It begins....

[NeedSpace]

I finally got my 911 home. I got the car in December of 2009. My original hope was to have it on the road in 2 years. I purchased a transmission and an engine. Then the largest hurdle, finishing all the work on the house so I could start work on her. Finally finished my bathroom last weekend. Today, victory is mine, I had a tow take her home (and put my other classic in storage).

Here's my question...how long should I estimate that it'll take until I get her on the road. I am hoping by February. How long has it taken you guys? I am taking bets...

[Eric Hahl]

If "whileyerinthere itus" takes over like it does most of us, then I predict 18 months!

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by NeedSpace

Then the largest hurdle, finishing all the work on the house so I could start work on her.

Well, there's your problem right there.

Given you have discipline to stay on task, February is do-able. A professional familiar with the car could have it all in and running in 8 hours from what you have told us.

It would take me a month given outside interference. I also get saturated with wrenching and need recharge time. It is very machine like and there are no snap on panels, etc. Just grunt work with traditional fasteners.

Eric has a real good point. What do you want to do before the install?

[dhagood]

two big questions:

1) what are you planning to do?
2) what else is going to happen?

question #1 is self-explanatory. from what i gather, you have a roller, an engine, and a transmission. you obviously intend to combine the engine and transmission and install the powertrain into the roller, creating a car. is this all, or are you planning to backdate/update/modify the suspension/etc?

regardless of the current plan, questions arise, which is where question #2 comes into play. you have a 76 roller which had a 2.7 engine originally installed. what engine do you have now? if it's not a 2.7, what alterations will be requires to mate the fuel systems and the wiring harnesses? will the engine or transmission require a rebuild. what rust problems might you have?

define the scope of the planned work, and i'll be happy to give you a completely worthless time estimate

[NeedSpace]

Wow, you guys are great. Many things I didn't consider...

The tranny is from a 1976 (915) and the engine is a 1976 2.7 as well. It should mate together without modifications. One concern that crossed my mind AFTER I purchased the 2.7 is that there is a slight chance that the computer is from a different model. I know that about 10 years ago it had a 3.0 in it, but it could never pass inspection. Is it possible for a 2.7 computer to run a 3.0?

My plan is to avoid ANY WhileIAmTheres. A long time ago a MotorHead told me. "When you first get your classic, get it running and use it immediately. Make changes over time. You don't want to have a project that gets out of hand."

Once I get it running nicely, then I'll make some decisions. I have never owned a p-car before...actually, I have never driven one either. Weird eh?

Here is the plan

1) Dry run, install the transmission w/o the engine to get a feel for how it fits in and make sure all the bits are there to connect it to the car. Then remove it
2) Attach tranny to the engine (based on recommendations of group
3) Clean engine compartment, replace heater hoses
4) Install engine
5) Get it running
6) Drive

After I have it running, I'll assess how bad the oil leaks are, take the engine back out and do a full servicing fixing oil leaks. I know many would say, while you have the engine out you should do XYZ BEFORE putting it in the first time. The thing is, the engine works before I futz with it, so don't mess with it. I need to learn more about the car before I dig in with both feet.

[rattlsnak]

First things first.. CIS cars dont have 'computers'...

and its quite tough to install eng/trans on a 4 post lift unless you have the assembly on a cart a few feet of the ground...

[timmy2]

Well, I'd never pulled a 911 engine and tranny until September of this year.
Here's all the things I've done to my car in 2.5 months. (weekends and evenings only)
I drove it for over 100 miles last Saturday.

1. Replace 6 Lower Head Studs with Steel Studs
2. Install New Cylinder Rings
3. Replace bad camshaft (pitted)
4. Install new Gaskets (Case out)
5. Install New Solid Oil Tubes & O-Rings
6. Install Backdated Cooling Ducts to Exchangers (Fan delete)
7. Install Used (barely) SSI Exhaust System
8. Install New 2 into 1 exhaust/muffler
9. Install Backdated Oil Lines for SSI
10. Customize AC Bracket for Cooling Backdate
11. Install new gaskets & O-Rings for CIS
12. Install Pop off Valve in Airbox
13. Install new Injectors and O-Rings
14. Install new Cooling Duct Tubing
15. Clean and Paint Engine Cowling, Brackets and Tin etc.
16. Change Transmission fluid to Swepco 201
17. Install rebuilt Shifter Coupler (Derlin)
18. Repair oil leaks: Oil Thermostat O-Ring, Oil Sender, Crankcase vent Gasket
19. Install Turbo valve covers & Valve cover Gaskets
20. Install Carrera Oil Feed Chain Tensioners
21. Use Brad Penn 20-50 dino oil, new oil filter
22. Install new upholstery on Front Seats, Clean rest of upholstery
23. Install Windshield Wiper Gaskets and Seals at Cowl, Install new Wipers
24. Install Brass Bushings at Tranny and Engine for throttle linkage
25. Replace cracked H4 lens on one side
26. Install New Turn Signal Switch, Hazard switch and Lighting Relay Kit
27. Repair wiring harness from PO’s damage throughout
28. Replace Door Switch Passenger side
29. Install Front Shock Strut Tower Brace
30. Install Interior Targa Body Braces
31. Install Dashcover Dash Pad (for now) Replace someday…
32. Install new Tie-Rod Ends
33. Install 16” Fuchs Wheels instead of 15” Cookie Cutters
34. Purchase used Targa top & repair, New Center pin & new Pin rubbers, 2 holding clips
35. Adjust loose or improperly installed interior bits.
36. Install new engine compartment Rubber Seal and Sound Pad
37. Repair dent in Passenger rear wheel well and door.
38. Install new Hood and Trunk Struts
39 Install front Spoiler (today)

Still Left to Do:

4 wheel Alignment (in the next 2 weeks)
Install Mocal Front Oil Cooler (Trombone now) at next oil change

Paint next year or so?

AND.....................

DRIVE IT LIKE I STOLE IT!

3 pages describing the work I've done getting this baby on the road since buying it this July can be read here:
Finally, back in the game!

[NeedSpace]

All, thanks for the encouragement.

Rattlesnake - Hmm, can you tell I am a newbie to the 911. I am not sure what the electronic components in the back left part of the engine compartment, I thought that these electronics had to do with ignition control. My apologies for my naivete. Still learnin'.

Using the 4 post lift. Yep, that was my exact plan. I saw a number of people have done this on the site. Basically have the engine on cart that is fairly high off the ground. I am planning on welding together some bits left over from the metal crate my lift came with to have a strong support about 3 feet off the ground. Then, put the car on the edge of the lift somewhat down the ramps but up high, then drop the car, and slowly slide the engine in. At least, that is the working theory.

Timmy2 - Holy crap, what an inspiration. Fantastic work on the car. I hope my list doesn't grow that big before I get her on the road.

OK, I am going for feburary...

Oh, wait, sonny is about to beat up carlo after beating his sister. Back to the godfather.

[timmy2]

NeedSpace,
Thanks, You'll find the list has a way of growing the more time you spend reading the threads here....

Keep us updated with your progress, Lots of pics are good.

February 1 or 28? Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock......

[NeedSpace]

Feb 1 vs 28...I'll let you know when I get started!

Here is the list for the work I've done on my 57 Benz (however, 10 years; mostly first 5):
1) Replaced windshield gasket
2) Rebuilt speedo
3) Install stereo in glove box / replace speaker in speaker box
4) Replace exhaust with stainless
5) Replace tires
6) Replace gas tank
7) Rebuild carbs
8) Install fan for radiator (to avoid overheating during parades)
9) Rebuild brakes
10) Rebuild generator
11) Rebuild carburator brackets
12) Rebuild generator brackets
13) Replace convertible top rubber
14) Replace CV boot
15) Replace steering linkage
16) Upgrade to electronic ignition
17) Install new foam in seats

Now that she is running nicely, time for the 911.

[timmy2]

Mandatory picture(s) of the '57 are now required after sharing your list of work...

[Evans, Marv]

There are items in the "while you're in there" department that should be attended to before you install the engine & tranny. One is trying to find out where it leaks, if it does, and fix those before you try to install the engine. And, good luck on doing a dry run on putting the transaxle in, since the engine & tranny go in & come out as a unit. You can do it but it will be another waste of time. Removing the engine & tranny to fix little things later on will waste your time if they could be identified beforehand. I first started working on my car in 2004 and still haven't finished it, but the process is a thing fun for me. Of course I completely disassembled it, had it stripped to bare metal & am reassembling the whole car. Like you, things got in the way, like retiring and having a bunch of things facing me to be taken care of, building a new house & moving into it. Of course there are still things I'm working on with that project, so I've just gotten time to start doing some things to the car again. Good luck & have fun. You can probably learn most of what you need to know here.

[NeedSpace]

Timmy2 - My apologies...Lulu, meet Timmy2.



Marv - I like your style; built a house...wow, I tip my house to you. I only have limited time...and money at the moment. So I want a quick start...plus I love the challenge of setting the clock. Hmm, I'll have to give a good think to the dry run of the tranny.

Your project sounds great, would love to see pics. I am not sure this will ever be a complete rebuild project. The car is in very solid shape so no need for a complete restore.

BTW, my pet project (like yours) will eventually be to build a lotus 7 (caterham) from scratch..in due time.

[tevake]

Hi Lulu I'm Richard and I really like you!! Sweet ride there Bro.
Good luck on your new project. I think that you will find most of the guidance you may require right here.
Plus there are a couple of books that are useful the Bentleys service guide, And Wayne's 101 projects is good. Plus there is PET, which a complete parts and system break down with part numbers that is great. Perhaps someone that is better with the computer can send you the link. It is a must have.

Cheers Richard

[timmy2]

Lulu is a real beauty.
If you PM me your e-mail address I will send you a number of PDF files that will help you.
Get the 101 projects and the Bently manual for your car at a minimum. How to rebuild and Modify your Porsche engine will be very beneficial as well.
Here is the link to your parts manual:
http://www.pcars.com/porsche_parts/model_catalogs/USA_CDN/911_USA_74_77_KATALOG.PDF
Dennis

[Evans, Marv]

Ooooh, I'd love to build a Lotus 7 too!!

[dhagood]

so you have a used 2.7 engine from the same model year as your chassis. that will make life easier during installation.

what condition is the engine in? what sort of provenance does the engine have? the 2.7 liter engines have some quirks that can be quite expensive to fix. i would recommend that you search these forums for things to look for (head studs pulling out of the magnesium engine case, for instance).

[al lkosmal]

Are the engine and tranny in good running condition?
If this is an unknown, that defines your 1st step.............which could easily blow your February plan, unless you are a experienced engine rebuilder.

Regards,
Al

[HawgRyder]

One caution I have to add.
If you are going to shift the car towards the back end of the lift in order to install the engine/trans combo....please chain down the car at the front at least...so that it cannot move backwards any more than you need.
The center of gravity with the engine in and engine out is more than a foot.
If the car is not secured to the lift...as soon as you bolt the engine in and allow the lift to take the weight...you could have a situation where the car tries to do a back flip onto the ground.
Have fun
Bob

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

First things first.. CIS cars dont have 'computers'...

If you stretch it, the later SC's with the Lambda box under the passenger seat could be loosely referred to as a computer - probably in the same way a voltage regulator could be called a computer.

Needspace - the box you refer to is the capacitive discharge unit.