'95 3.6 into a '76 not the typical questions!

Porsche912e3.6 · 11-17-2005, 05:43 PM

i've kept up with this board for years and finally registered as i will soon be acquiring my first porsche! (finally!)

quick background:
years ago a family member bought a GREAT running 76 (i'm talking almost flawless, mint!) with the intentions of converting it into a chevy water-pumper (i didnt say he was bright!) when the motor started going bad he pulled it and started the conversion then interest ran dry...now he's saying he may GIVE it to me...he knows my passion for porsche runs deep!

the question:
its complete. its all there except the motor. everything was top notch on it before the motor started having minor problems (and i mean MINOR...it more like hiccup'd but this guy was just WAITING for ANYTHING to go wrong to start the project) luckily i have alot more sense and i want to drop in a 95 993. i've found a 95 3.6 complete for what i think is a great price for what i'm getting. the basic question surrounds the details of getting it in....or maybe even your thoughts or advice for things to watch out for/common mistakes as it gets done...

now...the catch!
its a 76. a '76 porsche 912e!! smaller type IV 2.0 4 cyl. 923 tranny (915-esque but with a 901 style clutch and intermediate shaft-tiny!) and the brakes..um, lets just call them brakes for now...

now what do you guys think? yes ive done alot of searches here at PP that didnt answer what i was hoping for. it will be done! and i even read all the jokes! 912e's make a great boat anchor--got it! lol

does anyone have a link of the 912E that got a 3.6 and full 964 body conversion? i had it but now i can't find mine! can anyone give me a rough estimate of what complete motors are going for now-a-days? as far as tranny, i'm sure the 923 tranny wont survive long, think the later 915 tranny's will handle it sufficiently? or do i NEED to go g50? all the short comings of the 912e will slowly be upated i just want to get the thing on the road! at this point the body is thrashed (flares, body work etc) so keepng it original would be pointless. its going to be primered for a while (but drivable!)

i know what to expect, out of pocket in the end. im expecting for the costs to range anywhere from 12k (lucky!) to 22k (possibly) i want to do this right, and i'm willing to spend the money, but i wouldn't call it 'no compromise' or 'no expenses spared' i WOULD like to compromise and save where and when i can!! anyway throw prices at me (complete engine prices, typical conversion costs ranges youve experienced) just so i can compare them to what i have.

i do know i'll need an external oil tank and oil cooler. do you guys think my best bet will be aftermarket? or should i source factory one and stick it in? experiences (pros and cons of each?) what about the fuel tank and fuel pump? do those need to be upgraded? from what i know they were new.

the goal:
it has to pass smog in ca! it will be driven often, but not really hard. the 912 brake/suspensions are so bad i dont see tracking for years down the road IF AT ALL. so it doesnt need to be high dollar all around. (im thinking g/50 isn't a necessity in my case) A/C isn't expected, but would be nice...is it that much more $$$ to do it vs. not at all or even later? the 76 has no a/c at the moment (no controls or dash vents) and i think i can live without it since i have a daily driver.

all the help is GREATLY appreciated! oh...and go ahead, smart-@55 comments are welcome!

cali74 · 11-17-2005, 06:44 PM

the 95 3.6 motor i just got was ~15k with 993 HE to give me heat, and with the muffler should be able to pass in cali with a referee (going off what I've read around here, mine is 74 - no smog :-) ). The 15K includes the motor (less than 10K miles), the full conversion kit from timmins with flywheel/dme/cytex/carbon heat tube/bla bla...Also a B&B front oil cooler and full installation kit with stainless lines...and shipping which was expensive. Overall the package is great cause the sheetmetal is changed, single pulley conversion is done, etc. Basically just need to plug in the motor/oil/dme, and go. You could save some money doing it piecewise - but it's a tradeoff between your time and the money spent. In this case I have so much work to do on the car it was worth it to get the complete setup for the motor.

Other costs include the stuff you mention - brakes, suspension, tires, etc. Some have mentioned not changing that stuff and running the 3.6 carefully, but then they didn't have a 912 :-p

When have resigned yourself to getting the motor - email Timmins and tell him your criteria. He will respond with recommendations, and prices on the motors he has. For me all it took was a phone call to ask any lingering questions and little details. Then you send the money and you get a sweet motor - as easy as that!

CBRacerX · CBRacerX's Garage

Certainly speak with Steve Timmins to source everything in one place. You will need:
A 915 Transmission, with a limited slip
Carrara Brakes at a minimum
Engine Install Items (Steve calls this "the kit") -Flywheel, wiring harness, etc
Sachs "power kit" Clutch and pressure plate
911 oil tank
Aftermarket oil lines and oil cooler (see BAT or Pelican for this)
Exhaust option seems limited to the use of the factory cat with some resonator tips if you want zero issues with smog - but this is loud

Good luck and enjoy!

Chris

'87 with 3.6 shoehorned in

drums · 11-17-2005, 07:30 PM

You MUST have ALL of the original smog parts that come on this engine. One thing I know you don't have is a 'check engine' light on the dash-that is the first thing the smog guy saw on my early '89.
The brains and EVERYTHING must be there for an OBD-1 engine. They WILL check.
Ask me how I know.......
Check with the 'Bureau of Automotive Repair'. www.smogcheck.ca.gov
Wish I would have gone there first.....I was so sure it was going to pass.
Drums

2.7RACER · 11-17-2005, 08:16 PM

Porsche912e3.6,
Your "free" Porsche could be a trojan horse. I don't like throwing a wet blanket on your project, BUT the cost to upgrade a 912 to a 3.6 is going to cost way more than the results justify.
To do a '76 911S runs $12 to $15K. That's before all torsion bars, brakes, transmission work and whatever else is hiding in the bushes is done. Your probably looking at $20,000 to get it done.
Take the $20K and find a nice, real nice '88/'89 Carrera and enjoy right away.
I'm sure those that have done a 3.6 conversion to a 911 will agree. A 912 presents some unique problems.