Building 2.7L engine for 912 project car

[bbmar26]

Thinking about a future project car, was considering finding an older 912 and building a 2.7L engine myself and swapping it out to build a more period correct longhood 911 instead of backdating an 80's car to a longhood. Any huge issues this might cause putting a 2.7L in a 912? Is backdating a late 70's to mid 80's 911 a better idea for something like this? Curious other peoples experiences with both, obviously in an ideal world i would just buy an old longhood 911.....but the prices are just way out of reach for me so thinking about alternatives and also something fun to work on. I got an 86 carrera recently with the original intent of backdating but im really liking it in its 80's form so thinking about doing the longhood project for a different car in the future. Curious to hear others experiences and/or pros and cons to either direction.

[Bergo]

less rust on a later car. the 912 will probably cost more than a cheap later 911, but at least you don't have to worry about the conversion process, most of your work is done. would it be a full resto? toss up between late car + body parts, or a 912 + motor.

[JT912]

If you do a 912 properly, probably more than just a motor. Might look at upgrading/adding/changing suspension, motor mounts, brakes, oil tank, oil cooler, gauges and rust repair.

[Matt Monson]

A stock 2.7 against a 901 gearbox is fine. Build a wild 2.7 and the gearbox will be a timebomb.

[pemz0r]

A sump tank, fuel pump, and pipping for a front mount cooler will all need to be installed.

The 912 tach will have to be re-programmed.

The 912 brakes come with a 3in spacing for the caliper instead of the 911 3.5in spacing so upgrading to better brakes can be a pain. You will have to source Alfa Brembo Calipers.

The suspension/ride height will also need to be changed for the added weight from the 4 banger to the 6.

The 912 engine mounts will need to be removed and 911 mounts will need to be welded in

You will need a 911 fly wheel and clutch

[cgarr]

And if the 912 comes with a motor, those are just little 4 cylinders pretty much not good for anything, Ill get it out of your garage for you

[crummasel]

Good idea and good project.
Getting the oiltank installed and the new motormounts is not a stunt as long as you can handle steel and sheetmetal jobs.
With a 912 you have a light car which can be fun also with a 2.4 or 2.2. If you go for 2.7 care for backdating that one also for cam timing, carburetion and corresponding p/c's to acheive the unique early-11 feeling.
If you get one with the original engine and you absolutely do not want to use it, you may find out that it's valuable in the 356 vintage racing scene..
Can be fun (i did the job once..)

[bbmar26]

Wicked thanks for the info! So if i went with a 2.4/2.2 engine do you think there would be less of a need to update suspension/brakes and other parts of the car that wouldn't be able to handle the 2.7? Would prefer to build the 2.7 but just curious.

Yeah i would put up the old 912 engine on Pelican for sale at that point.

[gtc]

Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier to build out a mild 2.7 than a tuned up 2.2/2.4?

[JT912]

You could also build a built-up four banger that will bolt right up, be lighter, better economy, and less tail happy.

[afterburn 549]

Please do a little research .
The 2.7 is a great platform ONCE all the updates and additions done ( read expensive)
Now if you find one with documented proof...
But line bore and bearings ( heard the bearings are now rare) is a bunch of cash and they ALL need it it. Plus about ten more things
I did one , owned it for years. Loved it...

[Jcslocum]

912's are starting to get pricey too. They are essentially a 911 with the 356 engine and most of them you will find are the short wheel base years so a 2.7 might be a bit of a handful in the handling department. Backdating a more modern car will be...well, a more modern car. We are doing a 76 with all metal parts except bumpers. Will make for a nice original looking long hood with more modern underpinnings.

[bbmar26]

Yeah that is the thoughts turning over in my head, if the cost would be about the same if i backdated a more modern car (late 70's early 80's) but then had to do the interior and exterior as well to do right, or try to find a 912 (which is also getting a bit pricey) and update the engine but the rest of the car is all good to go (minus everything under the hood).

[Charles Freeborn]

In general... It's hard to out think the Porsche engineers - then or now. So, what that means for us mere mortals is it's usually wise to step back and look at the big picture. As said, the 901 trans is going to be a weak link as the HP rises. So will the supporting suspension and brakes. By the time you bring those systems up to spec (emphasis on "systems") the cost climbs exponentially. Sharpen a pencil, be patient and be willing to look at a "rough" mid year 911. Depending on the smog laws in your state you may be able to get a less desirable (75-77) 2.7 with a 915 trans, strip off the smog equipment and have a better starting platform to work from.
-C

[1-ev.com]

Hmmm... interesting conversation.... when I did mine i didn't notice any $$$ hikes...

Porsche it's like a woman...

Do you know how can it make a MAN a millionaire?

[1-ev.com]

the answer is ...

...

...


....

.... as soon as he has started off as a billionaire.... :-)