Where do I turn for a 1974 2.7L engine rebuild?

[theaton1]

I have a 1974 911 Porsche Targa with 66k original miles. It runs as expected for it's year but I definitely want the newer specs that a rebuild will offer. I've looked as many places I can think of and am in need of suggestions for who can rebuild the engine for me.

[manbridge 74]

Location?

I wouldn't rebuild it before diagnosing it's overall condition. Especiallly if it's had valve guides replaced already.

[Flat6pac]

At 66k miles, Is the engine a 150 h/p t cam or the 170S?
Bruce

[theaton1]

I'm located in Maine, I've seen the site for motormeister but that place has more negative than positive comments. The engine is the 150hp (148) with overhead cam. I'm positive that there has been no work on the engine. I took it to a foreign car mechanic and they wanted upwards of $7k for the rebuild and suggested that it did indeed need a rebuild but I'm not certain they have worked on many Porsches (if any). They also told me that if I baby it then it should last a couple more years. I just don't want to be half way into a trip when it does decide to quit on me.

[Turbo_pro]

Supertec is as good as any and better than most. They have built five 911 engines for me including my turbo.

Henry Schmidt
SUPERTEC PERFORMANCE
Ph: 760-728-3062
Email: supertec1@earthlink.net

[Lapkritis]

Maine? I would recommend Exotech in Plaistow, NH.

[theaton1]

For some reason, the replies I send aren't getting posted...maybe it's just my work computer/server/firewall blocking them? Anyway, I'm located in Maine. I've had a couple foreign car mechanics look at it and they told me all that it would need for the rebuild. It definitely needs one but I was told that if I baby it then I could get a couple years of driving out of it. I'm almost positive that nothing has been done to the engine thus far. To the best of my knowledge, the engine is the 150 (148hp) overhead cam. I'm very new to Porsche but this little girl has always been a dream of mine Anyway, thank you guys so much for the replies and I will be looking into those leads today. And, Turbo_pro....THAT is the engine I want in her...very nice!

[moneymanager]

Having rebuilt my 74 2.7 twice I would strongly suggest looking for a 3 or 3.2 liter and rebuilding that. The mag case will likely require $2-3k of line boring/blueprinting and will never be as stable as the later aluminum case... meaning high liklihood of oil leaks within a year or so of your rebuild. More important, there's no substitute for a few more cc's. So you'll probably spend quite a bit more for less performance/all around flexibility. Not to malign the 74's (I have one and love it) there would seem little point to trying to keep it pristine with an original 2.7. FWIW.

[theaton1]

Moneymanager, that was going to be my next question as well. Is there any particular year 3 or 3.2 that I need to look for specifically for the '74 body style? I hate to be this ignorant about it but I need all the ammo I can get to make the best decision when it comes to purchasing an engine. All that I've read about the 2.7 does make me a little gun shy about the rebuild and like you said, I would like to put the more reliable 3+ into her if I have the opportunity.

[moneymanager]

The short answer is no. Any 3-3.2 (and later) motor will fit. There will be some adapting of course with electrical work and so on. But you'll be able to pay for a lot of that with the $2-3k you'll likely save by not dealing with the mag case.
To make all this work though you need to find a certifiably good 3 or 3.2, or you need to know what it is going to need to make it right. In your shoes I'd read extensively here, develop a short list of people who are known to be honest and reliable, and talk with them about finding an engine. In short, don't just buy an engine without having a lot of info about it and the seller. Fortunately it is possible to do this here, or come close. JIm

[manbridge 74]

Needs a rebuild but you can drive it for a couple more years? Doesn't compute. Take it to someone FAMILIAR with Porsche engines.

[DohertyCM]

Nothing wrong with the 2.7 motors....Loved mine and it didn't leak. You just have to have the right guy rebuild it and take the time and care to do it right. If it is running and doesn't need immediate major maintenance, take your time in finding the right guy, and if you decide to put a larger engine in then again take your time and figure out what will work best for you.
ALOT of us 2.7 drivers love the motor and by the way....skunk the 3.0 and 3.2 drivers at the track.

[cfries]

Love my 2.7 (2.8L) motor. Has all the updates and very reliable. Its good for long trips and a blast on the racetrack. If you are going with carbs, I would suggest PMO, they are awesome.

[Matt Monson]

A properly rebuilt 2.7 will give many years of service. But someone giving a $7k quote on it isn't a Porsche mechanic. Expect to spend closer to $10k to do it right. That's why some are saying look for a 3.0l swap.

You can find a running 3.0 to drop in there for $4-5k. Though with the increase in value of Midyears recently I would personally keep it numbers matching.

[BoxsterGT]

While you are at it, pull the original white nylon tunnel fuel lines out and replace them. Porsche used these for only one year of production (1974). They harden and turn brown from age and will crack & split causing you know what to happen. Just a word from one who has BTDT.

In 1975 Porsche introduced the Polyamid tunnel lines, and today just about every car mfg worldwide uses a variation of them. They are just about bulletproof. Even E-85 will not harm them. The only failures have been from external damage such as drills & screws when owners have mounted things to the tunnel or if snagged/crushed when pulling a part or making a repair without proper care.

Len