I have the engine number - what's that tell me?
 

OK< here's the deal - I've found a guy with a motor that he does not know what it is....he thinks it is a '74. Engine number 6140337

Can you engine number sleuths fill in the pieces from this? 2.7L? 's' or regular? Is it a '74?

If all the above checks out - what should I be looking for to see if it is worth working with? It does not run now - the story is that is smoked enough to scare off the previous owner to this guy.....

not much to go on....If I can get it for a song - it is worth having? I can post photo's after the wknd when I go see the thing.....

thanks

td

1974 911
 

Looks like it is a 1974 911. it is not an "S". it is 2.7L

47silver is correct. That is a standard 1974 2.7 L CIS engine, rated at 150hp. If it is not running and there is no history on it, buy it only as a core. The 2.7 had issues with head studs that usually were remedied during some head/rebuild work. The 74 fared a bit better because it didn't come with the thermal reactors which caused much of the problems with the 2.7's. Regardless, given what you've posted, the engine is nothing special and should be considered only for its core value, IMO. If there is evidence of upgrading to the engine, that may help your final decision, but as it stands I could not see anyone doing anything less than a complete tear down of the engine to see what you are dealing with. Anything less is taking a large and potentially very expensive gamble. Consider the tear down expense when you make an offer on the engine.

Like ossiblue says, check for various upgrades. I have a 2.7 that still smokes but I am slowly sorting out. Definitely look for the turbo valve covers, carrera tensioners, etc. This would give a feel for how original this is. It could be a fun project though.