76 911 Questions

[rdrr]

Hi All,

I'm looking at buying a 76 911 to add to the stable and serve as my track car. I'm aware of the headstud issues with 2.7s so a PPI will be dealing with that.

What other issues are there specific to these cars I should look out for?

On a more general note the stock output for the 76 2.7s was 165HP. My understanding is that this engine was basically the same as they 75S at 175HP. Was it just detuned for emissions or is there an actual difference? What are the most cost effective ways to get a little more power?

Last but not least - what happened to Mid9.net?

[RWebb]

the cases can distort - esp. around the bearings

the CIS & muffler are the other issues - later CIS systems had more 'engineering' in them

roof prob. not galv. on a '76

I believe Mid9.net pulled a headstud...

[overman]

The least expensive performance upgrade is converting to carbs and installing a 74 or earlier exhaust system... a sport muffler is even better.

The 76 your looking at likely has a 7R case... this helped the bearing distoration problem. Don't fudge on the PPI... and consult this board often, I'm sure you already know this!

[IROC]

Originally Posted by rdrr

On a more general note the stock output for the 76 2.7s was 165HP. My understanding is that this engine was basically the same as they 75S at 175HP. Was it just detuned for emissions or is there an actual difference?

I asked Bruce Anderson this very question and he didn't know. If you look at the specs for the '76 and '77 engines they are exactly the same.

What are the most cost effective ways to get a little more power?

Cost effective? There's not much you can do. Carbs and headers would be nice, but the CIS pistons and associated cams don't really allow you to realize all gains and you're still looking at thousands of dollars for the carbs/exhaust. CIS, when it is running well, isn't that bad and delivers good gas mileage. I added headers and Supertrapps to my 2.7 and probably gained 10 hp or so, but the best part was that it sounded glorious. The sound alone was good for an extra 5 hp.

[JV911SYDNEY]

76 MY was the first all gal bodies. other than the headstud there are no 76-specific issues that i can think of...i.e issues as per any other older 911

by now its likely that an engine has been rebuilt. if a particular one has just make sure it was done properly (block time certed, machined and line honed) by a reputable shop

carbs and ssi-sytyle exhaust are nice performance upgrades esp given the 76 is a good 100kg lighter than an SC

[rdrr]

Thanks guys - that's pretty much what I was thinking/hoping to hear. The engine on this particular car has been rebuilt. I should know later today (or in a day or two depending on my mechanic's schedule) how the PPI went and will post results and pics if I go ahead!

[JV911SYDNEY]

good luck mate!

[RWebb]

au contraire --- the '76 did not have a galv. roof

Galvanizing on Porsche 911s - A History

[JV911SYDNEY]

interesting - according to GT it does

[Chris'85]

I had a '77 for 9 years, bought it with 75K in '87. The thermal reators were removed, a 11 blade fan added and turbo exhaust valve covers. I never had any issues with head studs or leaking valve covers. Don't forget to up-grade to Carrera chain tensoners.

[rdrr]

Thanks Chris - good advice. The car already has the 11-blade fan and the turbo exhaust valve covers. Will check on the tensioners in the PPI.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by JV911SYDNEY

interesting - according to GT it does

GT? You mean a magazine?

I think I'll take Paul Frere and his book over that.

If he does buy the car tho, we can test by each cutting out part of the roof on it...

[2.7RACER]

Eckhard,
Unless the '76 is going cheap, real cheap, you are looking at a money pit to get it ready for racing.
The '76 exhaust manifold doesn't flow nearly as well as the earlier '74.
The CIS system, including pistons and cams are designd for smog not performance.
Webers or PMO's along with JE pistons and a decent cam will bring the engine to life.
The torsion bars are fine for the street, need to go to at least 22mm front and 28mm rear for racing.
Chances are the shocks are toast.
The brakes can be adequate with carbon pads and ATE Blue brake fluid.
May need a clutch, the stock Sachs disc works fine.
The earlier transaxle with 7:31 ring and pinion is like adding 50 hp.
Race seats, belts, roll bar unless you are just AXing.
With all the above mods you'll spend US $4,000/$5,000 to get it ready to compete with 3.0's and 3.2's.

My best advice......................If you want to go racing...................If you really want it...............

Find a race car that's already been done.

Look at my signature. I've got way more in it than the car is worth.
That's the economics of racing.

[rdrr]

Hi Doug,

Thanks for your reply. The car is in fact going pretty cheap - at least by Australian standards

I haven't said much about the car so here's a bit more info: It is definitely not stock - f/g front and rear bumpers, lowered suspension with good shocks and uprated torsion bars (no idea what size though). Engine seems pretty lively for a 2.7, but again I don't have a history of what was done during the rebuild that has been done. It still has CIS and stock muffler. I have a 2in1out that I will put on - just needs some headers/SSIs. I also have a harness and race seat from my other car which will from now on be street only.

My plans over the next few months would be to lighten it up with a heater backdate/delete, AC delete, rear seat delete. Then I'll drop in a cage or rollbar. So, all in all, it's not going to break the bank. Some time in the future I might rebuild the engine as you've suggested, or alternatively do an engine swap - but that's definitely a few years away.

For now I will be participating in local club sprints (not wheel to wheel) and possibly some tarmac rallies. Nothing too serious

I'm still waiting on the PPI, but from discussions with my wrench, things look pretty good. Headstuds are fine! I should have the report later this morning and will post results.

[JV911SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by 2.7RACER

Hoosiers on 8's & 9's

mate, you fit 9" Fuchs on the back ???

pics?

[rdrr]

Okay, just got the report. On the upside, the headstuds appear fine and it has Carrera tensioners. Unfortunately there are a few more things to fix than I had hoped! So I've got a little thinking to do.

One thing I'm confused about. The reports states:
'Signs of oil leaking at cylinder heads (head studs) and RH chain housing'

This is eventhough the headstuds appear to be OK. Any thoughts?

[JV911SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by rdrr

This is eventhough the headstuds appear to be OK. Any thoughts?

worst case scanario is a warped block - if the engine wasnt machined flat when rebuild the heads wont sit flush with the block & will leak

i'm sure others will chime in with other possible causes

[2.7RACER]

These are not Fuchs. They are 9 inch with 245-16 Hoosiers.
The rear fenders are rolled.
The stiff torsion bars 28mm and sway bars prevent rubbing. I've been running this stup for 4 or 5 years, no problem.
I did try some 255 Hoosiers last year. I had to pull out the fenders about 1/4 inch. It really wasn't satisfactory.
I can pull a wheel and get a dimension if it would help.
As you can see this is not a narrow body. The fenders are flared just like my '85.



2.7's are famous for being wet underneath. I've got my engine dry for the first time in 10 years. The head studs were replaced and timecerted before I bought the car. I've had the motor apart 4 or 5 times in the last 7 years. No issues with studs. It is desert where I live. No corrosion or rust.
I've raced it hard for ten years now. It is running better than ever.
It sounds like you know what you are getting into. I've surprised a lot of stock 3.0's, 3.2's and an occasional 3.4. It weigh's 2,450 lbs. If I was more serious, I could get it down to 2,200 lbs.

[rdrr]

I have pulled the trigger! Should have the car in a week or so and will post some more details then. Thanks to all who gave me advice. Here's a pic:

[JV911SYDNEY]

congrats mate!