2.7 rebuild/replace options

[944 boy]

I have been tinkering with my newly acquired '74 targa and I now have it running... mostly.

It starts and runs and idles, but sounds less than healthy. I have oil pressure, alternator charges, timing is just about right, CIS functions properly. HOWEVER, it appears that the head studs have pulled significantly on cylinders 1-3.

I knew it was inevitable but I had hoped for it to be a later rather than sooner deal.

What should a rebuilt 2.7 go for? If I just want to search out a running engine and deal with rebuilding this one later what would be the expected price range? I need case savers for sure but what else should I budget for if I go the rebuild route? There has been internal work done before so I kind of expect most things to be in good shape. I might need valve guides though. The motor has 160K on it.

I know this can be a slippery slope, and there is always the option of a 3.2+ build. But I don't think my budget can handle this route right now.

I am mostly looking for advice from those who have been down this road before. worst part is that I have not decided how much money I want to put into my budget. I was hoping to have this car drivable for August.

-Greg

[47silver]

I have a motor for sale in the parts section that might work for you.

[redstrosekNic]

What about a 3.0? I think it would be a more straight forward conversion than a 3.2.

[racer]

Long term what are your plans for your car? A restored 74 with the correct motor is getting harder to find these days.

[dipso]

I rebuilt my 2.7 I think it is cooler than throwing a later year motor in there.

[Dodge Man]

If you go the case saver route you have a running numbers motor without the conversion price tag. This would save your heads & cylinders from further damage and buy time for pondering the upgrade decision. Good lower mileage 3.0 motors come up for sale every now & then but snatching one up can be time consuming. Most salvage yards have 130-150K+ 3.0 motors on hand but do you want to build the top end & add Carrera Tensioners right off the bat? I got lucky but I called the day the motor came out and I paid a premium price too. Rebuilding the 2.7 properly can be expen$ive as any 911 motor($10K-$15K). IMHO keep a guard on your numbers motor & trans if you upgrade because the mid 7s are gaining value due the short supply of long hoods. Also as an added bonus, the 74 probably did not have the dreaded Thermo Reactors and is SMOG exempt in most states. Enjoy it.

[944 boy]

I still haven't decided long term plans for this car. But I think a stock restoration is the most likely route. For now I want a driver first and foremost. I kind of want to keep the 2.7 but I was also looking to see what the current attitude was. I agree they are getting harder to find in stock trim these days.



47silver - I looked at your ad. It's a good price but shipping is the killer. It would probably be better spent just using that money and putting it into this motor.

And yes, it is smog exempt even in CA! I just wish my truck was too... :/ (it's a '76) Also this is a pre-thermal reactor car.

I just dread the tear-down because I know that I will find more to replace than I plan on. I already know that it does not have the oiling updates but I believe it does have the updated tensioners already. Not to mention that I don't have the proper engine stand either! Well I should say that I don't have it yet....

-Greg

[LakeCleElum]

I had the same issue with my 2.4 in a 73.5.......After much careful shopping, I went this route and kept the stock engine for the next owner:

FS engine and transmission.