Porsche 1966 Chain rail replacement
 

I just found plastic pieces after changing the oil in my 1966 911 Porsche. I have been told that I need to replace the chain rails. I am considering doing this myself and looking for suggestions. Any websites or good book suggestions?

WELCOME to the forum. You are at the #1 place in the world for advice on how to do that.

Changing chain rails is easy IF that's all that you need to do. The early chain rails were plastic over aluminum, if you have those in your engine, congratulations, they are 44 years old! More than likely your rails were changed over the years.

You want five black ramps and one brown one, the brown one goes in the lower right.

How to Rebuild and Modify Porsche ... - Google Books

Here is the link to the chain ramp page. http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/911E/POR_911E_ENGcam_pg1.htm

Don't forget to order the seals for the chain ramp bolts. You also need new gaskets, be sure to get the early type, not the later type (Porsche increased the number of studs to hold the chain box covers on around 1968. The early gaskets are available.)

Here are some threads to get you started.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/469928-good-news-broken-chain-ramp.html

If you are new to engine work on the 911 engine, I highly recommend Wayne's book (excerpt in the link above) that will explain the procedure.

"While you are in there" you should check for updated tensioners, idler arms, chain and sprocket wear. If everything is original you may find that the chains have worn to the point where they are cutting into the chainbox. If REALLY original you will find "scoop" type tensioners that should be replaced immediately.

One thing that helps us in the SWB community is to post the VIN of your car along with the engine number and trans number, we are keeping a database of all the early cars with hundreds in it so far.

Good luck! Don't be afraid to ask questions, you will find the answers here.