What is the best motor to put in a 71

[Imageben]

I am going to change the motor in my 71 911T. What should i go with. Or should I just rebuilt my 2.2 into something bigger?

[rs911t]

How about this?

http://www.pca.org/mart/classifieds.pl?db=parts&website=&language=&session_key=3ed54dc707eca9b5&search_and_display_db_button=on&results_format=long&db_id=2833&query=retrieval

[ischmitz]

It's a loaded question but I'll bite:

3.6

[Imageben]

I want to put a bigger engine in this car, but I don't want to go to nuts. I am going to be doing this myself. Cost is a factor, but only to a degree because I have to Rebuild the one in the car anyway. So I figure why not go for more power.

[TyFenn]

3.0 is pretty nice.

Where in Boston are you (I have a place in the N. end)?

in NH for the summer...

[marcesq]

I think it would be helpful, and without being nosey, if you could give us a range of the budget.

With that information, I'm sure you will get some good impute.

[Imageben]

I just left Boston two weeks ago. I have relocated to Houston, TX. I still have a house for sell in Maynard if you are interested.

[Imageben]

I don't really have a budget in mind I would have to say about $2000. Its either new engine or rebuild the old one.

[rs911t]

Ouch! There goes the 2.8 RSR idea. Oh well ...

Check out Wayne's rebuild wizard. Don't think two grand covers parts.

[304065]

What do you plan to do with this car?

That really determines what motor to put in it, or what to budget for.

If racing is the ultimate goal, then the choice is even more constrained by the rules. For example, if you put a larger motor from a later car in, that's great for added power for the street, but will put you in a "Super Class" where EVERY other possible modification has been done, including hood, fenders, quarter panels and roof made of carbon fiber. Likewise, an updated motor will bump you into a higher autocross class in most places.

The archives have tons of information on putting later motors into earlier cars, this is generally the most cost-effective way to get both horsepower and torque in a factory-proven package. Popular upgrades are the 3.2 and 3.6, but these require corresponding upgrades to suspension, brakes, aerodynamics and safety gear to be properly used.

Why not keep the 2.2T motor? I got my butt kicked by a guy in a stock class 2.4T on the racetrack by a couple seconds a lap which is an eternity in racing time. There is plenty of fun to be had learning to manage the energy of a lightweight early car.

But if you are set on the idea, I would recommend Bruce Anderson's book, http://www.911handbook.com/, or Wayne's excellent new book, available on this web site, as starting points. These lay out well-tested performance mods, many of which were used by the factory in the early years, e.g. going from 2.2 to 2.4 and from T to E or S cams. Wayne's book also has an excellent schedule of prices for machine work and components, so you can know what to expect.

Good luck!

[stlrj]

You might be able to squeeze a 3.0 in with that budget.

[jmz]

What are your intentions for this car? It is probably not your daily driver? If it it that won't last here in Houston. Why do you think you have to rebuild the current engine? How handy are you? Does your 2.2 have webers perchance?

If you are limited to that budget I would try to find a 2.4 that someone is removing to put in a larger displacement engine ...you might be able to find a 3.0 but that will be tight. If you already have a set of webers that might help out the costs. One you can sell the webers for some pretty good cash if they are in decent shape or it makes the transplant to a bigger displacement engine easier ...throw on a pair of webers to anything and it will run.

What kind of shape is the car in anyway? if it is a really nice car with no rust, I would consider saving a few more pennies and putting in a 3.0 or a 3.2. A 3.2 with carbs is a very powerful engine.

Good Luck and Welcome to Houston

[Todd Simpson]

I doubt you'll get a 3.0 and all the associated swap parts for a '71T together for anything near $2K. I sold my tired but complete 2.2T engine for $1500 a few months ago.

Keep an eye on a bunch of different classifieds sites and wait for someone else to upgrade. Get a leakdown test and have them check the studs as well.

[jim72911t]

I don't really have a budget in mind I would have to say about $2000

I don't want to burst your bubble, but you can't do much to a Porsche motor with $2K. You might be able to rebuild your stock T motor for around that IF: your P/C's are still good (doubtful), you don't need to do any machining to the case (doubtful if not impossible), your heads are still okay and you don't need to replace valves (unlikely, your exhaust valves are probably shot, and you NEED new guides), you plan on doing all the labor yourself (the specialty tools alone will cost you at least $6-700), and you don't want to do any performance mods (cams, P/C's, exhaust, etc.).

Trust me, I know. My 2.4T motor is being rebuilt to 2.4E specs as we speak (doing the labor myself) and I'm looking at (or have already spent) $1000 on machine work, $1300 for JE pistons, $275 for E cams, and $1000 for misc. parts such as gaskets and bearings. My heads were done for about $1200 (all new exhaust valves, valve guides, seats, etc.), and I think I got a hell of a deal. I have also bought all of the specialty tools necessary, but I wont include that 'cause I'm a bit of a tool junkie.

Now I've got to decide whether to have the MFI rebuilt/recalibrated or pop some Webers on there. ($1000-2000 minimum). Fortunately, my heat exchangers and muffler are in good shape.

See where I'm going with this? I would suggest you buy Wayne's rebuild book and his 101 projects book, Bruce Anderson's book, and surf this board plus any others you may find.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but rather to make you aware of the expenses and problems you may run into.

Jim
1972 911T

BTW, there is a 2.2T engine for sale here:Nice used Porsche 911 engine - $1500

Shivalay 350.

[k9handler]

I agree....$2k will not go far at all! You might consider just holding out until you have the funds in place or start looking for bargain prices on the few parts you can collect now and then get the remaining parts as time/money allow. Then once you have all the parts needed you will be able to build the engine you like and no cut corners to worry about.

[jrdavid68]

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
Shivalay 350.

I was wondering when someone would recommend a V8.

[stlrj]

The kit alone to swap a V8 would run you $2000.

Joe

[keitho64]

I have a 2.2T, S pistons, S cams and T heads ported to S specs. I love the performance, while not a torque monster, it will rev to 7,200 and makes wonderful sounds. Also, I am running weber's. This is in a 69T chassis with a RS30 body. I am going to take it to the dragstrip for test and tune to work on the jetting. After I do that, I can post my results. I am expecting the car to run a 1/4 mile in the 14.0-14.5 range. As we all know, the 911 is not a 1/4 mile car but this is the best way I know to fine tune it without getting in trouble.

[JeremyD]

Sell your 2.2 for $1500 on ebay, PCA or similiar. Look for a 3.0 that someone is trading out for $3500.00. You may get a little higher miled 3.0 but one that is well cared for will last for a long time. So, anybody itching to put a 3.6 in their SC and want to sell their 3.0 for $3400? I get $100 for putting them together!

Here's a PCA ad: no connection: Text of Online Ad

1980 911 3.0 L SC Engine complete with electronics and exhaust. Compression 175 around, leak down 8 %, no oil leaks, $4,000 US (613 837-2333)