Daddy needs a new engine

I just finished teaching a communication class at a local university. They joked that they wanted an essay question so I gave them one.

"In 20 words or less, how would you convince your spouse that you should be allowed to purchase a $15,000 Porsche racing engine?"

I've been busy all day so it will be Sunday or Monday before I get to their attempts at marrital diplomocy.

Do you have a seperate checking account. I think everything would be fine, if you could just low ball the engine price. $15,000 to a wife is a couple new rooms of furniture or a kitchen or bathroom remodel. I am not saying to lie, just be selective in your terms. ( I have spent close to that much, but in increments, much less obvious.)

Rich,

Is this a hypothetical question (just for grins,) or did you find that article on page 133 of the June '99 Excellence?

Bob Norwood in Dallas built an 'ultimate' 314 hp 3.2 with a 9000 rpm redline for a club racer, BUT, no price tag was mentioned or even hinted at, and I suspect that the parts bill alone may exceed $15K by a wide margin! Motec engine management systems, slide-valve throttle bodies, Titanium valves and retainers, ceramic-coated engine parts, carbon-fiber fan assembly, and custom-made stainless headers tend to run the bill up through the stratosphere! And, Bob Norwood isn't known for his economy-oriented projects, anyway ... my SWAG (Scientific, Wild-Ass Guess) would be more like $30K.

But, if your question is real, and $15K is in your budget, I would suggest getting a copy of the above article, and have a nice discussion with your wife, wherein you show her the article, saying that your 'dream' engine is a bit out of the question, so you need to make-do with a salvage 964 engine, rebuilt with GE-60 or GE-80 cams, Titanium valves and retainers, Weber 46 IDA carbs, dual-plug heads and Electromotive ignition system, SSI's and a set of megaphones with proper diffusers, or a polished stainless sport muffler with dual 4" outlets! A rebuilt, 'airport-geared' 915 transaxle with ZF limited-slip should be a part of your plans, in my opinion! You can, of course, mention that $15K gets a new, basic Dodge Neon SCCA showroom-stock racer, or a decent used car, or tow-truck, but that you would prefer to put a little 'fun' into your SC, and I would suggest no subterfuge or deception of any kind ... just an honest discussion of your 'hopeful' plans! If you are not already taking your wife to PCA events and activities, you REALLY should try to get her interested ... I have seen many wives get involved in sports car club activities and enjoy themselves thoroughly!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Just let her know that you want to "save" $45,000 by putting this motor in your car instead of buying a new Porsche.
Bobby