2.7 has issues...replace with a known good 3.0?
 

I know...the typical question. But, here is my dilemma.

My painfully original one owner '76 2.7L is making some noises and it appears to be internal. It's not valves and it's not cam tensioners. Runs and rives fine; however, we all know what will happen if I don't address this now.

Because of originality, I plan to fix the 2.7L.

Now, the question. The shop has a strong running 3.0L for $7500. Should I have the 3.0 installed and run it until the 2.7L is repaired then sell the 3.0 later or just wait out the 2.7L repair time? Thoughts?

If you can afford a temporary $8000 motor maybe you should just buy amother good 3.0 car for a backup

I would sell the 3.0L once my 2.7L was done and, hopefully, recoup the cost! I certainly wouldn't keep it around....:)

Fix your 2.7 but put in JE 9.5:1 pistons and better cams. You will be pleasantly surprised with the results.

I would put the 2.7 on the shelf and install the 3.0. Rebuild and reinstall the 2.7 if/when you decide to sell the car or if you get another car that needs an engine.

I would rebuild the 2.7, from your signature looks like you have something to keep you busy while the 76 is down.

I think the shop is a few thousand high on the price of the 3.0; unless that includes installation. If me, I'd do a 3.0 or 3.2 and leave the 2.7 as is for the next owner. IF you really insist on the 2.7 over the long run, just get 'er done and skip a 2nd engine during rebuild.

I think that you'll find plenty of "while engine is out" things to do to pass the time during the 2.7 rebuild.....and enough decisions to make regarding the 2.7 rebuild to keep you occupied......and also not having to sort out 3.0 fitment issues (although they may be minimal).

Enjoy the car whichever path you chose !

pd

i dont think the originality of keeping the 2.7 in there is really worth it. if you feel it is, then do as others have said. put in the 3.0 and store the 2.7.
i would buy an all orginal 77 with a 3.0 in it all day long over one with the original 2.7. (i too had a 77s)

$7500 for a 3.0?
how many miles?
then you have to add putting it in

to build your 2.7 "right" will cost you over 10k. people dont htink about the machine work to do a 2.7 right. my opinion is if you are going to build a 2.7, build a 2.8 with carbs because why waste the money on a CIS 2.7, even with higher comp. dont get me wrong, i love CIS.

If you want a real strong pulling car and you are thinking of not using the 2.7L then why not also consider a 84-89 3.2L? At least see what they are going for with the DME and harness. I have a budy that has a 73 with a US 3.2L transplant and it's an amazing car since it's much lighter than the 84-89 cars.

This is your decision.

if your 76 is "painfully original" then you will want to keep the 2.7 in the car. It is up to you to decide if you want the car in a non-drivable state while you rebuild the 2.7. It looks like you have other cars in the garage to enjoy while this would could be potentially down for a few months.

If you can't stand the thought of not getting behind the wheel of your 76 then you could temporarily install the 3.0. This will be a bolt-in with on a few reversible wiring mods. (the pin-out in the 14 pin engine harness connector is slightly different).

the 3.2 is a good point. i dont know what a "good" 3.0 is worth or how good this one is but the 3.2 is a good option.
i was thinking 7500 might be hi, but then i have not looked at 3.0's in quite a while

Here's a 3.2L for sale:
Porsche 911 Carrera 1984 Engine 3 2 Liter Complete Motor Conversion | eBay

Complete with DME and Harness.
$8500

I remeber a few years ago thinking that an original 71 911 T would never be worth more than $20,000... just saying, there is value in an original car... too bad I only have one original car... and people keep trying to buy it from me.

+1 on a 3.2L for a '76.

Thank you for all the input. Leaning towards rebuilding my motor....

Just to update....

Wound up having the engine rebuilt last Fall. The shop that had rebuilt the engine previous to my purchase did not do a good job of cleaning out the case. There was a lot of grit and other signs of sloppy workmanship. Oil pump was excessively worn, cams worn almost smooth, etc.

Long story short, have a little over 1k miles on the new engine and it runs better every time I drive it. Drove it 200 miles last weekend. Good oil pressure, great power and runs cool.

So, how much was the rebuild? I am curious because, well... you never know. People keep saying the 2.7 is an expensive rebuild but you have actual current price datum.

I also have a 1976 with a 2.7, just curious as well.

I also have a 2.7 in my 77 Targa I'm getting ready to go through the same thing and was wondering what was done to yours and what was the cost