mag case motor (up to 2.9L in displacement), then they maximize their $$$ and work on a 2.7 platform (stuffing aside the stock motor for a rainy day).

-Wayne