getting the most bang for the buck performance out of a 73.5 911T

VR6 · 10:21 PM

First some BG information about me.

My dad owns a 73.5 911T which he never drives. I drive it every now and then though because it is just to damn fun to drive and someone has to drive it, plus it just seems to call my name. I guess I have some mental attachment to it because he has had it ever since I was a baby and I learned how to drive manual with it. I talked to him about taking it over and he was pretty gung ho about it. My plan would be to sell my current car (VW GTI) and spend about 80% or so on the 911, which would be about 5-6, maybe $7k

Right now im just trying to figure out how to get the most "bang for the buck" performance out of it. I am REALLY new to the world of porsche btw

1) How much reliable performance can you get out of a 73.5 without an engine swap? The engine right now is the 2.4 with fuel injection instead of carbs (that makes it a 73.5 from what ive read)

2) What kind options do I have for an engine swap and how much do they run? Again money would be tight so anything totally crazy would be out of the picture. Also, would it be possible to use the stock tranny? Or would that have to go?

3) What about suspension work? I like the ride quality, its really nice and stiff but it stands like a monster truck. How do I go about lowering this atleast an inch? hopefully 2+. Does it use springs and shocks? Or is it a leaf setup?

any other type of information would be great

thanks all...

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

First, buy a few books...101 Projects to start with. Your T is a 73.5 if it has CIS as opposed to MFI (for US cars). Your mods for cheap are rather limited, and an engine swap isn't inexpensive either.

If money is tight, I think you're better off putting the car right (odds are there are some things that need attention). Then work on the handling.

roGERK · 07-15-2003, 01:39 AM

Sound advice from nostatic!

Why not spend the money bringing the car up to really nice condition? For example, I'll bet the seats are sagging, the dampers (shocks) may well need renewing, and the valves (or valve guides) are worn. There are also likely to be several oil-leaks that can be dealt with.

Perhaps step one is to find a shop in your area with a dynamometer and find out just how much power is coming from your engine. Your car should delivering 140 BHP at the flywheel, somewhat less at the wheels.

Regarding the transmission, yes it can take a big increase in power as its the same for all 911 models of that year - including the 911 Carrera which had over 200 BHP. But your trans is likely to be worn, and again, it makes a big difference renewing the bushes and various linkages from the gear lever to the transmission.

The T isn't the fastest thing on the road, but most people are surprised how lively a nice T is - so many are worn and tired that they are developing much less power than designed.

Anyway, whatever you do, welcome to the wacky world of Porsche addiction, and congrats on taking an interest in a rather wonderful car.

- roGER

Halm · 07-15-2003, 03:53 AM

One other point to consider: Rust. Have someone check it carefully for you. Make sure it is worth the time and money for any upgrade and improvements first. Depending on where you are located, I bet somebody on this list would take an initial look for you.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

If you're not very used to the car, I'd suggest you get it and drive it for 90 days before doing any mods. Needed repairs are fine, but there's no sense in throwing big bucks into a car you may decide you don't want to keep. Just because it's already in your family does not mean it's the best deal out there. You may be able to get a nicer car for less money. But if you want this one, get to know it before you pour money into it. Get Wayne's book as soon as you get the car.

Don Wohlfarth · 07-15-2003, 06:13 AM

Welcome to the wacky world of 911's.
First step is a little dose of reality. Your 911 is 30 years old. Is it really fair to compare it to a late model anything?
That doesn't mean that it's slow or poor handling IF it's in decent shape.
It will never be a rocket ship without massive quanities of $$$.
Even without 300hp it can be a fun car and put a smile on your face every time you drive it.
It may also be a challenge to try and make a 30 year old car, any car, into a reliable daily driver.

724doorE · 07-15-2003, 06:18 AM

I drive mine every day to and from work, but I have been know to spend some cubic dollars on it in the past

power · 07-15-2003, 06:46 AM

My 72 T with minor mods always puts a smile on my face during first light morning coffee runs up the local mountain road. I wouldn't want to go over 135 MPH. But then again there aren't that many straights...

07-15-2003, 09:07 AM

Isn't 2,5 liter cylinder & piston kits a common upgrade on older 911s? Off course a costly one, but in case it needs a rebuild anyway the extra cost will be resonable.

Tim Walsh · Tim Walsh's Garage

I wonder if he can upgrade to 2.7 CIS pistons? But with the nice case (small spigot 7R case) I'd want to save the original engine and build up another case

VR6 · 07-15-2003, 01:53 PM

Thanks for all the advice all. The more I think about it the more I think its incredibly unwise for me to sell my daily driver though. Once im out of college though I think I will!

the only thing I can tell thats wrong with it is the tranny does need a little work. I think the synchro(s) a problem because sometimes it will grind just a little bit when I put it in gear and I hear a slight ratting when im just staring in gear sometimes. It only happens (or I can only hear it) at a low RPM. The paint is original and hella bad but I honestly dont really care about that. I think it adds charm.

the suspension is real nice. Im not sure what a blown shock would feel like in a car with this type of suspension, but its very stiff with very very little bounce.

The interior needs a little bit of work, some dash panels are sagging but the seats were reclothed about 5 years ago, and look knew. Although I liked the old ones better cause they were more "bucket like" and torn up, they just added charactor

There is some rust in spots on the body itself though. If I ever did feel like "taking it over" I would take it to someone first and have it looked at.

but just out of curiosity, what kind of relativly painless engine swaps are available? That recquire the least amount of fabrication...

Bill Douglas · 07-15-2003, 01:58 PM

I love those 73Ts, I'd just enjoy it as it is and enjoy all of those quirks such as awkward gear shifts and think of them as just the cars character. Do lots of regular maintenance and then in the future (when out of college) buy a perfomance 911 (if you really want one) and keep the T as it is.

VR6 · 07-17-2003, 01:37 AM

bumpy bump

VincentVega · 07-17-2003, 04:53 AM

You asked about engine swaps requiring little fabrication. Well, just about any 911 engine (air cooled that is) will fit in your car. Transmissions usually bolt up, with a different or custom flywheel/clutch assembly. Fuel lines and so on are pretty straight forward to update, but you may need a different fuel pump. Electrics can be a pain, although depending on if you go with carbs or not that changes things. Best thing is to set a budget and then double it. It seems most 3.6 conversions can be done for 12-15k, cheaper if you do it GRM style. Problem with a conversion is unless you rebuild the engine first you could spend 4-6k on a used engine to find it's tired once you get it fired up. If you are looking for more performance the best advice is to start with a car with more performance, if your on a budget. You could buy my SC with ~190hp.

Good luck and have fun!