Whats involved switching a 912 to 911

[twin plugged targa]

With the prices of 911's skyrocketing, there seem to be still a few neglected 912's kicking around.
How different are they and is it worth it?

I have seen advertised a 912 with a 2.2 flat six engine, so it's part way there.

What basically needs changing:
brakes - think the 912 has drum brakes or rear drums?
suspension?
Anti roll bar
Is the body weaker?

Wondering if is worth making a fun car from a tired 912?

Thanks in advance
Ben

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by twin plugged targa

With the prices of 911's skyrocketing, there seem to be still a few neglected 912's kicking around.
How different are they and is it worth it?

I have seen advertised a 912 with a 2.2 flat six engine, so it's part way there.

What basically needs changing:
brakes - think the 912 has drum brakes or rear drums?
suspension?
Anti roll bar
Is the body weaker?

Wondering if is worth making a fun car from a tired 912?

Thanks in advance
Ben

Bodies are the same for 912 and 911 of the same model years. Brakes are also the same in that both have four wheel discs with a small drum for the emergency brake. Size of the discs and calipers may be different but are easily switched. Suspensions are the same in design and, again, torsion bar specs may differ but not sure--others will know. Sway bars are available for both--front and rear--and can easily be added.

Many have put a 911 engine into a 912 with a few modest changes. A lot is going to depend on what kind of engine/induction you add. If it's carbs, the change is a bit easier. If it's CIS or EFI, changes in the gas tank are required and well as electrical and fuel lines. More complex, but often done.

[zedsn]

I have thought about doing the same thing but in the end the car will always remain a 912 on paper and not sure that it is worth the expense.

[Puma]

I've looked into this a little. The cars are nearly identical with exception to engine, torsion bars, engine temp gauge, motor mounts, flywheel, and pressure plate. You don't absolutely have to cut out the 912 mounts. I've heard the conversion is pretty easy.

200 pounds of extra weight is a lot so there's that element as well.

I have a '68 912 currently undergoing resto, I also have a nice rebuildable 2.7 but despite the overwhelming opinion I think a 912 engine will be more fun. Driving at the limit is thrilling, baby a fast car is infuriating.

User G50911 sold a '68 912 with a 911 engine last month for 48k (I believe that was the sale price) so it doesn't exactly destroy the value. Hagerty lists a concourse '68 at $78k. The average selling price is around 28k.

[RichardNew]

We've all thought about it. Then we start to do some some back of the envelope calculations.

You're going to spend a lot of money for very little gain.

If this project would be so easy to finish why has the current owner put it up for sale.? This is like one of the project cars you see advertised. "90% done." I bought one of those about two decades ago. it's not even close to being done.

Richard Newton
Car Tech

[twin plugged targa]

Seems the car I am looking at is done, on the road, running, with the 911 2.2 engine and 5 speed tranny. I am busy working for a few more weeks and so do not have the resources to view it in person.
I will try and find more about it, but unfortunately the nature of my job keeps me from close personal inspections. (I bought my last 2 Porsches via the internet successfully)
I guess the real question is whether the engine mounts were done right and how much secret rust is lurking!
I assume the torsion bar issue would be a matter of just installing a larger/stiffer one?
Thanks for the info
Ben

[Peter Zimmermann]

1969 912 to 1970 2.2 911E - Car rec'd a new rear torsion bar tube prior to other mods. Rear engine mounts and oil tank mounting hole were done by a professional welder/craftsman. I did everything else. Transmission from the 912 was retained. This car was sold to a collector in Indiana, and was later sold to a gentleman in, I believe, Sonoma County, CA.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by twin plugged targa

I guess the real question is whether the engine mounts were done right and how much secret rust is lurking!

Thanks to you and P Zimmerman for the mount information. You learn something new every day here.

[Peter Zimmermann]

More pics of my '69 "912"...

[SCadaddle]

I wouldn't dive into a "restorable" 912 with the intent of fitting a 911 engine. In the end, you wouldn't have a 912 and you wouldn't have a 911. But you will have spent a ton of money.

That being said, if I were to find a 912 without an engine in "restorable" condition, with a limited budget, I would be inclined to go all out hot rod and join the current trend of new Porsches by fitting a water cooled horizontally opposed 4 cylinder engine that not only sounds like a Subaru but IS a Subaru engine. Or if you want to go 6 cylinders then the Subaru EG33 from the old SVX cars can be had for pennies on the dollar compared to a 911 air cooled engine.

[Hulley]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

More pics of my '69 "912"...

You have a build thread by chance? I would love to see more details on this beautiful car!

[Tremelune]

Making a 911 out of a 912 tends to cost more than buying a 911.

Most of what makes these cars fun is the stuff that isn't horsepower at all (though it certainly can be!). That said, I'd love to get my hands on one of these cars with an STi or LS motor and a Subaru gearbox. I'm only aware of one in existence...It was listed on Pelican for $45k recently, but the ad was inexplicably wiped when it become no-longer-available:

http://bringatrailer.com/2016/08/15/subaru-powered-hot-rod-ossi-blue-1968-porsche-912/