3.2 into 2.7 thoughts please

I have a '76 2.7S.

The engine is stock with SSI's.
Apart from a blown airbox it is a lovely engine, rebuilt about 10K ago & very 'eager'.

I get on quite well with a Porsche garage that just got in a 3.2 to break.

He is offering to swap my engine over for about $3.5k US.
Has anyone tried this combo?
Really, until the air box went I was happy with my 2.7.
Has the dealer just caught me at a strategic low point?

All the extra power & reliability sounds nice.
It will reduce the resale value and make insurance a pain.

I will need larger torsion bars & Carrera flares too, so that puts the price up.

What do you reckon?

It sounds like you're that creature that's more rare than a unicorn - a Porsche owner that's happy with his car's performance! In your situation, I'd simply fix my airbox and get back on the road. If you want a 3.2 engine, sell your car and throw the money and the 5 grand or so this upgrade will cost you into getting a Carrera. You'll get the engine, power seats, better AC, maybe even a G50 tranny, which is a better deal all around.

Emanuel

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Emanuel Brown
1983 911 SC Targa
http://home.att.net/~epbrown01/91183.jpg




[This message has been edited by epbrown (edited 05-14-2001).]

That sounds like good advice. The later 911s have galvanized shells too, so they practically cannot rust, a huge advantage.

On the other hand, I'd say that $3500 is a good deal for a complete conversion if the 3.2 is low miles and healthy. The 3.2s are not perfect though, and are reported to have valve guide problems sometimes.

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'83 SC

Too bad you're not local. I am considering trying to trade my 86 Carrera for an older S or SC.

While $3500 is a good deal, don't forget that this doesn't include adding the Carrera flares (which will require some paintwork as well), changes to the suspension, and so on. It would end up at much more than just the engine.

BK911, why are you interested in trading down to an earilier model? I often think of getting an early 911 (69-73) because I like the flareless body style, chrome accents, longer hood, and they're simpler to work on. I'd have one if I hadn't gotten tired of driving all over to find a pile of rusted-out junk week after week. But an S or SC would look the same as your 86 without the creature comforts.



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Emanuel Brown
1983 911 SC Targa
http://home.att.net/~epbrown01/91183.jpg

Mr. Brown,

I would rather have an earlier car because I enjoy working on cars as much as driving them. The Carrera doesn't need anything. I don't want to modify it because I want to stay in the stock class. I would rather have purchased an older car to restore, then race it once completed. I have a 70 Targa that gives me such a great feeling of accomplishment everytime she starts. I just take the Carrera for granted.

IMHO I'd say go for the switch! Unless you have an all original excellent condition car, it won't hurt resale value. I don't plan on selling my car so it's not an issue for me...
Does $3500 cover the whole thing; parts, labor, the engine? How many miles on the engine? I had my 77 targa converted engine swapped for a 100,000 original mile 84 engine and I paid $6000 just for the engine. Way too much I suppose. I bought it from Easy here in the Bay area. The 3.2 engine has given my nearly 3 years of pleasure. I love the way it sounds and I bought a performance chip for it and I'm quite pleased with the power.
I'd like to add flares but it's not necessary. The additional 50+/- Lbs. of the larger engine isn't noticeable. I've been running all season tires, stock ride height, stock suspension, stock everything and it handles great. I'm going to lower and get performance tires soon. Hopefully that will satisfy me fo a while. I understand your 76 probably does not have the same stock suspension package I have. I'm not sure what size my torsion bars are but I have 22mm rear anti-sway bars and 20mm in the front.
The concept of putting a more powerful engine in a lighter body is very appealing to me... Think about it!

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Zach
77 911S 3.2

I'm in the opposite position. I've got a great motor in my SC, but I'd like to find an slightly older (76 or 77) car to put it in. I like the 76/77 because they are galvinized, and flairless.

Anybody see the movie "Along Came A Spider"?
There's a great black 74-77 911. That's the look I want.



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Bill Krause
'79 911SC Euro

I went looking for a 2.7 because it has a galvanized body but no flares - it's just that bit purer than the SC. one step nearer the original concept, but with no body worries. The 2.7 has more than enough power for the lighter car, and at least here in Europe where we never had smog control gear, it has no reputation for unreliability. Stick with the 2.7, it sounds like you have a good one.

Thank you all for your comments.

When I say happy with my 2.7 I need to qualify this by saying, happy with the whole package.

I love the way the car looks, no flares & no spoiler.
It is certainly a whole lot lighter than an SC or later, the car just dances through the twisties. Compared to other 911 models it is underpowered.

It is the first of the galvanised shells, I would ideally have liked a pre73 car but with our climate, corrosion is a real problem.

230+ bhp has it's attractions!
All your opinions are valid, I think I will stick with what I have.
I need to drive a 3.2 club sport I think & then see if I need to start saving.

The trouble is if I had the money & space I would definately have more than 1x 911.
Modifying the one car to suit my moods is probably not the best idea.

Cheers, Jon



[This message has been edited by Jon Green (edited 05-15-2001).]

Wait until you mechanic gets a 3.6 engine in the shop. Then make the switch.

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Jack Olsen
1973 911 T (3.6) sunroof coupe
jackolsen@mediaone.net