3.6L engine info for long hood install

[911 tweaks]

I am looking for the specific engine +'s & -'s of the different yr 3.6L engines...
I am aware of the head sealing ring feature & can't recall if this is a good feature or a bad feature...I would guess a "+" on this engine...
I have read some of the 3.6L conversions & I am not able to discern why their particular yr 3.6L engine was chosen...
I would like to know, what engine is the best bang for the buck = I presume all n/a 3.6L engines were the same hp, (275) right...??
An engine that is not too tough to find; not a problem to install into a longhood tub & has the ability to be upgraded down the road...
Thx, Bob

[johnsjmc]

Early 964 engines without the sealing ring were built prior to 91. The exact engine numbers are on Pelican somewhere. 964 engines were about 250 hp. The 95 993 was 272 and 96-98 were 282 and have more midrange torque as well. Most of the increase in the 993 was due to a better flowing exhaust. 993 HEs will work on a 964 but the flange needs to be rotated on the pass side heads to use them. The 993 exhaust can be used in an earlier 911 the 964 exhaust cant because the crossover pipe interferes with the clutch arm on the 915 trans. The plastic intake from 91-95 is also reported to flow better than the early alloy manifold. 96 up US cars use OBD2 and have driveblock which is extra cost to chip.
I did a 3.6 conversion in a 1980 about 8 yrs ago. and used 964 engines were easier to find than 993 then. Today I would prefer a 95 993 as it has almost top HP and less complicated chipping is needed.

[911 tweaks]

thx John...so I understand correctly, the 964 engines were made from 91-95, right...??
If so or what ever the yr range was, is there a better yr 964 engine vs other yr(s)...??
So I would put on 993 exhaust w/ some mods & the 964 engine would have plastic intake runners which are desirable & the head sealing ring issues is not an issue as the yrs of 91-95 have the sealing ring & earlier yrs did not, right...??
Any idea on cost of 964 engines...??
Thx, Bob

[johnsjmc]

The 964 motor was until 94 The first 993 engine is 95. Look at Bill Verburgs sticky about diff between 964 and 993. I think engines are between $4.5 to 8.5 ask ? 95 will have the desirable exhaust 91-94 should be just as reliable and perhaps cheaper.
Records of maintenance and miles plus a good leakdown increase the price and chance of longterm use without repairs.

[911 tweaks]

thx johnsjmc...where can I find Bill Verbergs sticky on the engines...??
Thx again...
Bob

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by 911 tweaks

thx johnsjmc...where can I find Bill Verbergs sticky on the engines...??
Thx again...
Bob

It's in the 964/993 section
I think this is what you are looking for

[911 tweaks]

thats the ticket guys...Thx Bill...sorry Bill for the typo on your last name...

So, based on this all, any opinions on what engines to stay away from if any...?? This question may be like the 2.7 engines w/ head studs pulling but if they have been addressed then the engines are fine...( I don't fully fall into this camp though as I am not comfortable with the stud potential & I do not like mag cases warping, ect, ect...) so...I guess my question is what is the most reliable 3.6 engine & best bang for the buck these days & why is what you say your opinion...??
Thx, Bob

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by 911 tweaks

thats the ticket guys...Thx Bill...sorry Bill for the typo on your last name...

So, based on this all, any opinions on what engines to stay away from if any...?? This question may be like the 2.7 engines w/ head studs pulling but if they have been addressed then the engines are fine...( I don't fully fall into this camp though as I am not comfortable with the stud potential & I do not like mag cases warping, ect, ect...) so...I guess my question is what is the most reliable 3.6 engine & best bang for the buck these days & why is what you say your opinion...??
Thx, Bob

i've installed a '93 964, a '95 993 and a '97 993RS vram in my '76 Carrera

the '93 and '95 were by far easiest, the '97 hardest even though it was still an OBD1 RoW motor, an OBD2 would have been even harder.

the '97 had most power, too much imo for the 915

best combination, again imo, once done a slightly breathed on '95 3.6, on mine I have RS cams, Steve Wong chip, headers and a custom transmission w/ cooling and lsd. It all makes for a very nice all around usable package.

[johnsjmc]

And I used a 1990 3.6 which had been resealed under warrantee with head gaskets. An exhaust based on 993 HEs , 2 Carrera coolers,refreshed stock SC 915. Sachs power clutch ,Wong chip. I now drive a 95 993 and both engines are perfect candidates for a swap and would provide tremendous power in a longhood.