Best engine

[Larry David]

I've been looking for a porshce as a new toy but wanted everyone's opinion of which is the best motor produced. I like the older 911's 69-73 but would rather buy a year that had the best motor. So of the 2.2, 2.7, 3.0 which one was the most dependable.

Thanks,

[Bill Verburg]

993RS, why not put one in an older chassis?

[jluetjen]

Whichever one that you can afford. If you're interested in a 69-73, you're talking only about 2.0 - 2.4 plus the 2.7RS.

For the most part they are all "Pre-emissions" and are all similarly easy to work on. Furthermore, it was many of the emissions modifications (such as thermal reactors) which caused problems with the later 2.7's that were ultimately fixed with the bigger and heavier 3.0's. Lot of the SCWDP guys will tell you that the 3.0's ar the most dependable, but they are also no where near as sporty as an earlier E or S. Basically Porsche made up for the milder tune with more capacity.

[jwmc1]

C3

[Larry David]

Thanks, I was looking for something that is easy to work on but I did want to be able to drive it once and while. Had one of those sports cars that constantly needed tinkering with and eventually sold it for that reason. Right now I'm have an interest in a 78 with a 3.0 but was concerned with the extra emissions and didn't know about reliability.

Thanks,

[austin552]

IMHO the 3.0 or 3.2 would be a good choice for me as well.
Up front cost cheaper than the 3.6 or 3.8
More or same power stock than the modified 2.7
Modified more or same power than the stock 3.6
Turbo is also an option.

[chuckw951]

Well you could always find someone selling an early 911 with a 3 liter already installed...

[86 911]

I have a 3.0 engine in my car (40,000 miles on rebuild), and it is a great engine. No engine trouble yet, other than replacing seals / spark plug wires from age.
Here is an excellent link on the 911:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_guthrie_faq.htm

[JBO]

Without question go with a 912 "power" plant.

[rexav8r]

Personally, I love the chrome trim look of the 1970's cars, and the 2.2 E that I've got is a GREAT motor. Plus they still have the pop-out rear vent windows. 'E' cam design makes it a great auto-x car. Literally, nearly bullit proff, just don't run it out of oil and keep a good fan belt on it. One thing to think of though is that 2.2 piston and cylinder sets are getting a bit more difficult to find. Plenty of 2.0 and 3.0 and up.

If you get one with the '70 style door pockets, make sure those are in good condition too or you'll spend $1,200 (for all 4) to buy some new ones or just switch to a plain door panel...

It's always the seemingly little things isn't it......

[rexav8r]

Sorry, I should have said too that if you find a lower milege 2.2 or a fresh rebuild, it'll run forever and you shouldn't even need new pistons and cylinders for a long time.

My car shows 166K miles on the clock with a rebuild about 15K miles ago. I'm positive you can talk to many guys here that have similar stories with even much greater mileage here!

[mede8er]

993.....hands down....

[Rouxzy]

The ultimate engine is to put a 3.6 in an early to mid year car. She does get up and go very very quickly.
Tom