71 911t worth the money?

[cleal]

I have an opportunity to purchase a one owner 1971 911T for 5k from a family member. The car is in decent shape, but was parked for 2years because it leaked oil so bad. I have decided to purchase the car and restore it to original condition. It has the numbers matching 2.2 and the engine has never been opened. I talked to a local engine rebuilder and he said that because of the mag case he could not guarantee against oil leaks, even after an $8k rebuild. This is scaring me a little. Should I be hesitant about the mag case???

I have also thought of just buying a crate engine and storing the original, but being new to the porsche world I am not having much luck loctating a dealer. sooo my questions:

1. Should I be concerned about the mag case?

2. Can anyone recommend a crate motor and dealer?

3. If I spend the $$$ for the rebiuld on the original motor, will it last? or start leaking after 12k miles?

[euro911sc]

1) No. But expect to pay more to have it trued up at a qualified machine shop. It is a desirable item as it is lighter then the Aluminum cases.

2) I doubt you could find a 'crate' motor. Especially for a '71. Maybe a 2005... The Porsche world is very much NOT like the domestic where you can just drop in a Ford/GM/Other crate motor.

That said, the engine mounting points are very similar from say 66-89 so you can drop in something used fairly easily. Your best bet may be finding a running duplicate 71. After that a running newer engine and make the conversion. After that, a core duplicate 71 that you can rebuild to like new... there are many other variants of the above, but you get the idea.

3) I'm one who thinks the 911 engine should not leak. That said, there are some very common places that do leak oil, but are fairly easy to fix without taking the motor apart. Depends on where your engine is leaking from. Posting some pics here will get a good response on some possible culprits for your individual case. I just re-built my '82 3.0 and have no leaks. I do not expect it will be leaking anything in the next 10+ years. The sealants we have to day and the techniques espoused on this board and in Wayne's book will lead to a no-leak engine...

4) Buy Wayne's book to at least educate yourself on what the process is and how you should be communicating with your shop of choice. It will give you a great primer on the choices you may have to make in the future.

BTW, where are you located? If you put it in your profile and you can ask for some good local shop recommendations.

Best regards,

Michael

[micheloaks]

Waynes book??? Where to purchase? Michel

[Henry Schmidt]

All long hood cars are collectable.
That said: The last 70-71 car we did with a 2.2 opted to go the exchange route.
He kept his stock 2.2 (matching # engine) and we built a 2.7 RS spec w/Solex cams to install in it's place. The engine utilized the Zenith carbs and original looking ancillary components so the engine looks very stock.
Fun car to drive and yet still very collectable.

[cleal]

I am located in Austin Texas if anyone can recommend a good shop in the area it would be appreciated.

[jpnovak]

I am in Austin Too. There are several shops in the area. The two that come to mind are Moorespeed and TPWS. I can tell you that these shops will send out the machine work on the case and heads. A properly built motor will last for many miles. The mag case is not stressed too much on a 2.2T motor. I suspect there might be another issue.

I would be happy to help evaluate the leak. It may be a simple leak that is easy to fix without rebuilding the engine.

An engine swap can be a relatively simple endeavor depending on the newer model. Many times it is nearly plug and play. the issue is that with the new found power you might want bigger brakes, suspension work and other upgrades "while you are in there".

[BK911]

Don't get a rebuild because it leaks oil. Take Jamie up on his offer and see if the leak is pretty simple to fix. Only a leak down will tell if it needs a rebuild. If it does need a rebuild, spend the $8k on a decent 3.0 or 3.2 and put your engine on a shelf. At least that's what I would do.

[cleal]

where can I get a 3.0 engine?

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by cleal

where can I get a 3.0 engine?

In the PP used parts for sale. Here is an example:

FS: 3.0L Euro Motor from 80' SC

[euro911sc]

Book:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_search.cgi?command=show_part_page&please_wait=N&make=POR&model=911M&section=TOLbks&page=1&bookmark=3&part_number=BK-135124

$22.95 and worth every ef'n penny.

Get to know Jamie. Good local friends with his skills are hard to come by.

Henry is one of the top 911 engine artisans in the world. If you choose to use him for your work you will not be disappointed.

What is your goal? Keep it stock and take it to shows? Hot rod it? Daily/weekend driver? Garage queen? Track whore? Depending on that answer, and there may be multiple parts, your engine choices and targets will change a lot. So what do you wanna do with your new wife? uh... I mean mistress... er... uh... hehe

Best regards,

Michael

[cleal]

My intention was to restore the car to original and may do a little head work and a cam, but for the create motor option more horsies are always good.

[euro911sc]

Sounds good. Port work is expensive, but cams are not. Both a lot less than an additional motor Get a good handle on the condition of the current engine as it stands and then talk next steps. It may bee that your engine is fine and this discussion is moot for the near future.

Best regards,

michael