Could Use some Tech Tips for my new old 73t

[wacky73t]

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[epbrown]

Well, the time for more HP was $3800 ago :-) There are lots of options for upgrading the 2.4L engine during a rebuild, and for a few grand more you could have taken the engine to 2.7L and gotten over 200 hp out of it. For next time, perhaps...

For now, I recommend picking up a copy of Bruce Anderson's Porsche 911 Performance Handbook for ideas on upgrading the brakes and suspension. The stock suspension is probably fine, though you might want to renew it, and I'd recommend upgrading to S brakes at a minimum for a bot more stopping power.

Good luck, and enjoy your car!

Emanuel

[wacky73t]

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[wacky73t]

oh and as far as lots of options for upgrading the 2.4L
do you mean the "S" cams and pistons? short of that I can't even think of what else there is to do.

[Jack Olsen]

Do you mean the "S" cams and pistons? Short of that, I can't even think of what else there is to do.

I have an idea of what else there is to do...



But Emanuel is right. You should have asked us $3,800 ago. There aren't any inexpensive fixes for you at this point, shy of shedding a lot of weight (which also gets expensive).

SC or Carrera brakes would be something to think about, as well as suspension upgrades.

[wacky73t]

ok. explain how ditching weight gets expensive. I already took the radio out. that was 4 lbs 6 ounces- and I never fill the tank...see how fast it adds up?, and the 250 pound mother in law will never set foot near it. (unless theres like a ham sandwich hangin from the mirrror)...oh yea.. the ham sandwich, I guess we can subtract another half a pound. I guess I answered my own question
Thanks Jack- BTW, I like the black 73 ALOT I actually stumbled on it before I saw this BB.
back to ditching weight, seriously what can I do- oh fiberglass? if so- I think I will just live with it until next overhaul

[epbrown]

Your mechanics were right, but I've noticed that nowadays they tend more towards recommending engine swaps than rebuilds. An option that might have worked out to about the same money was swapping in an SC engine and selling yours, for instance; with the early exhaust, you'd be at around 200 hp for the same money, and still have a CIS system. Most of the upgrades in the Handbook include switching to carbs, S or E cams, new pistons, and the like. There's also rebuilding the tranny with different gears so that the car is quicker off the line but slower at the top end because you hit your redline sooner - the car is also working a bit harder at higher speeds, lessening gas mileage and increasing engine noise.

And yes, ditching weight becomes expensive when you get to the point of panel replacement, switching to thinner glass or Lexan. Unless you plan to track the car much more than you drive it on the street, I wouldn't recommend that route.

In any case, you've already got one of the most drivable Porsches made - someone recently posted an old R&T review were one of the testers raved about the T as being the nicest of the early cars to drive; my own dream Porsche is a silver/black 911T. Live in the now and enjoy the car. From your first post, I'd think there's plenty of other resto work you can tackle that will make the car more enjoyable without tinkering with the engine. How is the paint, the chassis, the interior?

Emanuel

[Saffs]

I have a '73.5 T also. I've had it about 3 months. I bought it running OK, but in need of a service. After I did this it's been fine, and now put 2,500 miles on it, no problems - and I've had no problems with the CIS either, I like it's simplicity; no problems on my old 2.7 with CIS either, I must be lucky.
The engine upgrade I've thought of - and too late for you - is to put a 3.0 SC engine in it. Should be simple - using CIS still - and offer a good power to weight gain.

[wacky73t]

Damn,
well I didn't get a super fast engine out of it just a new one.
like most, i have plenty to do cosmeticly and interior, I wo'n't have a problem spending money on it. needs new interior(carpet kit) and seats recovered, and some minor bodywork and paint. blah blah.
I wonder how feesable it would be to sell this angine and get a 3 liter and use the cis - or am I just better off enjoying it for what it is. no.. i really wno;t be happy untill I am able to pass EVERYBODY or at least most.
wow. now I am sorry about the 3800.00 when I brought it in I just assummed it would run a whole lot better with a new engine. the truth is it doesnt feel any better, of course it doesnt smoke and starts and runs cooler. but no increase in performance. oh well at least I know what to expect when this one wears out.... the same performance I am getting now.. just smokier!
the popular quote " these things ar bulletproof" ... makes a little more sense to me now.

[roGERK]

Hello and welcome!

I've got a '73 T Targa with CIS too, chassis number 9113111264.

One very simple way of reducing weight which costs $0 is to remove the rear seat backs. They still work fine as occasional seats and frankly nobody except real Porsche anoracks seem to notice they are missing.

Continuing on the theme - the standard seats in this version of the 911 are (for some reason) really heavy. So swopping them for some lightweight after market seats can make a huge difference.

Check underneath the car to see if you've got anti-roll (sway) bars fitted. If not, you can fit them pretty easily - see Wayne's book for instructions.

Beyond that - enjoy the car; when in good shape and in tune, they aren't too slow at all...

- roGER

[Saffs]

roGERK: nice to see you around again.
Last time you were here (that I noticed, anyhow excuse me if I didn't) I had a 2.7 back in the UK. Because of spending time in the US more I sold my 2.7 in the UK and bought a '73.5 T here, in the US. I got it because it just kind of popped up and was rust free, good PPI on the engine, etc. Oh, and it was cheap.
Anyhow, I notice, and remember, you having one too. My VIN is 9113111002 BTW. It's a Tangerine Targa.
wacky73t: I think you've done fine with your engine rebuild, enjoy it.

[wacky73t]

Thanks Saffs and roGERK-
I will enjoy as usual no back seats and real heavy factory sport front with headrests ( i understand these are kinda rare in this car.) already has swaybar.

chassis number 91131111807