If it's not the original engine.....
 

When I bought my 68T it had a 2.2 engine in it, so obviously the original engine is long gone. So, if I don't have the numbers matching engine, does it matter what I have in it. IE is putting in a 'proper' 2.0T motor going to make the car more valuable to someone interested in an early car? Or if they are they care enough that it has the proper displacement, are they also going to insist that it be the proper engine number?

I think you have the perfect car to do whatever you want. If the next buyer wants a 2.0, he can sell the 3.x to help finance it.

I think it depends on what you're asking for the car. The car would be more valuable stock w/ original engine and trans in proper operating condition. However, you bought the car w/o the original motor so now it doesn't really matter. Some people, myself included, would look at the 2.2 as an upgrade, some might think otherwise.

Now, if people insist on the proper engine # then your car is not for them.

While there are guys looking for originality, there are also those looking for hot-rodded cars.
I don't feel bad for stuffing a 3.2 into my '73.

Are you thinking of selling?

Van,

Once it's gone, it's gone. That said, you don't want to use an engine that will require massive structural modifications to the car. . .I always chuckle when I read about guys wanting to put a 3,6 into an SWB. . . by the time you get done upgrading everything to handle the power you could have bought yourself a 964 and sawed the flares off. . .

I would stick with the 2,2 that you have and focus on making it look original on casual inspection. Guys who buy 68T's don't do it for the huge horsepower and wide tires, they do it because the car is a cool throwback to Porsche's past. As such, your largest market is people who appreciate original appearance and yet will enjoy the increased power of the larger engine, which looks pretty much the same. A real purist will know immediately by the casting number, but what real purist is kneeling down under a 68T?

My two cents, now worth one-and a-half cents CDN.

That's what I was thinking John. I was going to do a 2.7 HO with EFI, but I might just save that for a future project. I have a 2.4 T motor, a set of 2.4S P&C and a pair of E Cams. I'm thinking that combination with Weber Carbs would make a nice running motor with a significant HP upgrade, and still look pretty much stock to the casual observer. And I think I'd use the 5 speed trany I have, rather than stick the old 4 speed back in.

Not really, but never say never :) If I was absolutely sure I would never want to sell I'd just build a hot rod and not worry about originality. But I'm thinking I should save that idea for a future SC backdate.