I want to rebuild a 2.7
 

I would like to take on a fun project. I am interested in buying a 2.7 motor core and rebuilding it. I am mechanically inclined but have zero experience with this type of work. Is there anyone in the New Hope, PA area who really knows what they are doing who would like to be my mentor? I think this would be a fun project to pursue on weekends.

You might be able to pick up a core 2.7L motor pretty affordably, but the required extra machining costs will more than make up the difference in initial cost compared to a 3.0L or 3.2L I think. The 2.7L mag. cases, once opened up, 'relax' and thus require extra care at the machine shop to make sure everything is square when it gets put back together so the crank doesn't bind during rotation etc... - so I've read about 100 times here!

If you don't have a period specific car that needs a correct 2.7L and are just building an engine for fun, maybe a 3.0L would be a better choice?

That said.... I'm steading my wallet, patience and nerve as I am preparing to embark on a 2.7L rebuild myself (for a '75 911)... Just starting disassembly now...

Tom

First off, buy Wayne Dempsey's book on rebuilding 911 engines - he uses a 2.7 as his example and goes through the entire process step by step. For the needed machining, I'd recommend one of the known shops (Ollie's, Supertec, etc.) as they'll know how to do things correctly.

You're best bet to find someone local to you would be post something on the RTR Chapter website, Riesentöter Region: Porsche Club of America - Home and then go to the forum. Although, doing your rebuild by yourself using the Bentley manual, Wayne's engine rebuild book and this forum can be done. That's exactly how I did mine and I had a complete ball with it. It was such an educational experience and a complete success.

First thing (and cheapest) thing to get would be Wayne's engine rebuild book and go though it. That will help you make some preliminary decisions and give you an idea of what you are in store for.

Then if you decide to continue down the slope (be prepared because it will become almost a complete vertical slide) start putting together your tools list (again a money burn). The two most obvious are a yoke, flywheel lock and an engine stand. Some guys will get lucky and find a used yoke in the classified section but you have to be ready to click "I'll take it!!" as soon as it shows up because they seem to sell on their own faster than the seller puts them up and the price is for almost what a brand new one sells for from Pelican. I bought new and could probably sell mine right away but I want to keep it because one of these days I will come across an older Carrera or SC that I won't care as much about as my '89 and turn it into a track car. You will also need a cam holder and a fan belt wrench (those can many times be found in your car's tool kit in the trunk).

I would not recommend you buying any parts until and only until after you have your motor apart and you can assess the overall condition of each component and know whether or not those items are reusable. Nothing would suck more than you to spend $2500 in exhaust, another $500-$800 in cams, $4000 in converting to ITBs or whatever upgrades you wanted to complete, only to find out that there is a hairline crack in the case or there is damage to the balance shaft carriers. I think you catch my point.

When I went thought this, because I didn't have someone to walk me through it, I was really intimidated but took the leap of faith. Knowing now what I know, I would completely encourage you to embark on this awesome journey. Believe me, all you will have to do is start a rebuild thread and keep updating it whenever you work on your engine. Put lots & lots of pics up and show not only your successes along the way but your failures. The forum members will just naturally help you the entire step of the way.

Best of luck to you and Merry Christmas!

Local forum member.......
 

Irhmsd,

I am local but not exactly from New Hope. There is an active forum member I know from New Hope and had met him twice just to get acquainted. With regards to engine rebuilding tools, I could lend you everything you need except a machine shop (just kidding). Is there any particular reason why you have to start an engine rebuilding experience using a magnesium engine case? The 3.0 SC aluminum engine is quite easy to rebuild compared to magnesium cases. Just a thought. PM me for details.

Tony