new to 912's but not 911's...advise pls

[joelkaplan]

Hi there.......

I had a nice 70t a few yrs back........I was wondering what to look for when buying a 69 912....its a well maintained Webered car..........besides all the 911 foibles......are there 912 specific issues?......and how can I get a good handle on values?....I hope to be a regular here soon!...........tia.

[tonythetarga]

Hi Joel,
some good info on 912's here.
http://www.912registry.org/home.htm

[dlagerstrom]

Also check out the BBS where the 912 daily drivers hang out and discuss issues. A ton of info.

www.912bbs.org

The '69 has the long wheelbase so you have more upgrade options on the suspension. Also you avoid the '68 smog stuff that killed so many engines. The engines are pretty solid and that is the only difference between this and your old 911.

Best of luck.

[Mo_Gearhead]

QUOTE: "...and that is the only difference between this and your old 911. "
___________

...along with the two missing cylinders.

[joelkaplan]

Originally Posted by dlagerstrom

Also check out the BBS where the 912 daily drivers hang out and discuss issues. A ton of info.

www.912bbs.org

The '69 has the long wheelbase so you have more upgrade options on the suspension. Also you avoid the '68 smog stuff that killed so many engines. The engines are pretty solid and that is the only difference between this and your old 911.

Best of luck.

Good info....


so Im assuming no tensioner issues....anything else?......

[dlagerstrom]

...along with the two missing cylinders.

Yeah, that's what I said. The engine is different.

[dlagerstrom]

so Im assuming no tensioner issues....anything else?......

Not with the engine. That was basically the last year (except for some industrial versions) for that engine that started with the first 356 (uhh, Beetle really).

The worst part is that you can't find standard size main bearings anymore for the 616 engines.

The enemy of the engine is heat. Lots of stories about stuff caught up in the fan and clogging the oil cooler. Overheating.

The oil coolers were a weak spot on earlier cars, but fixed in '68 (no more cracked cases)

I really think the '69 is pretty bullet-proof. I guess you just want to pull the engine serial number to make sure the engine is a '69.

[arerrac]

Excellence has the marked update for 912's this month.

[joelkaplan]

Originally Posted by arerrac

Excellence has the marked update for 912's this month.

oh good.....Il get it tonite.

[ossiblue]

Joel,

As you can see in my signature, I have some familiarity with 69 912's, and they are great cars. You are aware of the chassis pitfalls, and the only real difference is the engine. Biggest problems you may face will be in rebuilds--not that they can't be done, but the cost. A complete quality 912 rebuild from a true 912 expert can run you close to that of a 911 engine, especially when with a 911, a used motor transplant can be an economic benefit--something that isn't available with the 912. If looking, get the best documented engine you can find, all else being equal. Monitor the 912 registry--great guys--and ask questions there, too. There are several aftermarket upgrades such as full flow oil filters and coolers that have been made specific to the 912 market that help the heat issue. Be prepared for many more valve adjustments (though much easier than on a 911) and more engine noise at a consistent 4K rpm on the highway. Oh yeah, on a 69, get yourself a wiring diagram from the guy that sells them (check on the 912 bbs.) as the wiring of a 69 912 is unique and a combination of different cars.

[unimog406]

I'll have a 66 911 up for sale soon if you're interested pm me