912 to 911R Conversion?

Stretch32 · 04-12-2012, 05:10 PM

I'm on the fence about finding and buying a driver 356 or buying/building a 911R inspired car. I've been reading through posts here for a few months and after finally driving an early 911 today (a '72 911T) I'm really interested in the early 911's. I really like the 911R type cars the most and was thinking of going that route if I get the chance. With that in mind, I had some questions about the most cost effective and/or easiest way of actually building one.

I've done alot of reading on 912 to 911 conversions but most of the posts are fairly old so I was trying to figure out from those in the know if this is the best way to go for building a 911R type car since rollers are normally alot less expensive. I've seen plenty of post on actually building 911R's but what's the most cost effective way of building a solid base car to start from with regards to the current 911/912 market. Some post from a few years ago seemed to say that a solid SWB 912 was the least expensive way to go but is that really the case today given the increase in 912 prices in the last few years? Also, is it really the best since you have to convert it to accept the flat-6?

I have little idea of whats actually involed in doing this conversion so is it really as easy as people make it out to be or am I better off looking for a good early SWB 911 as a starter? Can you use all the 912 components ie: 5-speed transmission, suspension etc and end up with a pretty good car after the engine swap? What parts beyond a 912 ie: oil tank and coolers are needed? Are there readily available conversion kits for this so you only have to source an engine? For anybody who has done this recently, what did this conversion cost overall?

I know these are pretty broad questions but I have little frame of reference so I'm looking for a good starting point to begin from. If there are any good threads on the forums somebody can recommend I'd apprciate it. Also, if anybody has any insight to the above questions that would be great. Thanks in advance

Peter Zimmermann · 05:46 PM

912 - 911 = $60K +++
Some photos of the car that I did in 1999/2000; 1969 912 to PCA Club Race legal 2.2 911E.

The amount of parts you will need is mind-boggling. I had almost a complete engine (in pieces) before I started the project. I also bought a replacement rear torsion bar tube to avoid tube breakage after the car was built. The project took about six months to complete, with something being done just about every day. I eliminated the right front battery box, and installed a multi-row front cooler from an early 3.2 Carrera. The fuel pump was front-mounted at the rear of the gas tank. The engine was built using all of the latest available technology + a set of new, Mahle pistons & cylinders. Also, new Carrera Tensioners and SSI heat exchangers were used.

Peter Zimmermann · 06:12 PM

This is what the car looked like prior to going to Willow Springs for set-up...already aligned & corner-balanced.

joegt3cup · 04-13-2012, 09:40 AM

Here is a good start in a very cool color !

Classic 1968 Porsche 912 w/ 20k on New 6 CYL 911 Engine - Upgrades +++

Peter Zimmermann · 04-13-2012, 09:52 AM

LOL! Slight ride-height issue, plus it's a short wheelbase car.

5String43 · 04-13-2012, 10:06 AM

As valuable as 912s have become, I should think that there might be a better donor car for you to use for this project.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

buy the 1972 911T; save all parts as you mod it

Menmojo · Menmojo's Garage

I agree with RWebb....you're better off starting with a 72 or 73 911T.
It's not a big deal to start with a 912, however once you're done and you want to sell it you may find it more difficult to attract buyers since it's still looked upon as a "912".
I considered usiing a 912 roller recently until I saw a few conversions that were harder to sell down the road since they are tatooed 912....

scotiagreg · scotiagreg's Garage

I'm not sure how smart it is either, but I'm building a SWB hotrod from a 912. As you can see in my post, I started with a zero value donor. I will tell you that even if it is dumb, like most dumb things, it's fun !!

1968 912 junker reincarnation

Peter Zimmermann · 04-13-2012, 01:22 PM

Resale depends on how the car is done.

Of course, to do a 911R per the OP's wish, would require a car like the one mentioned in Post #4, this thread, because of the short wheelbase. To start with a car with slight fender flares and an oil tank mounted forward of the right rear wheel, finding a quality '72 911 would be the way to go - except for the wheelbase.

So, the OP must not only find a car, he will need fiberglass lids, doors, bumpers and front fenders. A good body shop could do nice rear flares on a short wheelbase car, a long wheelbase car like a '72 would already have those flares.

Decisions, decisions! Accuracy is everything, unless the car will be a long-term personal toy.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

and, of course, you are crazy to build anything but a long-term personal toy

unless your labor value is a negative number...

911 tweaks · 04-13-2012, 04:37 PM

+1 what RWebb says as it will be expensive...been there done that...

CRNT918 · 04-13-2012, 11:17 PM

Why not build a 912R?

ckissick · 04-14-2012, 07:14 AM

I've been thinking about this, too. I've decided that if you start with a 912, it's better to keep it a 912, but modify the motor to get 130-150 hp. Not too difficult. Then you have a better weight distribution, better handling, and about 200 fewer pounds.

Doug&Julie · 08-09-2012, 11:12 AM

Has anybody here done a 912E to 911 conversion? I'm just doing some research but finding info woefully thin. Would appreciate any info or direction pointing.

TRE Cup · TRE Cup's Garage

We've done a 912 E to 911 conversion. What is your goal? If anything, its more labor than starting with a 911 to begin with, so that chassis better be close to costing you nothing. Otherwise wiring harness, engine mounts, suspension, brakes, chassis mods will outweigh the cost difference between shells.

Go cheap? say take a complete 912E, and install a carbed 911 in it? You will have figure out wiring, tach and oil guages, smaller main shaft on the trans- clutch differences< yes a 7:31, but weaker than a 915. Oil tank, cooler? So you will end up with a ill handling (small rear torsions), so so braking (small brakes) car unless you change those out too.

When building shells into race cars, they were good donors as most had no sunroofs, and you were replacing everything anyway

912-6's don't enjoy a decent resale $ per $ spent vs a "real" 911

Doug&Julie · 08-10-2012, 04:27 AM

Thanks for the input...now I have a better idea of what would need changed. Sounds like a lot. I knew the engine & wiring, oil tank and lines, and brakes. Didn't think so much about the trans and suspension bits.

I wouldn't be concerned about resale (as if I did this, it would be to build a "keeper"), but I do agree the best course of action is probably to sell and get a 911 to start with. Damn.