Potential 2.4 Rebuild
 

I have the opportunity to rebuild a matching numbers 2.4 for a 72T. Between Wayne's Engine book, various PP threads and my mechanics suggested alternatives, I'm thoroughly perplexed. In his book alone their are at least 3 variations that fit the bill, and I'm guessing as many specialists variations as there are engine builders. 2.2L Spec, 2.4S, 2.5 long stroke, twin plug, 2.7RS... the list goes on.

I will be using the car primarily on the street with rare track visits. It is matching numbers, so I guess I should be mindful of that. It currently sports Webers, so no MFI to deal with. My shop is capable of building whatever we decide on; that's the least of my worries. They're top notch, but I do want something pretty special.

What's the conventional wisdom on what to build with these 2.4's (if there is any) these days? What gives the best bang for the buck? Should I be concerned about outward engine appearance or originality down the road? Does anyone know the range of prices for such beasts?

Of course price is always an object, but I'd like to try to compare prices before making a decision. It is the heart and soul of the car after all.

I appreciate your input gentlemen, and look forward to hearing from you all.

Nick

Some of the basic things you need to consider are oil bypass mod with upgraded oil pump. The mag case is soft, so case savers should be installed. Also the case has to be checked to see if it needs a line bore.

I've recently had several mag case engines requiring line bore and case repairs to make reliable and to keep oil leaks from occurring. Also, you can build whatever configuration you want. It's all inside so keeping it all "looking right" is pretty straight forward. Check my Instagram for some ideas.

I shuffle pinned my mag case, with a line bore and oil upgrade. It will be well worth it in the long run.

2.7 E cam
9.5:1
single plug
webers
ssi
m&k exhaust

love it!

First thought is that with webers, you aren't exactly "original." You could keep away from red plug wires and funny colored fans to keep it relatively period correct.

I am building a version of this engine: 86MM 2.2 spec pistons with nikasil cylinders (bump to 2.5L with 9.5:1 c/r), E Spec cams and renovated MFI. In fact, my new year's resolution is to get on with it! There are a couple of folks who do these engines regularly like Henry Schmidt of Supertech or Steve at Rennsport. Call either or both. I've talked to both and found them happy to share their expertise.

As for the case, my 72 had the 3R version, not suitable for getting too crazy like moving to 90mm p/c's (2.7.) As mentioned above, the case will need a thorough eval. Ollies is one of the go-to shops that deal only with air cooled Porsche...along with those mentioned above. Tell them what you plan to do and they'll take it from there. You can skip the race mods like knife edging the crank or shuffle pinning the case and keep it roughly $3k: case decked and align bored, spigots leveled, head and select web studs time serted, oil bypass mod, oils squirters checked. Here's Ollies price list for an idea of the costs. If you have a good machine shop close by, they should be able to do your rods, cam rockers, and crank if STD/STD.

Good luck! Post pictures early and often of your build!

Thanks for your replies everyone!

Right now I'm leaning towards a high compression 2.7RS Spec, but the engine isn't even out of the car yet.

Anybody else out there?

If you want to keep it numbers matching, your case isn't a good candidate to be modified for 90mm P/C's (90mm cylinder times 70.4mm crank = 2.7L.) I think it's a matter of the modification making the case material too thin. Assuming you have a 3R case like my 72T, yours will take an 86mm P/C without modification, roughly 2.5.

I'm not sure how "streetable" a high compression 2.7RS will be.