83 911 SC engine options.

[Cazz]

Hello all. Newbie here
I just bought an 1983 911 SC with no engine. Trans still there along with engine wiring harness and other accessories.

What woud be the easiest plug and play engine option? A later 3.2 engine is alittle too expensive for my budget. Would any 1978-83 3.0 work or even an earlier 2.7 engine work as well?

[Flat6pac]

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Bruce

[jjeffries]

Others here will have more detailed knowledge than me, but I'd say best value would be an 81-83 SC motor with the CIS K-Jet injection your chassis is wired for.

Here are my biases, worth me stating: I have an 82 SC, with its original 3.0 I overhauled after broken head studs (** make sure you get educated on broekn head studs!). I rebuilt it stock, other than some more assertive cams, plus SSI headers/heat exchangers. It is a glorious engine! Totally adequate for me. I also think the CIS system is excellent and easy to maintain. Many SC's were sold 81-83, so the pool of available motors will be good, especially as folks upgrade to a bigger motor from a 964 or 993. I'm guessing - others may correct me - that a decent 3.0 with comfirmed health and sound/replaced head studs will run you $10-12K +/-.

Other folks may suggest - and should be listened to - less conformist solutions, such as a 3.0 with alternate forms of inductions (carbs to the left, and to the right, more modern electronic fuel injection). Each can have their appeal.

Re: a 2.7: less power and will also make the car harder to sell.

3.2: will require some wiring and fuel system changes; not insurmountable.

My two cents worth. Best of luck and please keep us posted.

Edit after reading more: Bruce aka Flat6Pac is a great guy to listen to.

John

[Bill Douglas]

A 1982 or '83 engine is a really nice engine, and would be correct for the car - not that it really matters. That engine with SSIs would be ideal.

[BobT]

One more vote for a 3.0, particularly an 82 or 83 as they incorporated an oxygen sensor, and your 83 chassis will be wired for it. The 3.0 is a sweet spot in 911 engine development. The 2.7 cases can have problems, and the 3.2 uses a computer control system, which would have its own challenges to set up. The term “bulletproof” is often associated with the 3.0 engine.