1976 911s cost effective engine upgrade

[mikeyb6s4]

Hey guys, I've owned my 911 for about 5 months now and am considering replacing the engine with something a little newer and a little more powerful.
I have been looking around for a little while now and found a couple websites. I would just like to see your take on all of this.

What are my best options?

What are some dependable places I can find one at? Website or actual shop.

And what is your take on the 2.7l?

Thanks for all of your help.

[IROC]

There's nothing inherently wrong with a 2.7 that is in good running condition (and with the usual updates). I loved mine.

"Something a little newer" in the form of a 3.0 or 3.2 liter engine is still going to be a 20 year old engine at the very youngest, so it really all boils down to condition. I would aim for something recently rebuilt (with documentation) or plan on buying a core and rebuilding it. Barring that, simply find the best engine you can find.

When I was in your shoes, I bought a rebuilt 3.2 with 20k miles on it.

[PcarPhil]

A cost effective engine upgrade? Install a good condition 3.2.

[Roc Doc]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

A cost effective engine upgrade? Install a good condition 3.2.

That's what I did. Got rid of a still running, (barely), 2.7 and replaced it with a 40k 3.2. I figure I picked up a good 50hp.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Don't listen to all the 2.7 haters.

Fix up any issues with yours.

For the cost of a 3.2 you could add some high-compression pistons, radical cams and a good set of carbs that would give you a really nice, quick-revving, LIGHT 2.7. And best of all, it wouldn't be "just another" frankenPorsche with one year's body and another year's engine.

[stlrj]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

A cost effective engine upgrade? Install a good condition 3.2.

I started with a 74 911 before moving on to a 78 3.0 and finally settling on a 86 3.2, all very cost effective upgrades.

[Walter_Middie]

And best of all, it wouldn't be "just another" frankenPorsche with one year's body and another year's engine.

Make sure you understand what you are getting into with an engine swap. A little research on here will show that numerous owners are stuck trying to figure out what parts to buy to fix their frankenPorshce. A lot of shops won't touch a car that has been highly modified and getting them to work can be a PITA - not to mention the resale of a frankenPorsche can be an issue also.

I love my 2.7 - good power, driveability, and good economy, but I also won't win any drag races. It all depends on what you want out of the car.

[carjmark]

Another alternative: You might want to consider selling your 2.7 and buying a newer car.

Maybe ask yourself what kind of car you really want (can afford). I don't know what you have into your car, but I would guess "investing" $5K+ into your car will leave you financially upside down when you part with it. You could probably sell your car and buy a solid SC or Carrera for not much more than you may end up with in a conversion (especially with a few "while I'm at it anyway upgrades"). You could end up happier, with a better car that's easier to sell and less likely to leave you financially shiney side up.

[Dantilla]

I love my "frankenporsche".

I have a 3.2 in a 1973 tub. I bought a 1987 Targa that was hit hard in the nose from an insurance auction. Having an entire parts car made the swap much easier than buying a used engine, then finding out about other bits & pieces needed to complete the swap.

Advantage one- Having both cars side-by-side up on jackstands in the garage made for easy work.

Advantage two- Having an entire parts car meant selling unneeded parts from the '87, further reducing costs. By the time the '87 was gone, the engine (plus wiring harness, banana arms, Carrera flares, yada yada...) was almost free.

If you have the time and space, buying an extra car is the way to go.

[Dantilla]

A 3.0 would be an easy swap, since you wouldn't need to change the CIS induction system.

[unclebilly]

I recently faced a similar dilema with my 2.7 in my 77.

I have a good running 87 parts car so I already had a 'free' 3.2 with G50. I also had scrounged up most of the parts to build a 2.7 RS with the stock engine in my car.

With some urging from a fellow Pelicanite, I went the 2.7 RS route but deviated in a few ways... I traded my Mahle RS P&Cs for JE 9.5" Pistons. I ran DC40 Cams from Doughtery Racing Cams. I ran Webers and Bursch muffler. The car runs awesome, it makes way more power, and it a ton of fun to drive noth at the track and the street. This car is 50% track - 50% street and I am very pleased with the results.

If you want a good running 3.2, I have one for sale for $6000 that can be seen running or I will take it to the local shop of your choice for leak down / compression testing.