72t for a daily driver

[jhg41977]

I just bought a 72t and it needs a full restoration. I want to drive this car often, 5 days a week or better if the weather is good. The car has to be as reliable as possible. Since I do not have an engine or transmission that is correct to the car, what is the most reliable setup? I want enough power to be 'fun' but not unreasonable (is there such a thing?). What shoudl I look at for engine setups and which trans will be reliable? Thanks!

[Axeman]

First off, congrats on your purchase, just picked up a 72 Targa myself (with a 3.0L engine). I would say a 3.0L or 3.2 would be a nice, fun, and reliable setup. Of course if you have the funds, there's nothing wrong with going with a 3.6 transplant but it will be more work and money.
Keep us posted on what you decide and let us see pics of the car as well!

Good luck!

[gestalt1]

are you going to restore it and then use it as a daily driver or does it need a restoration but you are leaving it so it can be a daily driver?

[Gogar]

Did you get an engine/trans with the car? If so, what?

Anything is possible, as long as you've got the dough. you can get away with putting anything from the original 2.4 to a 3.6 in there with no problem. You'll probably want to use a 915 trans because it's easier and will handle the power of pretty much any engine you put in there. For reliability a 3.0 or 3.2 (as stated already) is a great engine, and your little tiny '72 will haul ass even with a 3.0.

If you've got an engine/tranny already and just rebuild it, you gotta remember you will spend more money rebuilding it than you probably paid for the car. If you have a mechanic rebuild it, even more. The engine/tranny rebuild for my 3.0 SC cost the previous owner $11,000 in 2001.


Oh, and better post some pics before someone yells at you.

[randywebb]

you need to see what the state/county/city will allow in terms of emissions.

A stock motor should not be a problem as any of the new ones will have lower emissions than the motor the car came with. You might have some red tape tho. Once you know that, you can decide what to do based on cost & hassle to put in. They are all quite reliable.

I put a 3.2L hotrodded motor with a type 911 trans. into my '73. That is not a good trans in stop & go traffic tho. You will want a 915 like he said above. There is a thread (with my name on it) about which 915 trans is the best. Plug terms randywebb + best + 915 into the lower RH side search box and you can read it.

Also here is some reading material:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/189572-long-term-commonly-neglected-maintenance-post2955054.html#post2955054

[klaucke]

A 915 transmission will be most reliable, and a later aluminum box is best for a 3.0 or 3.2 engine (the early 915's were mag). I'd vote for a 3.2 liter motor b/c of the more modern fuel injection, vs. the 3.0 w/ it's more archaic CIS injection. Either would work great, but I think the 3.2 is superior for a daily driver.

[mjshira]

I drive mine daily from time to time. I have a 1995 3.6. But I've had a 3.2 and I agree, it is a very reliable engine. I'd agree with the above statment. good luck

[ScottKelly911]

welcome to the original 4 door Porsche Club. What everyone else has said is right on target. Enjoy the car.

[jim49ers]

just my 2c but if you can find a 2.4 with mfi.... welcome to the 4dr club...