Valid reasons why I should not plug in a Chevy small block

[CMDR Perry]

I have an old German car (79 911SC) that is fun to drive and shift's hard like Dad's 49 Ford pick-up truck. I have also noticed that members of this forum like to knock SC's down in terms of market value when they are up for sale?

In my opinion my 911SC is underpowered, has a noisy valve train, leaks oil like a British motorbike and it costs a fortune to rebuild the engine.

Are there valid reasons why I should not install a 350 Chevy V8 next year? And please don't say it will reduce the value.

[ZAMIRZ]

Why don't you do a search on this subject, it will give you all the answers you're looking for.

[island911]

Well V8 will definitely fix the shift problems . . and the leaks too.

And, while V8's with short exhaust are soooo much quieter, everyone will want to steal your expensive car.

[kaisen]

The 915 transmission won't last long with the increased torque. You have to cut up your trunk area to install a radiator.

That said, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Make sure you do the all-aluminum 'LS' series V8.

[island911]

Seriously, if you can't manage to fix the shifting problems and leaks of a 911SC, your chances of pulling off a V8 swap are nil.

[CMDR Perry]

Thanks to everyone so far for their comments. Sometimes I just like to stir the pot and see what rises.

[kaisen]

'Managing' to fix a worn 915 trans (bad sychros?) is a function of $$$, not necc skill. Even some leaks require a serious investment ('79 SC = broken head studs?). Faced with those kinds of decisions, I see how some would rather consider alternatives.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by CMDR Perry
Thanks to everyone so far for their comments. Sometimes I just like to stir the pot and see what rises.

Well, you're a better pot stirrer than conceptionalist.

[Chocaholic]

A small block V8 in the back of an SC would be a blast. All your points are valid. People here are buying and selling SC's for less than a decent engine rebuild would cost to keep it stock.

I say.....go for it!

[CMDR Perry]

Thanks to all for their input, sometimes I just likes to stir the pot and see what rises.

[island911]

Originally posted by kaisen
'Managing' to fix a worn 915 trans (bad sychros?) is a function of $$$, not necc skill....

So you're saying that a aluminum block V8 swap wouldn't require $$$ ?

Whether the resources be financial, knowledge, or skill . .. if one can't manage to fix leaks and synchros they sure the hell are not going to be able to manage the v8 swap.

[CMDR Perry]

Hey here's new concept; current 911'S now have 20% more displacement, are liquid cooled and use hydraulic valve adjustment. Also why is domestic based torque (within reason) more harmful to a 915 than a built up 3.6 liter?

[Paul K]

I remember a cool website with lots of info regarding the swap. But I can't find it. Here's another one though...http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/06/porsche-911-with-chevy-v8-transplant.html

Edit: And another...http://www.porchev.com/911.html

[sammyg2]

I had a porsche 914 with a 350 chevy.
It ran great, handled great, and was reliable and fast.
I couldn't wait to sell it.
It didn't have the heart of a Porsche, it felt like a toy.
I would rather have a 2 liter 110 hp 911T engine than a V8 in a porsche.

Some folks love em, most hate em.

[rouxroux]

If you're just doing it for fun, drop in a Corvair engine!

[KS120196]

If Stuttgart/Zuffenhausen/Weissach engineering isn't enough for you, you're better off without the car.

Modifying a Porsche is almost obscene.

Like Island said, if you can't handle the repairs ...

Frank

[Jim Richards]

Originally posted by CMDR Perry
Are there valid reasons why I should not install a 350 Chevy V8 next year? And please don't say it will reduce the value.

Admit it, you hate money, and that's why you should keep it as is.

It's your car, if a SBC motor will make you happy, do it. They sound great, they are relatively inexpensive, and they are torque monsters. It'll be a fun project.

[Dixie]

Why not just sell it, and buy something else?

That would be a lot easier than trying to put a water cooled motor in a car designed to be air cooled. Plus, you'd come out way better financially.

[CMDR Perry]

Jim, your response is the best yet but it will take me some time to figure out the hating money angle.

[dorschman]

How about because you don't drive a Chevy?