912 to 911 Conversion opinions

[JohnJL]

Thanks to those who have discussed before. I'm looking for some more feedback on the use of a 912 as a starting point.

My goal for this is a 50/50 track/backroads toy. I am expecting this to take a good deal of time and effort, but after all, this is a hobby.

The cost of fix-er-uppers here in Oz is outrageous. The minimum price I've seen for a 911 non-rust 68-72 base car is around $15K US.

I recently came across a LHD (my preference) 1968 912. The price is significantly less and sice I'd rip most of the 911 original components out for r&r, it is tempting to use that savings on those upgrades.

I am in the middle of completing a 3.0 build which I'd transplant, so the engine is taken care of. I would plan on also rebuilding a transmission under any circumstances, so this isn't a decision factor.

I would also expect to upgrade suspension (coilovers), steering, wheels, seats, etc.

I would fit a rollbar in any circumstance.

I guess my primary questions are:
1. Is the 1968 912 body stiff, jsut good enough to start from, assuming rollbar and strut/roll bracing will be done?
2. What else am I not thinking of?

thanks all

[K. Roman]

I've got a '65 912 with a 3.0L. I'm rebuilding right now, adding Webers, sport grind on the cams, and a fresh pair of SSI's. I have a custom mounting bar in the rear for the engine and am also rebuilding the tranny, maybe to shorter gearing. I have SC brakes, and am going to rebuild those also, and am going to do a R replica to a certain extent. It will also have RS carpet and Nurburgring seats. I may even get a new wiring harness to keep out the gremlins.

Keep us informed on the build, it sounds fun!

[DaveE]

The basic 912 shell is the same as the basic 911 shell, other than motor mount location. It will have the same stiffness as the 911 shell. You should be able to have 911 rear motor mounts welded in with no trouble.

[Johnny B]

I am using a 1965 RHD chassis converting it to a 74 911 RSR replica with a 3.6 and 50mm PMO's, big reds all round, 915 gearbox, racers group suspension, Bilstein coilovers.

See my posting under RSR replica updates for photos and further info.

I am no expert but hope this helps.

[acapella8]

Can anyone post a picture of what "Nurburgring" seats look like?

Thanks...

[K. Roman]

[JohnJL]

Great guys, thanks. I'll keep you posted, will arrange to go look at it soon...