69 911T questions

Greg912 · 06-30-2002, 02:03 PM

I'm considering buying a 69 911T. I'm aware of what to look for as far as rust goes, but anything specific to this model and year to look for? Besides the chain tensioner, what other engine upgrades should I ask about or have done if I purchase it? I think there is a common hot start problem that can be cured with a relay in the ignition circuit?

Thanks

Greg
Former 66 912 owner.

CamB · CamB's Garage

Find out if it still has the original Marelli distributor (a bad thing - tune up parts no longer available) - the correct Bosch replacement is a much better idea but not particularly cheap. Also see if it has a capacitive discharge system - mine didn't (well, it had a non-functioning, non-Bosch aftermarket one), and was running only points and a coil. As a result, it fouled the plugs pretty easily, especially with a worn out Marelli distributor. It ran much better when I installed an MSD (still with the Marelli).

It was hard to start hot until I learnt "the procedure". This involved holding the accelarator down until it caught, then releasing very quickly so it didn't rev the bollocks off it.

I think they rust in the same place as a 912

Most of the other mechanicals would be similar to the 912 as well - think of what went wrong in that...

Oh, and another thing - they were about the last of the solid rotor cars - an upgrade to vented (no chance of warping) rotors might be worthwhile. My rotors were warped when I got it (the car was a race car for a bit though, which probably explains it).

I also don't know how to put this politely

- it is pretty weak as far as 911s go - 110hp is hardly giant-killing performance (mine had a whole 120+hp as it had E cams and I have a dyno sheet to prove it

, but it was still pretty slow). Lotsa fun, makes GREAT noises, but not that fast.

Fishcop · Fishcop's Garage

I'll echo Cam's comments:

Look for ventilated discs (preferably an S upgrade)

Bosch distributor...I converted a 2.7 model dizzy by having it machined down. I've posted about this before. The idea came from the excellent skills of JWW (john walker workshops) on this board. I also added Crane XR700 ignition. This route is cheaper than buying the correct Bosch distributor. You can no longer service a Marelli distributor, so a conversion to one Bosch or another is going to be a necessity.

Don't get a sportomatic! You think a standard T is weak? Add a torque converter!

Hot start can be further attended to with the addition of insulator blocks from PMO or similar (Pelican should be able to get them for you)

Depending on what other things you want form your 911 will depend on what you are looking for eg, flares, wider wheels, spoilers etc...

Oh, if you find one with H1 headlights, look after them...very valuable now. I updated to H4 and have stored my H1s.

Ts did not have sway bars standard. You should look for one that has at least a front one, or be prepared to upgrade.

I hope you enjoy your car like I do

911pcars · 06-30-2002, 10:34 PM

The early 911s have rubber-based timing chain ramps. The rubber ramps become brittle, then break. Invariably, the broken piece gets lodged between the timing chain and cam sprocket and causes it to jump a tooth (ask me how I know) resulting in broken rocker arms and/or bent valves. The rubber ones were superceded by hard plastic ones.

This is not something normally found in a normal PPI as a chain box cover must be removed to confirm. Perhaps there is paperwork indicating such an upgrade/replacement.

Other than that, the 110 HP version was the least stressed 6 cylinder engine Porsche ever made. There are no other issues with this engine. Replacement chain tensioners is an issue for 911s of all years. My original tensioners were rebuilt and the rubber ramps still broke, but the engine had approx. 145,00 on it when the damage was consumated. All 911s are susceptible to rust with exposure to the right elements. Even galvanized versions are not immune.

If the Marelli distributor is toast, replace it. US T's (mine anyway) use a regular breaker point/ignition coil setup. If the P-car is completely stock, it will have solid rotors, no sway bars, a 4-speed trans. and skinny wheels/tires. A 911 so equipped is hardly equivalent to a prepared Corvair in its day. I should know as I had both. Hopefully, the PO upgraded the chassis to mimic an E or S at some point in time.

Hope this helps,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars