68s engine - keep or sell?'

[Vintage914Racer]

My factory 914-6 just underwent comprehensive structural repairs and I'm getting closer to putting the engine back in. When I pulled the engine I learned it wasn't original to the car, rather it is what appears to be a 1968 911s engine. The engine code is 901/02 and case number is 4080519.

Knowing that the engine is more valuable to a 1968 911s owner, I'm weighing whether or not I sell it and put something else in my car. The engine runs strong, but has unknown miles. It's been in the cars since the mid-80's.

So, question number one is what might the engine be worth as is? Second, with the proceeds from the sale could I put a solid running engine back in? I'm not in a position right now to rebuild a new engine or this engine for that matter, but would entertain a 3.0 swap or some other swap. Since I don't have the original engine in it now I'm not averse to putting another non-numbers matching engine back in.

[Joe Bob]

Sell it...

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Engine is probably worth around $30K, more to the guy who owns the car it belongs to, if the car is even still here.

You could try posting on Early S and the owner may surface.

[Vintage914Racer]

I assume the $30k figure would be for a top notch running engine? Let's assume it's a known running engine that someone would likely restore.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

It's all in the case and its serial number. If the case is untouched/excellent, and the rest of the engine isn't all pieced together but original to it, it could be a $30K motor. 68S engines don't come up often, or ever. Someone would want it at that price given the market.

[Unobtanium-inc]

We have a couple of original 914-6 engines if you decide to go that route with your 914.
- Matt

[Shuie]

Trade it.

[Arne2]

Early S Registry has a Lost & Found thread, might be worth a shot to see if it could be re-united with its original car.

Lost and Found Thread

[Vintage914Racer]

From my research it appears to be a 68s engine, but could someone else please confirm based on the case numbers? I don't want to get ahead of myself here until I know that I'm really working with what I think I am.

[pors1968]

Yes it a 68S engine and it early one alu case

[997Sbeebe]

imagine being able to find the person that [might] still have the original chassis. how cool would that be to reunite the engine with the chassis and the pay day would certainly be in your favor. that being an obvious long shot, there's likely a '68 S owner out there with a non-original engine who would love at least the correct code range engine. i'd sell in one form or another and then build a monster of your own.

[pors1968]

Are you looking for 914-6 case and which serial number if so.

[Vintage914Racer]

Originally Posted by 997Sbeebe

imagine being able to find the person that [might] still have the original chassis. how cool would that be to reunite the engine with the chassis and the pay day would certainly be in your favor. that being an obvious long shot, there's likely a '68 S owner out there with a non-original engine who would love at least the correct code range engine. i'd sell in one form or another and then build a monster of your own.

It would be great to find someone looking for this particular engine.

Originally Posted by pors1968

Are you looking for 914-6 case and which serial number if so.

I have to look into it. I have the VIN number handy, but not the body number.

[Vintage914Racer]

It's my understanding that if I pull the valve covers I should be able to find numbers on the cams to determine if they are original? Would I simply look for date stamps or is there a part number I should be looking for?

If I put a boroscope down the spark plug holes would the dome shape help determine if the proper pistons are used?

[Joe Bob]

911 case serial numbers are on the right near the pulley. 914/6 ones are on top so that they can be seen in a mid engine application.

You can trace the engine based on the serial number and/or engine type.

Edit: a stock 914/6 is a detuned 69 911T motor.

[rusnak]

I would totally keep it.

I have a factory 914-6 and a spare 914-6 block from a wrecked 914-6 as a spare.

The factory 911-T engine with Marelli distributor is anemic, leaks oil, has a magnesium case, etc etc etc.

What were the structural repairs for?

[Vintage914Racer]

What were the structural repairs for?

Longitudinals, floor pan repair, hell hole and firewall repairs. The repairs are documented here: 914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!

[Vintage914Racer]

I pulled the valve covers to try to see the part numbers on the cams. Here is what I found:

Left cam: 901.105.109.01
Right Side: 901.105.110.01

Based on what I've found the cams are 1965 solexes?

I tried to check the piston top shape to determine type but I couldn't nail down a definitive shape.

How does this I for action impact the valuation?

[pors1968]

The first 901.105.109.01and 901.105.110.01 are S spec just take the lift spec with a dial.

[Vintage914Racer]

Ok. Looks like I'm going to learn to measure cam lift. More to come...