Need Educated

Rich G · 01-08-2002, 10:05 AM

Guys, I need educated ... My car is a stock 912E and to date it's been great. Engine is strong, etc. but the odometer shows 134K so I'm planning for the future. First are the thermal reactors, I understand they are non existent so when they go it's no big deal since their function is emissions control and I can probably pass WPa inspection w/o them .. True or False (Car currently passes w/o the EGR pipe). Next is the air to air heat exchangers for cockpit heat in the Fall & Winter. Are these available? I would expect the early 911 systems to be similar .. True or False? If false does that mean no more heat once they are gone? Last is a quality engine rebuild, I've heard Raby's is good ... What are your recommendations? Again, my car is solid, rust free, and stock except for missing EGR pipe ... all comments and recommendations are appreciated and thank you in advance.

Rich G.

WFBowen · WFBowen's Garage

Rich: My advice (keep in mind that I owned a 912E in Calif.) is to hang on to any and all smog parts - you never know when your state will adopt the Calif. procedures/standards. Two reasons for taking off the thermals are 1. The exhaust stream flows much better and 2. The cyl. heads drop in temp. which should help with longer top-end life. As for rebuilds, I think that any shop that does a good job with TypeIV motors can rebuild your engine, but make sure they do the heads properly (i.e. quality guides, machine work, etc.) as the heads are the weak link on these motors and are very expensive to replace. Also, if you're running without an EGR pipe, I'd double check to make sure the EGR passage to the intake is blocked, as you don't want to lean the mixture with fresh air under EGR-open conditions.
Good luck,
Bill.

Rich G · 01-09-2002, 09:44 AM

Bill,

Thank you for taking time to post the comments. Yes, per your advice, I will hold on to all the smog equipment. When I first purchased the car my thoughts were to just drive it a couple years and then move up to a newer 911SC. I enjoy the car so much, that now I want to make sure I can preserve it and keep it 'in the family' .... I will however eventually pick up that 911SC also. Again thanks ..... Rich

piperpilotduane · 01-09-2002, 02:46 PM

Do what you can to preserve your heat exchangers. New ones are impossible to find and used ones are very expensive. $1500+ a set and are 912E only items. Good luck!