1974 2.7 Ok?

[m962b]

From what i understand, the 2.7 is crap. but there seems to be a chance that certain 2.7s from 1974 escaped this fate by not having to adhere tothe EPA regulations and are minus the thermal reactor.

If a majority of the problems are due to the engines running hot to eliminate the pollution issues, and the 1974 model not having this beforementioned thermal reactor, is the 1974 2.7 worth a punt?



Lucky me, I have 2 in mind nad am hoping many of you "pelicaners,"( or pelicaneers) have some know about with the issue.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[TRE Cup]

USUALLY since the 74 did not run as hot as the later smog laden cars, these motors are better. BUT we have seen even a few 73 7R case motors with pulled head studs. So its not a rule that you are getting an intact motor.

[Jerome74911S]

By this time, all these years later, the vast majority of 2.7s have been updated to resolve the issues that plagued them when new.

My 2.7 is fine, as are others owned by people I know. My engine runs quite cool, always. It depends on what has been done to the engine at this point. I know someone who has a hot rodded 2.7 that never runs over 180 degrees on the track.

[Charles Freeborn]

Mine is fine too. Certs done long ago. I put a top end into it and it runs like a champ.
The other thing to watch is the fan with more blades (11 vs 5, I think)...
-C

[LakeCleElum]

Do a PPI......Pay a little more for a 3.0 or 3.2. That's what I did to repower my 73.5 2.4.......

[Lapkritis]

More than just 2.7 suffer from the randomly snapping headstuds... get a full PPI. Well worth the money spent if you find time snapped stud which is quite likely and can help you negotiate a fair price.

[Dave Colangelo]

I dont own a 2.7 (my SC has a 3.0) but I will say this.

Having owned Porsche's since I got my license I have always followed the markets closely and been very interested in the issues with the variety of cars. What I have learned is the following. Keep in mind I DD my Porsche so I look at issues on a DD basis, i.e. can it start in the cold, the snow, the rain, the heat, the summer, the fall etc etc.

All of the Porsche motors seem to have a few unique issues that were solved only to see new issues arise. From all the reading I have done the 84-89 Carrera 3.2 engines seem to be the most trouble free engines that Porsche has made. the early engines had complex mechanical fuel injection systems that could be tough to fix, or had carbs which come with all the issues that carbs come with. the 2.7 had the head stud issue as a result of the magnesium crank case. The 3.0 had a complex CIS system that can be costly to repair and tough to adjust. The 3.2 was relatively problem free although I have had issues with the bosch ECU on my 924S from 88 (a very similar system). I dont know much about the 964 or 993 so I wont comment but im almost sure the 996 had some sort of a bearing issue similar to the boxster. The 997 has what seems to be a plastic box in the engine compartment from all I have seen which is enough to keep me away. The point is dont let the issues of the 2.7 engine scare you off, all the engines have there issues and they all can be costly to fix. If the car is in good shape and you like it, buy it.


Regards
Dave

[chrismorse]

Hi Mike,

I inherited my dad's pride and joy, a 74, bought new, carrera bars, s gauges and ac. The engine was rebuilt 10 years ago, (i k miles/year since then), repainted then and a bit of interior work done.

These cars are a bit high on the maintenance side, his maintenance file is three inches thick. I got the car and immediately put 3k into a carrera front cooler, lines and factory thermostat, (these cars really need a front cooler).

IIRC, the thermal reactor didn't come out till 75, along with the 5 bladed fan. The 74 still had the good exhaust system but suffered from magnesium case pulled studs and running too damn hot.

So, get a good PPI from a respected shop, leak down and carefull search for rust/needed maintenance. As with all older cars, you really don't want to buy a car with a lot of defferred maintenance or one needing an overhaul, (probably the retail value of the car can be put into a decent engine overhaul).

Having spent the car's approximate resale value getting the car back on the road, I would advise caution.

However, i love the light car and am getting ready to do the front end with new Elephant rubber bushings, ball joints, bearing pack, ss brake lines, caliper overhaul and EBC yellow stuff pads. Rear end next year.

:-)
chris

[dfhtrhjn]

I've got a 2.7s engine and it's never gotten hotter than 180 degrees. The rebuild trick seems to be getting the right head studs, 3.0 oil fed chain tensioners, and the 11 blade fan shroud. I've also routed my oil lines up to the front grill on my rsr bumper.

If you buy a 2.7, take a close look. Chances are if it's in good running condition, someone has already fixed the issues.

[db_cooper]

I think the 74 US year model was fine. Maybe California models were different..1975.. that's another story.

Yes they would pull head studs..soft valve guides and blown air boxes..but all in all they were a good year for 911s.

[WI wide body]

I had a '74 Carrera and had none of the issues you mention. It had about 90K miles on it and it never ran hot.

Wish I would have kept it!

!

[Dodge Man]

Check out Matt Gineo's 2.7. It is a great example of a nice mid 7's 911. 1974 has the least amount of SMOG equipment and is even Kalifornia exempt. The dreaded thermo reactors came to CA in about 76 and the 911's suffered problems due to lack of cooling. If you drive in an area with a lot of heat & humidity the front oil cooler with fan, SS heat exchangers, and SS muffler will go a long way keeping heat away from the case. Heat in the engine compartment is the enemy. My SSI & SS Dansk took huge amount of heat away from my engine compartment. I cannot believe that I did not do it sooner. If the motor is solid then the cooling upgrades should keep you motoring smoothly for quite some time. If you get it, keep the numbers parts because mid 7's are starting to gain value due to short supply of quality long hoods.