1974 Porsche 2.7R

[cool5]

This is a project that I started a few years back. I didn't start a build thread because the last one I started I wasn't able to complete due to building a new house/moving ect. So this is a post build thread. The idea for this build was to take a mid year 911 and try to duplicate what the factory might have done if they had actually built a mid year 911R. First the background story.







I tried to source good used parts that were available during this time frame say 1970-1973, for a 1974 model, with maybe some parts that were in development at the time, and for sure some reproduction parts to keep costs under control. The goal was to end up with a good solid driver quality build. The first pic is on display at this years Werks Reunion in Monterey.







When I drive this car I really enjoy the raw feel of driving, no music, no cup holders, no sound deadening material, just pure driving experience fun. I imagine that's what Porsche was thinking when they introduced the original speedster, a car for the serious driver.




















This car is by no means a horsepower beast, but it does pull nicely, and always puts a smile on my face.

Hope you enjoy the pics.

[ToySnakePMC]

Well.., this is a pleasant surprise. I hope you will update this thread with more details. I think your goal to build what could have been in '74 is spot on. This puts a nice spotlight on the mid-year models for sure. Beautiful car and well done - please share much more info. Patrick

[GeorgeK]

Very well done.

[MrBonus]

That's a fun hot rod build. It looks great! Any rough idea what kind of power the engine is putting out?

[cool5]

It hasn't been on a dyno, but the estimated h.p. is +-205, and the weight is around 2050 lbs.

[cool5]

Here are a couple of pics of when I first acquired the car in late 2017. The first is in a previous owners garage, the second is safe in my garage. It was a very solid car, with just a few small areas of rust. The worst part was someone had buried an air chisel in the left rear quarter panel, I'm assuming to install a 959 body kit.












And the air chisel carnage.

[MrBonus]

Originally Posted by cool5

It hasn't been on a dyno, but the estimated h.p. is +-205, and the weight is around 2050 lbs.

I was going to ask how you got your car so light but then I read your write-up and see you used Lexan and fiberglass wherever you could. It must move nicely.

[cool5]

Fortunately, when the guy buried the air chisel in the quarter panel he did not cut through the outer lip, which left the profile intact. A little bit of metal work, welding and just a skim coat of filler and all was good.














There were only a couple of other spots that needed some metal work.

[cool5]

Once I had most of the metal work completed I moved on to installing the fiberglass front fenders. When I removed the existing sheet metal fenders I found that someone had removed the interior fender supports. I broke out the laser to try to get some good reference points.












It was quite a bit of work to weld in new supports in the correct position.

[pmax]

That was one serious "959" spoiler wing tail.

Originally Posted by cool5

It hasn't been on a dyno, but the estimated h.p. is +-205, and the weight is around 2050 lbs.

Nice !
The fiberglass hood

[cool5]

I think the fiberglass hood I got from "pmax" was the only fiberglass part that fit without too much work, thanks, much appreciated.

[fanaudical]

Very nice!

[Otter74]

Great build. What color green is that?

[cool5]

The color is actually a stock Toyota color "Army Green" I was looking for something that would fit with the time frame, but would also be uncommon, something like if Porsche had made "Dark Leaf Green"

[cool5]

Anyone who has ever installed fiberglass body parts knows what a pain they are to get right, this was no different. The fenders were on and off so many times I lost count. The fiberglass added to the edge also needs to be bonded back into the fender a bit to avoid any cracking along the edge. It's definitely a process.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by cool5

I think the fiberglass hood I got from "pmax" was the only fiberglass part that fit without too much work, thanks, much appreciated.

You're very welcome, glad to see it put to such good use !

The gap measurements in your pic above are the corrections needed to get to "factory specs" ?

[cool5]

Those measurements on the fender were a reference for +- how much material/fiberglass to add to get the gap closer. Once they were close I used a thin wood shim with 80 grit sand paper on one side between the door and the fender to remove a little more material and get a consistent gap.

[cool5]

The fiberglass panels came from different sources, some new, some used, some fit better than others and some weren't even close. The rear deck-lid was not close, to say the least.












It also had a crown along the rear edge. I made a couple of relief cuts to straighten it, then more fiberglass to reinforce it.












And break out the laser to get things straight.












The rear valance was even worse, relief cuts, sections, more fiberglass, ect.
















I'm not sure how many hours it took to complete, but definitely more than anticipated.

[tk32]

Nice build, loving the dive into the pains of fiberglass fitting. That air chisel scar is impressive!

Any secrets in the engine bay, let's say leftover bits from 73RS production, to continue the story of the legend that never was ... RS P&C, S cams? Guessing if ~200hp then maybe just a little more sauce than a base 74 2.7 back there!

[cool5]

I wish there were some actual 73RS engine parts involved, but unfortunately not. There are a few somewhat minor upgrades to try and boost the fun factor though. I'll get to that in a bit.