3.6 conversion starter problem
 

I purchased a conversion flywheel for a 964 3.6L into my 80 911. I installed a new Sachs clutch kit and new ring gear on also. The problem I'm having is with the starter, I had a lightweight high torque starter that I used with the 3.0, but when I'd crank the 3.6, it would start turning over, then sound like rocks were getting ground up, then If I try again, it sounded like the gear was stuck, or at other times like the gear would not engage. I tried putting in my original used starter but basically got the same result, I then bought a remaned bosch starter, but it still does the same thing. That is where i'm at now, My next step is to remove the starter and start measuring where the ring gear is in relation to the trans housing, or is there something I'm missing? The ring gear was put on with the channel down on the PP, so the flat side of the ring gear is facing the front of the car.

ok, found the problem, #%?!@@ cheap ring gear!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1281816472.jpg

Did you get that ring gear from Patrick Motorsports?

No, I got it online from Worldimpex I believe.

The other contributing factor I found was one of the distributors had the firing order off, so that was causing a kick back at times, so we double check everthing but the high torque starter back in with the spacer, and she fired right up. Sounds great with just the 993 exhaust and cats! A neighbor thought it was a V8 I was firing up.

So your going to leave that ring gear on there?
I'd change it if i where you.

No, I took the ring gear off the 3.0 that I took out for the conversion, so luckily I had a good spare!

I am no expert but can there be an alignment problem between the starter and the ring gear? I would hate to see this happen to you again.

Yes, we had thought of that too, so while the engine was out we tested everything, we measured the distances on the ring gear from engine, and the stuck the starter in and measured the throw of the gear, once everything was bolted back together, we put power to the starter and watched from the hole in the top of the tranny to see how it was aligning. Once everything looked good, we tossed the engine back in and she fired right up, and sounded good while cranking.

cudabnu, I am sorry for your problems - but your post has made me realise that I sent my ring gear off with the old 3.0 engine when I sold it and now I have nothing for the 964 3.6 that is going into the car - pi$$!!!!

Can I assume from your posts that I need an SC ring gear, or do I have to get the 964 one?

Yes, you will need a SC ring gear. I was lucky enough not sold my 3.0 yet, so I had one to swap.

OK, I will add the ring gear to my "still to get list" - not a cheap part either :(

Next item to buy is a chip for the lightened flywheel and 993 exhaust.